"…Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish…"
Proverbs 29:18 (Ampl.)
During the week, I read a very interesting newspaper article titled "Selling rapture". It stated "the rise of the Christian right in American politics has added impetus to an already huge and growing market in evangelical fiction". The author outlined several recent publications by "faith-based" writers and the use of Christian themes within fiction as "evangelical tools". These themes ranged from the "apocalyptic confrontation between good and evil" to "Jesus romance" novels. In his study of this popular trend, he wrote of the particular world view, implicit in much of the writing - that "all doubts and dilemmas are solved through either divine intervention and/or the acceptance of God’s radiant love". He then made an interesting comparison between 21 century "born-again evangelical fiction" and the more radical and political writings of the "Christian revivalism" of the 18th century that was typified by Beecher Stowe’s – "Uncle Tom’s Cabin or Negro Life in the Slave States of America". Acclaimed as the world’s first best seller, this "anti-slavery tract" galvanised many Christians. Whilst the term "Uncle Tom" has been hijacked and distorted by racists, the character has been described as "an almost unbelievable Christ like figure" with enviable qualities of "compassion and understanding". I am ashamed to say that I have the book, but have never completely finished it.
What initially caught my eye about this article, was the corresponding rise in what I see as religious (horror) fiction on the television and in films. We seem to have moved from mere vampire slaying to whole series devoted to the graphic depiction of religious themes: like the book of Revelation. I am truly dumbstruck by the variety of quasi-religious offerings that are shown on mainstream television that include graphic violence of a satanic and sometimes, sadistic nature. The distortion of biblical themes is often grotesque and seem to project a world view based on fear and superstition. Perhaps the rise in Christian fiction is a counter balance to this? Or are we looking at two opposite poles of the same spectrum? As a devotee of science fiction, I am assured that most episodes on TV or films at the cinema, will not assail my senses with gratuitous violence or cause my moral and ‘religious’ sense to be seriously offended. I know some Christians consider sci fi to be "too worldly" however, it leaves me with hope in the future and not "dismay" at how "the love of God" is sometimes, projected through the entertainment industry.
Shortly after reading this article, my thoughts were further provoked by several scientific extracts in the daily news. One concerned a science and technology conference that reviewed humanity’s achievements and prospects for the future. It made the interesting observation that "we are not even halfway through our allotted time on Earth before the Sun itself burns out…[a]ny life and intelligence that exists then will be as different from us as we are to bacteria". I was then fascinated to read about a global ocean voyage, that sampled seawater at 200 mile intervals and had discovered in one location alone - "1.3 million new genes and 50,000 new species". I cannot imagine how every drop of seawater contains millions of different bacteria, that is, life forms.
Awesome information - particularly as bacteria comprise half the world’s biomass and has survived on this planet for billions of years longer than we have. I then noticed a short piece in the press, outlining the embarrassment of the American space agency, Nasa. It appears bacteria from Earth, may have been accidentally transported to Mars aboard the rover land craft; the vehicles used for land exploration. Scientist believe that these microbes, living in the electronic circuitry of these machines, were then deposited on the surface of the planet during the buggies runabouts. Further credence is given by scientific tests that confirm the ability of bacteria/microbes to survive space travel and possibly the climate on Mars. Whilst the contamination of other worlds by Earth is in breach of a UN treaty, a Nasa spokesman is alleged to have said that there were ‘massive odds’ against the possibility of the bacteria (microbes) becoming established on Mars. However it remains to be seen, what will evolve as a consequence!
What struck me forcible about these accounts were their relatedness, despite appearing unconnected. I was confronted by the variety of concerns that "people of faith" project, in the media; intentionally or unintentionally. These range from individualistic and communal notions of personal salvation and emotional well-being to issues and quests for social justice. I was also encouraged to reflect on our responsibilities towards our home, this planet and in effect, the Universe. Often when we read the stories in Genesis we concentrate on the promise of God towards humanity, through the account of Noah and the Flood. However, we neglect to give equal prominence to the Planet, that is God’s promise to the earth and all that lives in it and on it; flora and fauna included. I do not think I have ever heard in Church, a sermon devoted to our ecological responsibilities as being God-directed and part of our witness as Christians; born-again or otherwise. I wonder what our individual and collective visions are? What kind of society are we praying for and working towards?
Will individual and national greed coupled with consumerism, be the second flood that will destroy the Earth? Is there a Christian witness here? What is it?
"…Then God said …"I now establish my covenant with you… your descendants …with every living creature—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals…never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth." - Genesis 9:8-10 (NIV)
May the Holy Spirit of God bless you with a Vision that delights and gladdens your heart.
Be empowered and live it!
Rev Caroline Redfearn ©blackpeoplesministries.com 2005