| Published by Worldview Publications | October 2008 |
World in CrisisThis world is rapidly moving toward unparalleled crises. DESPITE ENORMOUS ADVANCES in civilization over the last 200 years, the general consensus is that this world is rapidly moving toward unparalleled crises. There are proclaimed crises in edible food and fresh-water supplies, in available energy, in clean atmospheric air, and in tillable soil, cultivated crops and forested land. Furthermore, there are predicted declines and even extinctions in both plant and animal species. Origin of the CrisesWhile elements of these crises can be attributed to natural climatic changes, most of these problems can be traced to human ignorance, indifference and irresponsibility. World corporate structures are notoriously corrupt. World academia is abysmally dishonest. World healthcare is ordinarily despicable. World politics is virtually unrepresentative of the people. World religions are generally self-inflating. World communal behavior is disgusting and filled with criminality. Furthermore, the only recognized authority of postmodernism is the conviction that elevates me, myself and I at the expense of all others! Suggested Resolutions of the CrisesThe crises of this world raise the fundamental issue of possible human remedies, resolutions and corrections. There are several suggested options: A popular option among religious fundamentalists is to launch the final battle of Armageddon between world adversaries. 1. One option is to do nothing and simply anticipate the continuing decline, death and ultimate extinction of world life — including humanity. This is the principal path that humanity is following today. 2. A popular option among religious fundamentalists is to launch the final battle of Armageddon between world adversaries. This will allegedly bring the “rapture” of devoted religionists, the “tribulation” for others, and ultimately the apparent demise of this planet. Actually, this would only ensure mutual destruction and extinction. 3. Another option is to somehow, sometime and somewhere bring human consciousness to the level of united integrity, responsibility and salvific action. However, this approach has proved hopeless, since for millennia humanity has unyieldingly focused on “scapegoating” others. “Others” have either dominated with command, possession and power or have refused to submit to command, possession and power. As a result, “others” have always been regarded as the source of the “problem” and must, therefore, be victimized and even eliminated. The True Solution of the CrisesThe truth is that none of the preceding options is viable. Creation is not capable of saving itself. It never has been and never will be. The only solution is the irrevocable and noncontingent intervention of the Creator himself. The profound fact of history is that the Creator himself did intervene nearly 2,000 years ago. The profound fact of history is that the Creator himself did intervene nearly 2,000 years ago. God as Jesus Christ adopted Creation in his humanity. With his self-emptying love he confronted the original predicaments of command, possession and power structures.1 He took all these problems to Calvary, to death, and to the tomb. On the third day he rose from the dead and inaugurated the new era of faith, hope, love, peace and rest for an unending Creation. The resurrection of the Human God assured that the future existence of Creation would never be revoked. Furthermore, Jesus promised his followers, all humanity and all Creation that he would be present always (Matthew 28:20). The fact is that God has indeed been actively present to preserve and protect the universe, this world, life and humanity. Because he is present with self-emptying, loving authority, this world is not destined for ultimate extinction. God no longer wants to regard and treat us as servants but as his friends. Why, then, has God not appeared again as he long ago promised? Why has the new order of Creation not been fulfilled? Why are the world and all humanity still enmeshed in such apparent crises? The answer is that the One-and-Only God — who inaugurated the new order and who remains present with us — is patiently waiting for representative human beings to understand, accept and receive him. He is patiently waiting for representative human beings to witness for him and to eagerly call for his Parousaic (Second Coming) enthronement. But, instead of waiting, why has not God, why does not God, and why will not God unilaterally enforce the new order of Creation himself? The reason is both simple and profound. The God of Love is longing for a reciprocal, relational Creation, represented by human beings. As the Human God, he has forever abandoned the original predicaments of command, possession and power.2 He no longer wants to regard and treat us as servants but as his friends (John 15:15). One does not impose on friends. One lovingly invites friends and waits for friends to lovingly respond. Lasting and unbroken friendships involve reciprocal loving, giving care. This alone will unite the Bridegroom and his bride for eternity. The God of Love is longing for a reciprocal, relational Creation. As we ponder these truths, recognizing that the Risen One is already present with us and understanding what he is patiently waiting for, will we as friends stand up for Jesus? Will we accept His loving gifts and share them with others? Will we agree to be his witnesses at this time of unparalleled crisis? If so, let us now tell others what Jesus has long been waiting for. Let us now enlist others as witnesses for him. If we will do this, God can and will relationally act to fulfill the eternal order of a new Creation. The golden morning is fast approaching;
The gospel summons will soon be carried
Attended by all the shining angels,
There those loved ones who have long been parted,
Refrain:
Endnotes
Copyright © 2008 Worldview Publications |
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