‘Terrorism’ and the so called ‘War on Terror’ became the West’s catch cry with suicide bombers in various places performing their deadly deeds and the wars on Afghanistan and Iraq entered into by the USA without UN sanction. Despite the relatively peaceful collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and apartheid in South Africa only a decade earlier, the world seems to have given up on ‘give peace a chance’ and non-violent approaches to change. Instead it has reverted to the failed paradigm of war and coercion trying to impose peace and democracy. A just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine seems no closer. Violence and counter violence, the way of retaliation, seems to outweigh real working towards mutual recognition if not reconciliation in that contentious part of the world.
Environmental concerns and climate change have come to the fore with catastrophes highlighting that we live in a context in which natural and human caused disasters frequently occur. The USA experienced hurricane Katrina devastating New Orleans and the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. A volcanic cloud from Iceland caused major disruptions to airflights across Europe. Large earthquakes affected Turkey and China. A much smaller one in Christchurch, New Zealand made global headlines while those that repeatedly lead to the death so many in Taiwan go unreported to the wider world. The rains finally came to much of drought stricken Australia leading to the amazing sight of water, birdlife and frogs in previously barren areas. The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico highlighted the world’s continued dependence on oil which meant drilling deep in the ocean in a hurricane prone area. The importance of developing alternative, sustainable and safer sources of energy was a lesson some at least were proposing we need to learn from that disaster.
Sports continue to provide entertainment though sports stars are often not the role models many would like them to be. Tiger Woods’ infidelities were the most reported given his golfing status, but footballers behaving badly was all too common. In terms of notable achievements Kelly Slater, who is heading towards a likely 10th world surfing title, is outstanding. He is also a decent person.
Technology develops apace with the further development of computers, mobile phones, I pads and large screen televisions. We cannot do without email and computer systems as the Virgin Blue airline discovered this year when its system failed.
The Australian federal election required 17 days of negotiations with the independents before reaching a conclusion. The outcome could lead to better processes in parliament though the Opposition seems to want to stay with the adversarial mode. The contrast between Tony Abbot, a Catholic family man who has a personal faith but does not let it influence his public policies, such as in relation to refugees and asylum seekers with his slogan ‘stop the boats,’ and Julia Gillard, who says she is non religious and has a non married partner, seems great. But in many respects they are not that different nor are their party’s policies. Many voters turned to the Greens and the independents for real alternative policies.
The churches have experienced a decade of challenge as society increasingly ignores institutional religion, though not spirituality. Adaptations have been taking place which are not necessarily just making the best of a negative situation. Many congregations are making a difference in their communities. ‘Fresh expressions’ of church are being tried. The church in many places has sought to recapture its purpose as a sign and instrument of the reign of God. The mission of God is appreciated to be larger than the church’s ministry and in fact has to do with the transformation and reconciliation of the whole of creation.
God is at work in the world. Followers of Jesus and the church are called to be responsive to the Spirit’s leading. As indicated above as disciples of Jesus Christ we are to be “in” but not “of” the world. We are to listen for God’s word in the Bible and in the alternative voices that might represent God’s desire to speak through them. We are called to perceive God at work and join in God’s mission. That involves respectfully sharing the gospel and valuing every person, especially noticing those who are marginalised or suffering. God wants people and nations to live in peace and justice, and desires that the creation and all its creatures be valued. As we conclude this year and decade may we as disciples of Jesus continue to look to him and with others join him in working towards the commonwealth of God.
Image by by bjornmeansbear
