search

The reliable supply of cheap energy is something that is taken for granted in the developed world. This now seems to be under threat.

‘Japanese authorities have raised the severity rating of their nuclear crisis to the highest level, seven. Level seven previously only applied to the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, where ten times as much radiation was emitted’ (BBC News, April 12 2011). ‘A year on, fear and division still poison the oil spill coast’ (The Times, April 18 2011). ‘Germany withdraws from nuclear power’ (The Telegraph, May 31 2011). These are bad news stories arising, firstly, from the outcome in Japan following the tragic earthquake and tsunami and, secondly, from 12 months ago with the explosion of the Deep Water Horizon drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico causing America’s largest environmental catastrophe.

In Bible times people lived in an agrarian society. The rituals and feasts, and the metaphors used by preachers, prophets and the Lord Jesus himself speak of the farming calendar. There was a real sense that riches or poverty, and life itself, depended upon God’s blessing in the fruitfulness of labour on the land.

This connection with agriculture was evident in the UK until modern times. Harvest Thanksgiving was an integral part of the church calendar, acknowledging the importance of food production. There was a general appreciation of farming practice. Now, however, that has been lost. Research shows that many children grow up thinking that milk comes in plastic containers from a factory, that white bread is made from milk and brown bread from wheat. Consumers expect strawberries and tomatoes to be available on Christmas Day and at the same prices as when they are in seasonal production.

David Potter MBE, founder of the charity Prospects, reflects on the Panorama programme exposing the shocking truth.

Way back in June 1981, Associated Television broadcast a devastating documentary called Silent Minority.

Leading a group of churches carries enormous responsibilities in the current spiritual climate. John Stevens, recently appointed Director of FIEC, spoke to EN about his work.

EN: Please explain your new role at FIEC.

JS: On September 1 2010, I started in my new post as Director of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC). According to my job description, I am responsible ‘for providing visionary leadership to and the smooth running of the Fellowship’ so that it can accomplish the goals and objectives determined by the new Trust Board after consultation with the churches.