EDF, British Energy and the Kingdom of God

I admit that the relationship between these three is not immediately apparent.

EDF is the 85% French Government-owned energy firm that has agreed to buy British Energy, the private company that owns eight UK nuclear power plants.

The Kingdom of God, of course, is keenly awaited but there are also many signs of it all around us, if only we would open our eyes and take note.

I struggle though, to see any sign of the Kingdom in the EDF acquisition of British Energy.

First, there is the entire ethical question about nuclear power. If we take our responsibility for God's creation seriously, then our consumption needs today should never be met by imposing thousands of years of nuclear waste on generations to come. I'd rather light a candle after dark.

Second, there is the thorny implication of a foreign power having a significant hold over another country's energy supply. In one sense, this is an example of globalisation, a development that in principle could work towards 'one world', although of course we know that in practice globalisation is built upon the concept of exploitation not partnership. So France and Britain may be together on energy - but opposed to whom? Russia? Hardly a strategy for building the Kingdom.

Third, there is the question of the consumer. Where are the interests of the consumer in this deal? Security of supply? Perhaps. Price? Certainly not; for the new company becomes the largest single energy supplier in Britain by a sizeable margin. Energy may be getting more expensive, but think of the shareholder value rising in response to market share increasing...

So there is an inverse relationship between EDF and British Energy on the one hand, and the Kingdom of God on the other. This deal points away from the Kingdom.

So if we think this deal is acceptable, to what extent are our eyes being manipulated to look away from God and God's call to live Kingdom values?

It's a scary thought - because this kind of issue is replicated hundreds of times a day in each of our lives.

So when we do glimpse the Kingdom, let us draw attention to it with as much commitment and energy as EDF and British Energy announce their commerical deals.

The Kingdom needs strong advocates, and God only has us.