A number of observations I have had this week need to be shared. You may think they are independent, but a see a thread of connection.

• Two marches in Exeter at the weekend. One was entitled “Unity March Exeter” which had an anti immigration ideology. Their number totalled 60. To counteract that another rally gathered which was “Unite Against The Far Right” and 850 came to that.

• I happened to watch the One Show on the BBC and an article about Sir Magdi Yacoub, a pioneering heart surgeon was broadcast. He is 90 and has been given a lifetime achievement award by the British Heart Foundation, for his medical breakthroughs, but also his compassion and care. Sir Magdi was born in Egypt and studied at Cairo University from the age of 15, before emigrating to the UK to work alongside heart specialists in London.

• Donald Trump seems to make the headlines every day on our news channels.

• A small group of Buddhist monks walking 2500 miles for peace, loving kindness and compassion in the USA.
  
  It seems that society is polarising, not just in the USA but here as well. We are drifting to extremes.
  When uncertainty is prevalent a strong definitive leader seems to be the answer. The perception is that they make sense in a world that is in turmoil. History has shown that to be the case, and when the world adopts that stance it can make some horrendous mistakes. We all know the history of Nazi Germany when a deep recession hit the country and a strong leader rose to the fore that offered an ideology that seemed to make sense. The solution according to that ideology was a pure arian race and anyone that was outside of that purity was part of the problem and needed to be eradicated.
  
  I am concerned that Christians can be drawn into the crisis management that entrenches our own views still further, drawing us into a polarised view point. When we are feeling vulnerable we are prone to cocoon to that which is familiar and safe. Therefore we find people that think and act like we do. Yet more so than ever at this difficult time we need to take ourselves outside our comfort zone and converse and dwell with those whose views are wildly different from our own. That however is not so that we can “convert” them to our way of thinking, but instead on the understanding that through dialogue bonds of friendship and growth can be forged.
  
  Unfortunately the police were given special powers on Saturday in case the two marches collided. Thankfully there was no trouble, but really the best thing that could have happened was if the two marches merged together and listened to each other.
  
  I urge you and myself not to get drawn into a polarized society but a society that recognises a life long need of enlightenment and understanding. Blessings in your discipleship.
  
  
  
  Blessings
  
  Steve