Christian Response to Japan's Disaster
Several reactions: First, I can't believe the horror of what has happened to northeast Japan. This is beyond tragic. It's unspeakable. Tens of thousands dead. A sophisticated society reduced to the remnants of pre-modern existence. The universe contains more power than any of us can fathom.
Second, most news programs disappoint me. I wish the major news channels were less concerned with the "drama" of the events and more concerned with just giving us real interviews and analysis. The reporting of this tragedy is perhaps just another sign of the "dumbing down" of most American media sources and (tragically) of our broader society.
Third, debt restricts one's ability to respond in an emergency. This applies to individuals, corporations and countries. Japan's national debt is one of the highest in the world. The government owes 200% of their annual GDP. This is huge. The Japanese national government has been living beyond its means for more than a decade. They are going to have to find lenders who will loan money for massive reconstruction projects. Think that will be cheap?
Finally, I want to project that the Christian response to the Japanese catastrophe will be led by Korean Christians. Over the past century, God's Spirit has raised up a nation of believing people. About 50% of all South Koreans are followers of Jesus. Korean churches have been active in international missions and ministries of compassion for a couple decades now. Even though a great historical animosity exists between Japan and Korea, I believe that the peace of Christ Jesus will be visible in the Christian response of believers--many Korean--to this tragedy.
For a list of some organizations that are accepting donations and that will head up some form of humanitarian response, click here.
Second, most news programs disappoint me. I wish the major news channels were less concerned with the "drama" of the events and more concerned with just giving us real interviews and analysis. The reporting of this tragedy is perhaps just another sign of the "dumbing down" of most American media sources and (tragically) of our broader society.
Third, debt restricts one's ability to respond in an emergency. This applies to individuals, corporations and countries. Japan's national debt is one of the highest in the world. The government owes 200% of their annual GDP. This is huge. The Japanese national government has been living beyond its means for more than a decade. They are going to have to find lenders who will loan money for massive reconstruction projects. Think that will be cheap?
Finally, I want to project that the Christian response to the Japanese catastrophe will be led by Korean Christians. Over the past century, God's Spirit has raised up a nation of believing people. About 50% of all South Koreans are followers of Jesus. Korean churches have been active in international missions and ministries of compassion for a couple decades now. Even though a great historical animosity exists between Japan and Korea, I believe that the peace of Christ Jesus will be visible in the Christian response of believers--many Korean--to this tragedy.
For a list of some organizations that are accepting donations and that will head up some form of humanitarian response, click here.
Comments