politics & policy
‘Why do the nations rage?’
Krish Kandiah
On 3 January, as part of what was described as his New Year’s resolution to pursue world peace, President Donald Trump, from his luxury Mar-a-Lago resort, oversaw the invasion of Venezuela and the extradition of its president, Nicolás Maduro, to the United States on charges of drug trafficking.
This alarming event does not stand alone. It comes amid a steady accumulation of brazen assertions of power by leaders from multiple continents, each one adding to the sense of global instability. While many nations express ongoing concern about the number of migrants crossing their borders, a far more pressing anxiety is emerging – the prospect of aggressors doing the same. As the world watches on in growing unease, I am reminded of the psalmist’s question: “Why do the nations rage?”
politics & policy
Christianity is not a 'private hobby'
Krish Kandiah
“I’m a Christian. I enjoy the church, I believe in God. But the role of the archbishop is not actually to interfere with international migration policies.”
This remark – recently made by a political leader in response to an archbishop’s critique of immigration policy – reveals a common yet troubling misunderstanding of Christianity’s role in public life. Faith is increasingly being equated with a private therapeutic tool to help individuals get through hard times. Christian faith, while acceptable when quiet and compliant, is deemed unwelcome when it spills over into public debate and dares to speak into national issues.
politics & policy
Make a stand and sit
Krish Kandiah
They say not to sweat the small stuff, but it is often the little things that get under our skin: the rude driver at the lights, the long queue at the bank, the shocking price of butter.
It’s the cold caller in the middle of our favourite show, the neighbour mowing the lawn early in the morning again, or the small stain on a brand-new shirt. Each seemingly insignificant annoyance can feel like a tiny stone in our shoe, or a barely-visible splinter in our fingertip – minor discomforts that can get to feel unbearable.
