The Christian Example in a Recession

An article by Steve    No Comments

Archbishop of York Rev John Sentamu says the general populous of Great Britain think Christians are mad. The good news is that the Archbishop, who holds the second highest office with world Anglicanism, thinks the reason Christians are considered a bit on the loopy side is not because they are on the lunatic fringe of apocalyptic thinking or the latest fad out of Florida – but because Christians are not racing around in a mad panic about the recession. In fact for those outside looking in, Christian charity, thinking of others, being concerned for justice rather than ‘me first’ is just plain bonkers. Don’t they know there is an end of the world financial crisis? We’re going down the toilet!

I’m not sure I have such a rosy view of Christians, but I am glad the Archbishop does, even if to remind us what we could and should be. To be fair I think his opinion is in fact more measured and considered than I have given him credit for. After all, Archbishops seldom throw loose talk around. I know that for many secular NGO’s and community groups in New Zealand times are tight as their supporters and donors keep their hands out of their pockets. But at TEAR Fund, with our strong Christian constituency we are noticing that our budgeted income, set last May before news of the recession hit the media, is being met. In fact our Christmas Focus for child prostitutes in Nepal has broken records. The fact is, many Christians ‘get it.’ That is we understand that we are called to demonstrate public and private generosity and the inspiring Justice of Jesus to a watching and anxious world.

Archbishop Sentamu says that the recession is not only a credit crunch and a meltdown of markets, but a readjustment of lifestyle and expectations. The recession begs the question ‘how much is enough’? and, Christianity presents the only viable alternative lifestyle to consumerism, debt and the stifling gloom over the financial crisis. He’s calling Christians to stand up unashamedly and promote the values of the kingdom.

So there is the challenge for all of us.

Christians and the Church have a task before them of showing some pastoral leadership and compassion as we help those around us, including other Christians, make the adjustment to living sustainably. Those that have become accustomed to the privileges of abundant credit and easy leveraged dosh are not going to find this transition easy. The new and inescapable economic phase we are heading toward with its demand for a more sustainable even a modest lifestyle will be a challenge. Some are going to be dragged kicking and screaming into it.

How are we going to do it? How are we going to meet this task – one I would assert which is deeply Christian? By example my friends, by example. We need to demonstrate and live out a church and community that celebrates the important things in life; a community that gives generously to those that hurt and in are in need, one open to the stranger and outsider; a community that is committed to leaving our world better than we found it. A church and community that can point others beyond anxiety and avarice to a trust and confidence found only in Christ.

This is the new witness and the new evangelism. It goes beyond words and demands action, and for that reason it will be more powerful and compelling than any outdated four steps formula or comic book tracts.