A Little Beleaguered
As I write this I am feeling, as a Minister in the Christian Church, a little beleaguered. It appears it is open season for anyone who wishes to have a pop at people of faith.It started with Richard Dawkins who has brought together many years of strident polemic into his latest book, ‘The God Delusion’. If the wide spread reviews and the promotion of the book are to be believed then religion is the cause of all the world’s ills.
Then I came across the launch of another book, ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’, written by Rev. Paul Walker, Church of England Minister now a hospital chaplain based in Middlesbrough. In which he says, “I made a life-changing decision. I just stopped praying and stopped trying to pray. I have to say it was a hell of a lot easier than giving up smoking.” And calls for what he describes as ‘Christian agnosticism’.
Finally it was Elton John’s turn. In an interview in which he claimed, among other things, to be the new “Queen Mother”, Elton called for a ban on all religion.
Now, I am prepared to admit that all 3 of these gentlemen have something worthwhile to say, but having read some of that I was feeling a little battered! It was perhaps good to be reminded that there are those who take notice of what the faith community says, even if they are looking to condemn us out of our own mouths.
As we move towards Christmas we are coming to that time of year when people are more predisposed than at any other time to engage with the Christian story. It is a story not about power and privilege or even about doctrine or creed. It is a story of humility and love and a story that speaks of hope for the whole of creation.
It is this story of Emmanuel, God with us, that I believe with a passion is the only hope of salvation for our sin-sick, fractured and suffering world. This Christmas, listen to it, sing about it, take it in your heart and live in the light of it through 2007 and beyond.
Merry Christmas and a Happy and peaceful New Year.
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