Gaza and the credit crunch

Despite the dire economic outlook and terrible situation in the Middle East - which is certain to have a much more direct impact on Western nations at home and abroad soon enough - I think this is a very positive time for the Church in Britain.

The primary reason for this, is that times of uncertainty weaken the church but strengthen the gospel.

The tougher life becomes, the more strident the church becomes (and particularly its Bishops) in presenting the gospel alternative. As the church - as an institution - is weakened by a failing economy, so the church begin to question the economic and social framework within which it operates. The result is that the gospel message is heard more clearly and strongly than in more bouyant economic times.

I find it enormously encouraging to read Bishops taking a lead on social, political and economic issues. For a start it gives us permission to do exactly that at a local level.

But we also need to bridge the gap between critique and our alternative vision. We need to move beyond criticism and towards vision - yet a vision full of practicalities not remote theology.

Surely practical theologians have been doing this for decades? Of course, that's true. This is neither the first recession nor the first Middle East crises.

Where the church consistenly falls down is not having a big picture strategy. Church social and economic policy tinkers around the edges of social democracy - it is rare for a church report to present a wholesale alternative to western democratic capitalism.

Yet this is what is needed and what is demanded by Jesus' vision of the Kingdom of God as present reality, as well as future hope.

The key lies in understanding that events such as Gaza and the credit crunch are linked by their dependency on injustice. Both narratives centre on the actions of powerful 'imperial' vested interests running roughshod over 'little people'. They are stories of biblical proportions and can be read time and time again in the Old and New Testaments.

So given that perspective, what am I hoping for this January?

First, the growing independence of the institutional church. We must avoid the church being aligned to the vested interests that grow stronger on the back of injustice. We need an independent church for an independent gospel.

Second, the confidence to trust the God who depends on us to preach the gospel.

Finally, the wisdom to flesh out the Kingdom of God as a practical alternative not an unassailable ideal. And that means returning to scripture and God's covenantal commitment to us. It's all there! We just need to live it!