Gerry Organ
Guest Columnist

The term “fatal attraction” elicits different responses in people’s minds, especially if they recall the controversial movie of that title, starring Michael Douglas. There is, however, another meaning to the phrase, one that suggests an overwhelming attraction to a promise. It’s the kind of attraction that can draw crowds of people hoping to find genuine satisfaction and fulfilment. Sadly, the same drive often leads to disenchantment, disillusionment, and, on very rare occasions, it can lead to loss of life, as in the movie.

The latest Federal Election resulted in 136 rookie Liberal MP’s moving to our Nation’s Capital. It prompted me to reflect on the question ‘Why?’ What made “Code Red” go viral on social media?

I wrestled with what deep sense of provocation or infatuation led hordes of hard working Canadians to suddenly rush to one side of the boat. It became evident that the Liberal election promises were much more enticing than what the Conservatives offered.

So it seems that promises attract, while pragmatism repels, regardless of the unknown long-term consequences.

Our Muslim friends are ‘obligated’ to visit Mecca at least once during their lifetime in order to receive the gifts and promises of Allah. More than 15 million make the pilgrimage, called Hajj, every year.

The call and the promise are irresistible. They consider it worth the long trek, the cost, and the very real risks.

This year alone, more than 2000 pilgrims lost their lives in a mass stampede. It wasn’t the first fatal stampede during the Hajj. Tragically, thousands have died in stampedes as far back as 1990. Yet the attraction and obligation still trump the risks and millions continue to fulfil their religious duty in pursuit of the promise.

“Beauty, grace, and promises present a formidable force that captivates millions, gaining their loyalty and love.”

In 1969, the infamous event known as ‘Woodstock,’ burst onto the scene, in Bethel, New York. Organizers initially anticipated only 15,000 people. They faced countless obstacles and bureaucratic headaches trying to stage the event. When the day came, Woodstock attracted more than 400,000. It became a pivotal event in music history.

What made so many young Americans flock to a non-serviced farm field? In part, it was the promise of free admission, no rules, no limits on consumption or behaviour, and all the music you could endure. Euphoria awaited with uncertain outcomes.

The prospects and the promises were irresistible.

Global infatuation with Princess Diana reflected well the charm of this fatal attraction. It’s hard not to be drawn to the promise and beauty of fairy tale endings. That fairy tale turned into a tragedy, but a new fairy-tale promise has emerged. Much of the West bask in the story of the Duchess of Cambridge, eagerly anticipating the days of the king and Kate.

Beauty, grace, and promises present a formidable force that captivates millions, gaining their loyalty and love. This phenomenon has played out countless times throughout human history.

The Church, too, has many promises. I know some ministry leaders today who see on the horizon an unprecedented movement that will galvanize the Church and draw millions to faith in Christ.

It is possible. We often talk about how in “the last days” things will get difficult, but there is also a promise that in those days large groups of people will come to the faith. God’s promises include tribulation, persecution, and dying to self, along with peace, love, and fellowship with God. A movement embracing these promises together would be truly remarkable.

Perhaps this is the epitome of a fatal attraction: followers willing to die to self, sacrificially serving their neighbours. There’s only one promise that can elicit that kind of response—the glorious promise from the One who hung on the cross.