I have been reading through a few books recently on Christian Postmodernism: Brian D. McLaren’s “A New Kind of Christian” and R. Scott Smith’s response, “Truth & the New Kind of Christian.” One passage in particular had me thinking of a memorable quote from one of my favorite films—most certainly my favorite foreign film.

Mercy and truth have met together. Righteousness and bliss shall kiss one another. Man, in his weakness and shortsightedness believes he must make choices in this life. He trembles at the risks he takes. We do know fear. But no. Our choice is of no importance. There comes a time when our eyes are opened and we come to realize that mercy is infinite. We need only await it with confidence and receive it with gratitude. Mercy imposes no conditions. And lo! Everything we have chosen has been granted to us. And everything we rejected has also been granted. Old Lorenz Lowenhielm: Yes, we even get back what we rejected. For mercy and truth have met together, and righteousness and bliss shall kiss one another.

— Old Lorenz Lowenhielm in Babette’s Feast