The actions levied against several churches last night and this morning is very disconcerting, and signals, for me, a symptom of the malady which afflicts us gravely.

We can ask many questions on how this could occur and on who is to blame. We can conclude, we can surmise. Many have informed us on the substantive points of theology and history on the matter, representing concerted efforts to either validate or vilify the recent High Court decision allowing the Herald to use the word ‘Allah’.

Over the next few days, there will be cries espousing the will of the silent, and peaceful, majority. But the actions of a few shall determine the lot of many; such is the economy of our passive nationalism.

And sticking out like a sore thumb will inevitably be the growing gap between members of our Malaysian society. Efforts to increase inclusiveness amongst ourselves have led to a defence of traditional exclusiveness. The more we pull, the more they push.

The result is not more so revealed today since the revelation of a struggle for unity lauded by the highest echelons of government.

That we wake to news of ruined structures of faith and worship occasioned by a struggle rooted in the ownership of concepts and ideas of human creation, is truly miserable, and unworthy in the eyes of any judge, earthly or divine.

We have fallen far.