Opposition in All Things

Newton's third law of physics states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, and that applies to much more than just physics. (Skip the next paragraphs of my political science text if you want to get straight to the discussion part, otherwise enjoy the complexities of Rummel : )

"This philosophy is remarkably similar to the yin-yang of classical Chinese philosophy, elaborated in the commentaries of I-Ching. The yin and the yang are complementary principles or forces, explaining all processes of development and decay. Yin is the negative, passive, weak, or destructive element existing in all things, and yang the coexisting positive, active,
strong, and constructive element. All change manifests an interaction between these forces; harmony is their equilibrium, conflict their opposition.

This philosophy can also be found in the Pair of Opposites of Buddhism, or in the blending of the two antagonistic forces (the life-monad versus matter) in non-Aryan Indian philosophy , in
medieval Christianity (as in the coincidentia oppositorum of Nicholas of Cusa), and in contemporary non-Marxist philosophies. A belief in a fundamental
opposition in all things has had its greatest modern influence through Marxism, and especially Engels' interpretation. For Engels, the unity and struggle of opposites was one of the dialectical laws through which change is understood. Without a tension between opposites, things would be unchanging: the overcoming and being overcome of opposing forces explain all natural and human history.

Contemporary Maoism combines this Western dialectical view of opposites with the classic Chinese perspective. Contradiction--the unity of opposites--is a universal principle explaining change. Things must be studied from the inside, for their development is a self-movement (an imminent causation) due to internal contradictions. One must grasp the principal contradictions, as between proletariat and bourgeoisie in capitalism, to understand the course of change, for it will constitute a struggle between these opposites and the eventual triumph of one over the other.

As a philosophical principle, the unity and struggle of opposites are
prominent in my perspective on human nature and conflict. Consider. Perception is the outcome of a struggle between opposing forces--the powers of reality bearing upon us and our outward-directed perspective-between opposing vectors. Reality itself is a complex of opposing powers struggling toward manifestation. Life is then a struggle of opposites toward realization. Harmony is a balance among such opposites. For society, the struggle is the balancing of powers among
people--the manifest determination of their interests, capabilities, and wills: the harmony is the structure of expectations. Thus the conflict helix, the process of balancing, balance, disruption, and balancing, is a unity of opposites through which society changes and evolves. Conflict transforms itself into harmony and harmony into conflict; war into peace and peace into war. Both are aspects of the same process, an inseparable unity in our psychological and
social fields" ( Rummel, Understanding Conflict and War, Vol 3).

Ok, my inner geek took control for a minute there, but that is some cool stuff!

An even more reliable source explains that "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so …righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad..." (2 Ne. 2: 11).

As comforting as the knowledge of opposition is to explain the hardships we all endure, we do know that it is only one of many. We each have our agency- the ability to choose, to make decisions every day. While I do believe that opposing forces fight for balance and create change, I would argue that we as individuals are those forces. Our choices on one side of the fence or the other, our allegience to good or evil makes all the difference. And yes, I really do believe that there are only two sides. Heavenly Father's side or Satan's side. There is no fence-sitting, no middle ground on this. Our choices are often the root of hardship or pain when we choose to follow worldly counsel or trends. Problems we encounter can be consequences from our actions and/or sins. But, now that I've touched on agency, let's go back to the opposition thing.

Since the day I opened my mission call, actually, scratch that. Since the day I put my papers in, totally and completely submitted them, the flood gates of opposition have burst open. Family problems, discouragement, fear, work conflicts with institute (as minuscule as that sounds), etc, etc, etc, etc. I think you get the picture without all the gory details. Satan does not want me to go on this mission. And it makes me that much more determined to serve, and to serve faithfully, and to serve with every fiber of my heart, might, mind, and strength.

In the beautiful hymn, I Know that My Redeemer Lives, it says "He will wipe away my tears", not that he will take them away. If everything was smooth and easy then this life would be according to Satan's plan, because it can only be easy if everyone is making the right choices. Which is, hello, taking away our agency. So, with a firm hold on my free will, I eagerly prepare for my mission.

One of my favorite general conference talks ever, given by Richard Edgley in 2010, centered on faith. He said these words that spoke straight to my heart: "Because of the conflicts and challenges we face in today’s world, I wish to suggest a single choice—a choice of peace and protection and a choice that is appropriate for all. That choice is faith. Be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. It does not come as the dew falls from heaven. The Savior said, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28) and “Knock, and it shall be [given] you” (Matthew 7:7). These are action verbs—come, knock. They are choices. So I say, choose faith.Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism."