While the last British general election was just 4 and a half years ago, it seems to belong in one other historical epoch. It’s not only that we have had three prime ministers, a pandemic and a war in Europe since we last went to the ballot-box, it’s the way in which our world has been buffeted by so many cultural, political and technological changes. So at this election time I’m writing two articles: this, sketching some key points of our times, and a second suggesting what we Christians should do in regards to the election.
In these strange times let me indicate the three current moods which have struck me.
First, there may be a mood of disquiet. In fact, disquiet could also be too mild, and you could possibly replace it with danger. War rages on the borders of Europe, the rumbling volcano of the Middle East threatens to erupt, and China has aggressive imperial ambitions. Linked are serious threats to those vast invisible electronic networks on which each and every aspect of society now relies.
We might add to this most unpredictable brew of events each the unknown mystery of Artificial Intelligence and the increasingly real one in all climate change. The sense of vulnerability and fragility is heightened by our traumatic memories of the Covid pandemic. Such anxiety was hardly eased when, on the day the election was announced, the Deputy Prime Minister encouraged every member of the British population to replenish on bottled water, emergency supplies and first aid! These are indeed times of disquiet.
Second, there may be a mood of discord. Discord is ‘an absence of agreement or an energetic quarrelling or conflict’ and is an appropriate word for our times. Ugly disagreement, division and anger are thriving. There appears to be a growing discontent and division specializing in gaps, whether real or imagined, of culture, wealth, belief and behavior.
Increasingly, I hear matters described by way of ‘us‘ and ‘them‘ and with it a view of society that sees the nation by way of tribes and clans than any type of unity. With this discord comes an unwillingness or inability to hunt consensus and a growing inclination to exchange calm, reasoned argument for derision and anger. Linked with this growing discord is a worrying tendency – all too easy in such troubled times – to hunt out scapegoats for blame and punishment.
Finally, there may be a mood of disillusionment. One disturbing feature of the election campaign to this point is the absence of idealism: I hear no courageous or stirring summons to any political dream or noble vision. Instead the parties appear to be specializing in the failings, alleged or authentic, of their opponents. Such a gaze all the way down to the gutter slightly than upwards to the celebrities is unappealing. This sense of disillusionment is heightened by insinuation – that politicians of each party lack principles, take heed to more advisers slightly than real people and seek to wield power not for the various, but for the few. This mood has resulted in a cynical electorate who will vote on the idea of who they distrust least.
Now having pointed to the gloomy skies of the national culture let me say that for Christians there are, amid the heavy clouds, brilliant rays of sunshine. The three moods which have struck me are in truth positions to which we Christians can respond in a positive way. Indeed, for those who can forgive me for my irrepressible evangelistic outlook, I see opportunities for the gospel in them.
Let’s turn to disquiet. While we must not dismiss the threats facing the world, we Christians know that a God of affection and justice stays in overall control. We rest on such verses as Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV): ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present assist in trouble. Therefore we won’t fear, though the earth cave in and the mountains fall into the center of the ocean.’ We are God’s people, safeguarded eternally by his solemn covenant to us through Jesus Christ. From the evangelistic perspective, one in all the largest barriers against faith amongst many individuals has long been the view that this world will not be just their home, but a secure one. That’s not a straightforward view to carry and with its loss comes great opportunities to point to the everlasting security there may be in Christ.
And as for division? Well, the Christian church strives for unity, the overcoming of barriers and ultimately a few latest people of God coming from every race and culture. And against a terrific deal of opposition, each human and spiritual, it often achieves it. Although there are church splits and problems – tell me about them – that is an area where the church leads the world in upholding – and demonstrating – such endangered virtues as humility, grace and kindness. Indeed, there are lots of stories of non-believers who, having spent a working week battered by division, antagonism and hatred, have walked right into a living, energetic and loving church and wept on the unity they see and feel.
The mood of disillusionment is especially intriguing. One of the largest challenges the church has faced has been the concept human beings can themselves make the world a greater place. Political systems, whether of the left or the fitting, have long boasted that they will bring a few reign of peace, truth and justice on earth. Such hopes appear to have been eroded away today. In fact, if something is an illusion, then disillusionment is progress.
It’s fascinating that this election comes once we are seeing many individuals turning to Christianity. Ultimately, disquiet, discord and disillusionment reflect the absence of three things: peace, grace and hope. All three are gifts of God through Christ. Let’s point them to him!
Canon J.John is the Director of Philo Trust. Visit his website at www.canonjjohn.com or follow him on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
