To quote a particular news analyst, we presently live in "a climate of crisis."
Nowhere is this more evident than in the frenzied hysteria currently prevalent in much of the Muslim world. Admittedly, there are those of Arabic identity urging restraint. At the same time, they appear much the minority and of seeminly limited influence.
Despite an apparently differing viewpoint on the part of some, the present mayhem well demonstrates that viable democracy requires more than holding elections. Amenable cultural conditioning; objective mindset and values systems; transcendent sense of human worth; dedication to public interests and well being; effective governmental checks and balances; societal commitment to responsibility, emotional maturity, etc., all factor into the equation for meaningful self-government. We should eventually learn.
Whether or not tensions of the moment subside, it is likely insightful to view present realities as symptomatic of the era into which we are progressively advancing - a world and era in which, as believers, we are necessarily resident. How then to respond? To withdraw into a physical or mental "monastic isolation" is to simply fail of the biblical mandate to be light and salt in the world. Our mission continues.
Significance thus inheres the fact that while we may not - indeed, do not - know all that lies ahead, we are to "discern [i.e., sense] the times" (Luke 12:56). Meaningful response requires such. The vulnerability and ultimate failure of the Noachian world lay, among other things, in its lack of awareness: "They knew not until..." (Matt. 24:39).
Burl Ratzsch
