Big Issues
Today's world seems both smaller and bigger than ever. Smaller- because we see it on our TV screens every day, and have instant access to events and crises from across the globe. We hear about these international, national and local issues more often and more quickly than ever before.
The world seems bigger- because we get overloaded with information about all these big issues that once seemed safely distant. And having that knowledge seems to imply that we should do something about these problems.
Well, YES. We should. But what? Where? How? Obviously, we can't do everything and sort out all the problems! We can't meet all the needs of the whole world. But we can at least be part of the solution: we can do something.
Christianity is a whole-world, whole-life faith. Our mandate from Jesus is to go into all the world and make disciples. Part of that command obviously involves sharing the good news of Jesus Christ through our words. Another way is by our actions and our priorities: to BE good news by working for justice, fighting poverty, campaigning for peace, and "loving our neighbour" - all as a consequence of loving God wholeheartedly.
The following pages suggest some ways to get involved and make a difference. We can be better informed, and therefore more effective.
A useful resource: the Joint Issues Team of the Baptist, URC, and Methodist Churches reflects on some of these big issues.
They release notes and recommendations which can be accessed at http://www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/
