Published: April 12, 2009 01:13 am      

VASICEK: Easter faith in shaky world

For many of us, this is a solemn time of year. Many Christian Kokomo Tribune readers have or will spend time in worship today, as we commemorate what we consider to be the most important event of history: the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Our Jewish friends have recently celebrated the Passover on the 14th of Nissan, last Thursday. The Passover commemorates the Exodus from Egypt. Both faiths advocate an eternal perspective. Both heritages (and others) have survived unbelievably tumultuous times.

Despite that fact that fewer Americans identify themselves with a religious group, a significant majority of Americans find some stability in life through faith in God. This is certainly a good time to have that stability! Look at what is happening.

The earthquake in Italy has been devastating. In the U.S., crazy killers with premeditated plots snuff out the lives of innocent, random victims. Iran continues to progress toward developing nukes, and Benjamin Netanyahu recognizes the dangerous repercussions for his nation – and may act pre-emptively. North Korea is stumbling – but still doggedly determined to develop nuclear missiles. The failed regime needs to sell them to prop up its bankrupt administration. We have a volcano with indigestion in Alaska, two wars in the Middle East, and a financial crisis lowering our nation into an economic abyss. Last week I discussed the serious woes in Mexico, a neighboring country with tentacles deep into the U.S.

Our leaders are confusing us. Congress wants to limit carbon emissions by taxing them, yet they do not want to harm our economy by increasing our utility bills. So – if the energy companies are paying out more – how are they going to recoup their losses? With an economic downturn, even anti-corporation groups can no longer point shaking fingers at companies as the “bad guys.” Those same businesses employ we “good guys!” We are connecting a few dots.

Our president tries to schmooze the Muslim world while (according to UPI), “Turkish authorities arrested a man who allegedly plotted to pose as an Arab news network journalist to kill U.S. President Obama, a Saudi newspaper said Monday.”

Our president’s attempt to win over the Europeans garnished applause, but the Europeans offered no significant troop support for efforts in Afghanistan. Will we catch more flies with honey than vinegar, or will we fail either way?

In addition to the above, President Obama (whom UAW members enthusiastically supported) recently suggested that it might be a good idea for General Motors to declare bankruptcy, a move that would negate union obligations.

Lest I be misunderstood, I am not saying that the president or Congress are wrong in some or all of these approaches. I myself am a big believer in schmoozing. I do not have solutions to these headaches, and I am delighted that I am not the president (and you should be, too!). I get burned out just being a pastor. What I am asserting is that the rubber is meeting the road; idealism is conflicting with realism.

I do not think most citizens understood the depth of new pressures on the Bush administration (compared to previous administrations) that resulted from September 11th. September 11th ushered in a new level of complexity into our society, with new layers of government and a massive change of foreign policy. President Obama enters office midstream – and with a host of new problems (our economy being one of them). As far as foreign policy goes, it looks like he is trying to shift us into a pre-Bush position, for better or worse. He will likely adjust some perspectives along the way.

Being president isn’t what it used to be; like gravy with too much flour, our world is thickening with a pasty complexity. New dangers (Iran, North Korea) are compounding old ones (nuclear war). Economic stimulus today could preclude a long recession, or it could lead to heavy debt burdens and a declining nation. Yes, this really is a great time to be a person of faith! A rock is steadier than shifting sand.

Ed Vasicek is pastor of Highland Park Church and a weekly contributor to the Kokomo Tribune.