The Christian Church used to have a lot to say about life, the universe and everything and every now and again someone will come up with the real meaning of life. Sometimes it's 42. Sometimes though it's a mixture of answers, usually depending on what crisis a community/group/location is going through andChurch history is a testimony of that . However, lately the Church has been silent on the big issues. Not long ago Rowan Williams made a very controversial comment which seemed to touch all the rawness of our society's sensitivities. Afterwards it felt like we retreated from the public sphere to go back to Church and not bother the world again with our thoughts. I thought it was also interesting that a BBC poll asked people how influential the Archbishop of Canterbury was and many had no idea of who he was which was a shame considering he is such a clever man.
It occurs to me that over the next few years the Church has an ideal opportunity to make a positive impression in the lives of people and we are in a time when we might just be listened to. As we find ourselves in a position where many people have no idea of the Gospel, let alone who who Rowan Williams is, we have a chance to start again and to be a prophetic voice. The Western world is in economic free-fall; people's savings have been wiped out on the stock market and those wanting to buy a pension right now face a future of economic uncertainty...they are in serious trouble.
In other words how many of us have the front to preach Hope? To announce with certainty and love that Jesus and not money is the true hope for our future? That living in the palm of God's hand is a safer place to be than in the sea of falling share prices? And how many of us will put our money where our mouths are and live out our love in a practical way by walking with people who right now feel they have no hope at all? It's a wonderful opportunity that we have right now - to be the people of God. But will we take it?
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