Before canceling Netflix, I finished the second season of the series The Crown. Episode 6 of the second season, titled Vergangenheit, could stand as its own as a feature movie. Be aware that in order to share my thoughts, I will have to give some details away, so *** spoiler alert *** warning.
Vergangenheit is German for "The Past" and the episode is aptly titled. The issues that Queen Elizabeth faced in this episode created a parallel for me, one involving todays politics and the church. Many say the two should be separate, but that is, to me, not being a soldier, but a potato peeler behind the front lines. That is fine for those who like to play it safe, (and indeed, we need the potato peelers) but that is not where the front line fighting takes place.
This episode illustrates the true spiritual warfare, dealing with decisions of the past coming to haunt us, prideful attitudes, when is it important to forgive vs. OK not too. Yes, there are instances where it is OK not to forgive. Not because of the heinousness of the crimes against you, but certain pre-requirements have not been met. This, no doubt, will bring a lot of criticism, but think about it. Peter asked of Jesus, "…how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?" Jesus stressed the importance of forgiving your brother every time, but the pre-qualifications are illustrated in His corresponding Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. The pre-qualification was, first, a brother, second, your brother begs for patience as he tries to make things right. Such supplication should be met with humility, seeing you had been forgiven so much by The Lord.
But, what if he is not a believer? Or, perhaps there are ulterior motives? What if, instead of heartfelt abasement, you are met with pride? I have run into several of such instances and my answer was to give the entire situation to Jesus to process. I then have to bring all bitter thoughts into subjection to my spirit. A very difficult process which can only be healed with time, or divine perspective.
Queen Elizabeth, in this point in history, had to make crucial decisions regarding her uncle, Edward, The Duke of Windsor. The Duke had made the choice to abdicate the throne in order to marry the woman he loved. Like Solomon, a life of parties and elitist schmoozing proved to be vain and empty. The duke needed to feel useful, so he sought an audience with the queen to obtain a title to be of some help to his country. Upon her first audience with the queen, the duke was able to make some pretty heartfelt arguments regarding that which had been giving her pause. First, his abdication from the responsibilities of the throne, which then fell on her father, King George VI. "It was because of the love for my wife," he explained. Second, were the newly discovered papers that detailed Edward's relationship with Hitler and the Nazis. "You must understand," Edward countered, "That at that time Hitler was our ally." Both explanations contained a certain amount of merit.
In wrestling with the issues involved, Elizabeth employed the help of the visiting Reverend Billy Graham. As Billy always did, he pointed her to the Bible. In observing her concern over unrevealed details, Billy encouraged her to pray for those who you find it difficult to forgive.
Elizabeth is exhorted to consult with Sir Alan "Tommy" Lascelles, who was the private secretary to Edward, then later, King George VI. He revealed the treasonous details of Edwards handing Germany sensitive documents, touring SS training camps and concentration camps, and a desire for Germany to conquer England and set him up as king in place of his brother.
The juxtaposition of Christianity in the heart of a queen vs. the revelation of treachery within the royal family made for one of the most compelling mini-series episodes I have seen since Band of Brothers. I highly recommend seeking it out on Netflix. But, be warned, the next installment, episode 7, is sexually graphic and does not carry the enthusiasm I have for episode 6.
