The Inner Monologue

Survival of the Fittest? More Like Survival of the Smuggest.

Let’s talk about everyone’s favorite theological cop-out: “If I lived and you died, clearly God likes me better.” Ah yes, nothing says “divine love” like using catastrophe as a moral scoreboard. Hurricane wiped out your neighbor’s house but spared yours? Blessed. Your prayers cured your cancer but not your friend’s? Must’ve wanted it more. The other army got slaughtered but yours didn’t? God’s on our side, baby!

This isn’t faith—it’s spiritualized narcissism. And it’s everywhere.

A Brief History of “God’s Favorite” Syndrome

From Calvinists high-fiving over their fat bank accounts (proof of election, obviously) to colonizers nodding sagely as smallpox cleared the land (divine real estate agent at work!), humans have a long tradition of mistaking privilege for virtue. Fast forward to today, where the same logic thrives in subtler, sleazier forms:

• The Prosperity Gospel: *”If you were *really* faithful, you’d be rich. Sorry, poor people—try praying harder!”*
• Disaster Survival: *”My beach mansion survived the hurricane! God must *really* love my taste in marble countertops.”*
• Pandemic Logic: *”I didn’t get COVID because I’m *disciplined. You died? Skill issue.”

Why This Belief is the Worst

1. It Turns Suffering Into a Sin
   Lost your home? Should’ve built it sturdier. Died in a war? Should’ve picked the right side. Got sick? Should’ve kale-smoothied harder. This isn’t theology—it’s a taunt wrapped in piety.
2. It Justifies Being a Jerk
   Why help the less fortunate when their misfortune is clearly a sign of divine disfavor? Charity? Nah. Systemic change? Psh. They should just pray better.
3. It Makes Privilege Invisible
   That mansion survived the storm because of engineering, not angels. The wealthy get better healthcare because of money, not morality. But sure, let’s call it “blessings” so no one has to feel guilty.

A Radical Idea: Maybe Sh*t Just Happens

What if survival isn’t a gold star from the universe? What if luck, privilege, and randomness play a bigger role than we’d like to admit? What if—stay with me—being alive doesn’t make you superior?

Here’s a wild alternative:

• If you survived, help those who didn’t.
• If you’re healthy, fight for those who aren’t.
• If you’re privileged, acknowledge it instead of crediting God for your good taste.

TL;DR

“God’s will” isn’t your personal hype man. Survival isn’t a merit badge. And if the only thing you learn from tragedy is “Wow, I’m awesome,” you’ve missed the point entirely.

Now go do something useful with your luck.

*(Infographic suggestion: A flow chart titled *”Is This Just Privilege or Am I Actually God’s Favorite?” Spoiler: It’s the first one.)*

🔥 Share if you’re tired of sanctified survivor bias. 🔥