A Kairos Time?
July 1, 2009
INTERFAITH RELATIONS – William G. Gepford, American-Arab Relations
“A Kairos Time?”
A perfect theological storm is what a kairos time means. It is the coming together of all the possible theological conditions that can open up an opportunity for God to act in a surprising and new way. A number of religious leaders believe now is that time.
What are some of the things that have happened recently that lead one to this conclusion?
First, there was the election of an African American as president of the United States, a country that has long been ruled for the most part by the heritage brought to these shores by European immigrants. Second, societies are no longer experiencing change from within their own cultures alone, but rather from a global culture characterized by interactive social, religious, economic and political conditions, that have no boundaries. Third, a modern technology that truly respects no boundaries—just witness the recent civil protests in Iran. Fourth, all the traditional walls of race, economics, religion, and politics are beginning to break down also. What this means in the field of theology is that we are beginning to see that NO particular theological view of creation and the universe, can adequately explain where we came from and where we are going. The result– we need to listen to ALL views. The editor of Presbyterian Outlook, John Haberer, recently said, “…we believe that the best hedge against corruption is to make ethical decisions in community, where voices of varying viewpoints can share the insights their fields of study and varying ideologies offer” (April 13, 2009 issue). The important words are “in community.”
Karen Armstrong pointed out in her study of the history of Jerusalem, that the city knew peace when everyone within its environs played an active role in its leadership, but when only one ethnic group made all the decisions constant conflict reigned (Jerusalem, One City, Three Faiths, Ballantine Books, 1996).
A kairos time is a time of hope. For Christians, hope always has its roots beyond political and social realities. Our hope is rooted in a conviction of faith that believes in the intentions of God for the world, in spite of the evidence that we see. And we act on the basis of faith, and then expect that the evidence will change.
That was always the story of the prophets. They saw clearly the political, economic, and social realities that so angered God. They could also see through and beyond them, with a hope rooted in God’s power to make things new. This is what Jesus proclaimed as the Kingdom of God.
Jesus is calling us to live in God’s presence, empowered by God’s Spirit, and acting according to what God willed for the world. “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done…”
In this present time of social and political change, may we see ourselves as participants in this activity of God’s Kingdom.
