The cynic is also correct about human nature and human capacity. The extraordinary euphoria which has surrounded the new Federal Government will not last. The euphoria is a foolish utopianism. Even now, however, hard decisions are being taken which will offend people; mistakes are being made; inadequacies of administration and leadership will become apparent. We will have the unedifying spectacle of those who spoke up most hopefully being the greatest critics of a government which is merely human after all. The greatest foolishness of modern political philosophies of left or right is belief in the innate goodness of human beings and the possibility of the kingdom of God on earth.

And yet a cynical society is a diseased society. We cannot live like that. We must have our hopes. Cynicism corrupts all it touches and is particularly bad for young people.

That is why the gospel has such power to help us live well here and now. It assumes human sinfulness. It agrees that we cannot build the kingdom of God on earth by the political process or social engineering. It is clear-eyed about our weaknesses. But at the same time it shows us a Lord who is above all time and yet was born in time. It shows us a Lord whose promises may be absolutely relied upon. It shows us a Lord who will never forsake us, even to the point of death and then through it. It shows us a Lord who transcends our lives here and promises fulfilment in the age to come. It shows us a Lord who is our good and true hope.

Read it all.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Anglican Provinces • Anglican Church of Australia • * Theology • Eschatology • Pastoral Theology

1. Robert F. Montgomery wrote: Thank you for posting this excerpt and link to the entire article.  The distinction between false hope and the hope that comes from the Gospel is very important to know if we are to be salt and light in a society that has gone sour.  My own thinking in my fifth decade of ministering the Gospel is that talking about hope with people is of considerable interest to them and leads to talking about faith in Christ and God’s love towards us. August 28, 6:36 pm | [comment link]

Registered members must log in to comment.