The Myth of Meritocracy - (The Bubble - Part 3) - The Rev. Philip DeVaul

The Rev. Philip DeVaul recounts a conversation with an atheist English teacher who believes in predestination, arguing that people have far less free will than they assume because birth circumstances—place, time, culture, parents, language, beliefs, and DNA—shape not only how choices are made but which choices are available. He applies this to America, rejecting the idea that the nation is or ever was a meritocracy, citing slavery and early voting restrictions, and warns that denying historical realities creates spiritual sickness; loving America requires honestly criticizing it, echoing James Baldwin. He concludes that predestination and free will coexist: we are not blank slates or puppets. Jesus exemplifies this by accepting his destiny while choosing loving, committed action, stewarding privilege for others’ spiritual nourishment rather than defending fairness or preserving privilege.

 

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