Just like everybody else I was terribly saddened by the current events in the UK. Although none us are sure of what’s ahead, it seems like things have quieted down.
I guess it is a good time for reflection and analysis. Smarter people will do that much better than I could ever do. Yet I want to make a few observations, as a philosophical bystander.
I echo Jonathan Freedlander’s sentiments in Tuesday’s Guardian – we are slowly losing confidence in the sociopolitical system we live in. The new ‘crash’ in the markets, Hackergate and now the riots – all make our politicians look powerless. As a Christ-follower this isn’t a surprise, it’s a reminder.
The riots have been brewing up for a while. As an outsider I have observed over the last nearly 20 years how teenagers have been growing up in a permissive, relativistic society with utter disregard for authority, morality, education and decency. Although a committed ‘leftist’ – I am sorry to say but this has got to do with more than just social inequality. This is a crisis of spirituality.
Although Christianity has it’s fair share of massive mistakes – the void created by the disappearing respect/love for God – can only birth such actions. Certainly Christ’s principle of loving God and loving your neighbour as yourself would not have given us the appalling behaviour.
And just before I sound too self-righteous let me turn the mirror unto myself. The theft, greed, lack of love and compassion for others were the marks of the riots. Can I honestly say that those sins don’t show up in my heart? What am I going to do about them? What about the countless numbers of times I passed the ‘chavs’ by laughing at them and their senseless behaviour? Ignorance like that will make us all pay in the end…
An English novelist wrote: ‘It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.’ Right now it is a time to learn some lessons and take our responsibilities seriously in seeking God, praying and caring for our communities.
Charles Dickens wrote that quote.
We are living in the most exciting days. We need to examine ourselves, our communion with God, with one another, and be a Spirit-filled community of believers who bring light and savour to our world. Thanks for this, Murgsy.