The late Christian philosopher/sociologist Francis Schaefer held that democracy, for all its benefits, is not a workable option in all societies. Time has, of course, borne him out - this past week's Palestinian election serving as but the latest confirmation of his thesis.
Threats by our own nation and the EU to withdraw financial aid to the Palestinian government are both proper and necessary, although the slack may well be taken up by other radical Islamic regimes and organizations. Time will tell as to where it all leads.
Is the present situation to be seen as bearing eschatological implication - particularly in terms of developing trend? It would seem so. As noted before, we live in an era of nuclear weapons proliferation. If for no other reason, the growing access to such technology by rogue nations and political madmen all but assures a coming scenario of apocalyptic dimension - the question increasingly becoming one of when as opposed to if. Given the intensifying threat, it becomes difficult to disassociate Mideastern antagonisms from a vital, indeed, central, role.
How then is the believer to respond? Again, the words of Jesus: "See that you are not alarmed, for these things must take place" (Matt. 24:6).
At this point, another biblical injunction comes to mind: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (Psa. 122:6). Originally solicited "for my brethren and companions' sakes," the Psalmist's call to prayer is additionally mindful of the then present "house of the Lord" and its meaning in relation to God's presence (vv. 8,9). In light of the city's ongoing import and role in divine purpose, we would suggest the petition's continued relevance.
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Some month's ago, we commented on the shallow, tasteless slogans sometimes posted in front of churches (May 2, 2005 archives). To the seeming endless list we add our lastest observation: "Try Jesus - if not satisfied, the Devil will take you back."
Are we, for some inexplicable reason, in need of assisting those intent on portraying the believing community as largely simple and jejune? That the benefits of such "promotion" are at best dubious should be apparent from simple logic: Given the sophomoric nature of such offerings on the outside, why should the searching (or thinking) soul wish to hear that being promulgated on the inside?
Burl Ratzsch
