by Alex Colvin-Glen Burnie, MD
So many things are going on in the world, that no one really knows what is going on. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the polarization between the communist block and the West, the historical resentments of the past are bubbling to the surface in racial, regional, and religious conflicts. The dividing lines that were established by the major powers after World War One and World War Two are coming apart at the seams. The digital revolution is changing the nature of the world economy. We are living in the post industrial era.
Domestically, society seems to be coming apart at the seams. Our nation is involved in a "culture war." There is no consensus on values, education appears to be failing, crime is rampant. The old "liberal" faith that government can usher in an age of equality and prosperity is bankrupt. In it's wake is a tidal wave of urban problems-drugs, crime, single parenthood, and cyclical dependency-that threaten to suck us down a maelstrom of despair. In the midst of the confusion and tension, people escape into bizarre conspiracy theories or shut themselves off from the larger world and live day to day for themselves.
What is going on? Where are we headed? Is there hope?
Abraham Lincoln, leaving for Washington to assume the presidency, once said, "With God, I can not fail; without God, I can not possibly succeed." These words are relevant today. The fundamental question in life is whether or not God exists. If God exists, then the world is guided by Providence. We can seek wisdom and God freely gives to all who ask. "Surely the Lord God does nothing without first revealing his secrets to his servants the prophets." If God doesn't exist, and the universe is simply a series of random physico-chemical reactions, then we truly live in an existential wasteland wherein "whirl is king."
As for me and my house, we are convinced of God's existence. Actually, it's not hard to find God. Simply be humble and have an open mind, pray and seek sincerely for truth. Amazing things will happen! You will discover a spiritual life and God will guide you from wherever you are into a relationship with Him.
Hamlet once remarked, "Surely He who gave us such noble discourse and godlike reason gave it not to fust in us unused." God wants us to understand his Providence-not just doctrine or theology. Calvin enjoined his followers to preach the whole counsel of God. In other words, let's try to understand, in the light of our faith, how God is working in the world. So, let's pray to God for wisdom, and with an open mind let's discuss the issues. Please feel free to respond.