Br-exit or Br-in

Giving that the world is now a ‘global village’ and news in one part of the world is fodder for water cooler discussions, it’s no surprise that from Donald Trump’s many pronouncements to Immigration issues in Europe, to the atrocities committed in the name of various ideologies, there are many things to talk about. We are almost as much affected by what’s going on in American politics as Americans and just as affected by what’s going on in Belgium as the Belgians.

There’s an atmosphere of part defiance and part fear. Those who are defiant go about their lives and refuse (at least on the surface) to be affected or change their behavior patterns, believing that the way to defeat the enemy is to not give in to terror; to travel freely to the places where carnage has become the new normal. On the other hand, those who are afraid almost want to placate terrorists; to open up dialogue with these people, as if that were possible.

In the midst of all this and also affected by the events in Paris and Belgium, is the fact that in June Britain will be voting on whether or not to remain in the European Union. Emotions are running quite high in both camps – those for and against. Interestingly, the same arguments seem to support both camps. The vitriol is quite surprising. The general sentiment for the Brexiters is that Britain needs to regain its sovereignty, and this can only happen if we leave the EU. There is strong resentment that Britain has been restricted from spending UK resources for the benefit of its citizens, and the inability to control our borders. The effects of immigration on housing and on the National Health Service cannot be overstated. The country, as far as the Brexiters are concerned is bursting at the seams. Having to pay an astronomical sum to the EU coffers doesn’t help matters either.

The Stay Campaign appears to use fear of the unknown to convince people to vote in the referendum to remain in the EU. Some of their reasons to remain from their perspective include free trade, peace between member states and a stronger job market.

It’s interesting that both camps use the events in France and Belgium to support their claims that leaving would make us more secure as we would have greater immigration control and that staying would make us more secure because there would be greater sharing our intelligence with the other member states of the EU respectively. Hmm.

I can’t help but see this issue from a biblical perspective. We’ve all heard of the new world order and various theories about what is going on in the world today. About corrupt governments and about plans to reduce the world population, make people dependent on government and about preparing minds to accept a world ruler via the media. That is not my purpose here. I’m just aware that however I use my vote, I have a responsibility to do what God wants me to do to further His kingdom. If you’re interested to read more about this, check out http://www.jubilee-centre.org/the-eu-referendum-an-overview-from-a-biblical-perspective/.


In all things, in our daily lives, in our writing or vocations, and in everything we do we must be led by the Holy Spirit. Only God knows what will happen come June, but I know what I’d like.