Commentary; Posted: 2/1/06
The top 10 secular stories of 2005
Rev. John C. Blackford,
Religion Columnist
In a previous column the writer listed the 10 outstanding religious events of the past year. This article will present the outstanding secular stories of 2005, with their religious aspects, something that has been done since 1948 in sermons to his congregations.
Other analysts will include different events among their top 10, and in another order of importance, but it is hoped this one will cover the most significant stories of the year.
The editor of the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Gazette observed that ìThe world was wracked by pain in 2005, enduring a parade of natural disasters, and of course, some of the pain was self-inflicted - war, terrorism, rebellion, violence, crime, drug abuse, fraud...There is never a slow day in the news business.î
1. The war in Iraq. The rising death toll, now over 2000 American soldiers and marines, the cost and the divisiveness, both in our country, and around the world, over the merits of the war, have taken a toll.
Politically, it has hurt the confidence of many in President Bush. Militarily, it has blunted our aims and encouraged the terrorists.
Iraqi religious leaders have been critical of our presence, and at home some prominent churchmen and women have spoken out in opposition to our involvement.
2. The onslaught of Gulf Coast hurricanes, notably Katrina, and the deadly flooding of New Orleans.
Hurricanes Rita and Wilma followed, but were not as destructive. In the wake of Katrina 1321 deaths were reported, 6644 were missing and one million displaced.
The churches were the first on the scene with help, and are continuing their relief efforts.
3. The Iraqi elections. Three elections were held for the purpose of creating a constitution and electing a parliament.
In spite of the opposition of terrorists, who have killed 30,000 of their own countrymen in attempts to thwart the desires of the majority, Iraq has made the move to democracy and freedom from tyrants like Saddam Hussein. Some leading clerics previously opposed to change are now encouraging their followers to vote and support steps to democratization.
4. The costs of terrorism and war. Several countries have suffered attacks by terrorists with ties to Islamic militants.
In London, England there was violence on three subway trains and a bus, killing 56 people. Attacks in other countries were instigated by radical Islamic groups. The global cost of war was estimated at $1 trillion in 2004.
5. The massive earthquake near the Pakistan-India border that killed more than 87,000 and left three million or more homeless and facing the winter weather.
At the outset Pakistani authorities were reluctant to permit church groups to bring aid, but they now welcome relief efforts.
6. The nuclear war threats posed by Iran and North Korea. Neither nation has been responsive to pressures from the United Nations Organization and our country to limit their nuclear development programs to peaceful purposes.
Iran has been very opposed to the nation of Israel, has denied the Holocaust in which six million Jews were killed during World War II and has advocated its eradication.
North Korea will have the ability to launch a missile-born nuclear bomb in a few years that could reach our mainland. It is a place where there is starvation because so much is being spent on the military, and where Christians are under intense persecution.
7. The great interest in our Supreme Court. With the retirements of Justice Sandra Day OíConnor and the death of Chief Justice William Rehnquist, there are now two openings to be filled.
Chief Justice John Roberts has been confirmed by the Senate, but there is contention over President Bushís nomination of Judge Samuel Alito.
With the nine-member Court about equally liberal and conservative, the decision on Alitoís confirmation is crucial, especially in the light of some of the issues the new court will consider.
8. The uncovering of widespread dishonesty in the corporate world.
Jail sentences have been meted out to a number of business leaders, who have dealt fraudulently with their associates and the public. The erosion of standards of honesty and morality calls for a renewal of faith. The churches have a golden opportunity to take the lead in this needed reform by teaching and example. May we be up to the challenge!
9. The Terry Schiavo case. After she had been kept alive by a feeding tube for 15 years, a family feud escalated into a national debate over the withdrawing of the tube, permitting her to die.
Her family members wanted to continue the feeding, but her husband sought and finally succeeded in getting clearance to remove the tube.
President Bush, her governor, Jeb Bush, of Florida and members of Congress failed in their efforts to reinsert the tube before she died.
A number of church interest groups became involved, both for her sake, and also because of the implications of the case.
10. The ups and downs of our economy. High crude oil prices, bringing increased costs, were a burden to drivers, and to businesses relying on transportation.
For example, the hard-pressed U.S. airline industry was forced to spend $9 billion more on jet fuel in 2005 than in 2004.
With the increased appeals for funds by charitable institutions for the victims of natural disasters, the churches, in particular, have seen difficulty in planning budgets for 2006.
Many good things happened last year, but bad news was frequent.
The Bible is realistic about the fact of bad news, but has an encouraging word for us. Psalm 112 of the Old Testament speaks of those who trust in God. In verse seven we read the people of faith ìwill have no fear of bad news.î This trust brings a ìsecure heart,î deliverance from ìfear,î and ìin the end...triumph.î
May 2006 bring this gracious heavenly gift to the reader.
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