Danger and Opportunities: The Crises of the 21st Century

by Keith Carey

Many of us have already heard that the Chinese character for "crisis" is a combination of their characters for "danger" and "opportunity." We as Westerners usually notice the danger, but not the opportunity in a crisis situation. But perhaps, as Christians, we should notice the opportunities that come with dangerous situations. You will read more on that at the end of this article.

In Practical Terms, What is a Crisis?
A crisis can mean standing at a fork in the road. Change is coming. But many of the peoples in the world who are facing crises have little or no choice in the matter. Native Americans, Berbers, Kurds, and other tribal peoples have been losing their language and culture for generations. The Tamacheq (also known as the Tuareg) peoples of Mali and the Tibetan herders are losing their nomadic ways of life. In Japan, gender roles and family dynamics are changing, and no one knows how things will eventually turn out. In North Korea, the government is showing signs that it might be coming to terms with the need to change its economic system, just as China did in the late 1970s. The Saudi Arabs are beginning to learn to diversify their economy so that they won't fall into dire poverty when the inevitable day comes when they either run out of oil, or there is no more market for it. Other people groups like the Kashmiris of India and the Aceh of Indonesia have to deal with ongoing warfare.

All of these people are facing a crisis of some sort. Change is coming. How will they deal with change? Will they find the Rock, or will they grasp for a source of false security, just as sinful man has done for thousands of years?

Crises for Religious Systems
Right now, Islam is at a point where it must explain itself. Terrorists who use Islam as their banner have muddied the image of Muslims everywhere. Their claim to a high moral system is very questionable in today's world. Those who preach that terrorism is a form of jihad are contradicting the good works and pious duties defined by the Koran. Which direction will Islam go in the 21st century?

Likewise, Hinduism has gone through changes in the last decade. Westerners often thought that Hinduism was about gurus and granola. Now we are seeing that Hindu terrorists can be just as evil as the Muslims of Al Qaida. Furthermore, there are serious disputes between the so-called "forward" (upper) castes, and the dalits, (outcastes) that have sometimes become violent. Indian newspapers regularly cite examples of lynchings of dalits and other atrocities. There have been efforts of dalit groups to "quit Hinduism" and move to another major religion, usually Buddhism. It's very possible that Hinduism will have to explain, or even redefine itself in this century.

It appears that Christianity is heading in a more positive direction. There is more cooperation between different denominations than there was 100 years ago. The Western missionary movement is gradually expanding the mission mandate in the two-thirds world. We would hope that, with a larger army of Christians dedicated to this essential task, we will see members of many tribes and nations bowing their knees to Christ in the years to come.

How Can Christians Help in Times of Crisis?
When people are in a state of crisis, they are often open to new answers. We hope that Hindus and Muslims will question the answers they have been given, and begin to look for new ones. Christians who live among these people can offer words of encouragement and hope from the Bible. The life, death, and resurrection of Christ demonstrates unparalleled hope and victory in any situation.

Christians can also offer practical help. To those who suffer from lack of water or sufficient food, Christians can help dig wells, and help with agricultural projects. To those who are poor or have lost their livelihood, Christians can help develop the economy through small enterprises. There are times when Christians can be advocates for those who are powerless, just as the missionary statesman Donald McGavran did in the 1930s when he went to court to defend Indian villagers against those who wielded power. For those who are lost in a strange new culture like the immigrants in America, Christians can help guide them so they can adapt and adjust without losing the good things in their culture.

I'm sure that you can think of other examples. But the issue is ambassadorship. Christ's followers have an opportunity to demonstrate His love for mankind in practical ways that will draw them to Him.

Let Us Pray!

• Pray that the crises faced by Muslims and Hindus will stir millions to look for the right answers.
• Pray that Christians will be Christ's ambassadors to those who face a crisis.