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Editorial
It has been pointed out that we all have to deal with change from the moment we are born, but there seems no doubt that the pace of change in our modern societies is unprecedented. How does this affect a faith rooted in the history of two thousand years ago?
As the articles in this newsletter show, changes such as a widening gap between poverty and affluence, global communications and increasing secularism, all affect families and their faith. Then there is the multi-faith dimension: in some areas writers tell of good relations with other faiths; in others it causes disruption and fear.
In many parts of Africa and in the Western world, faith used to be nurtured in the family and in society. Going to church and reading the Bible was what many people did: it was "fashionable". Times change. Now, the transmission and nurturing of faith has to be worked for in a range of ways: by parents, by church evangelism, by modern communications such as the internet. In some cultures fathers were – and are – pivotal in the transmission of faith to their families; yet several articles, describing the situation now, tell of their lack of involvement. Perhaps recognising that there is a problem is the start of a solution. Perhaps, in a fast-changing society, where the extended family can be weakened and fragmented, godparents can provide support and encouragement for the child’s faith journey. There is Good News in this newsletter. Some articles tell of the difficulties leading to deeper faith, more family and personal commitment, more understanding. In Paraguay, greater emphasis is being put on the family in the context of evangelism and many parents and children are benefiting from this new focus. But parents, godparents and churches need to do more, because the transmission of faith to future generations cannot be taken for granted. Even if there never was a godly age, the barriers to faith in the third millennium are very real. Jesus lived in a troubled and war-torn society, fragmented by injustice and poverty and where people prayed to many false gods. His message is as relevant now as it was two thousand years ago.
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