A culture of violence

Increasingly, it seems that we have a growing culture of violence. This is evident in school-yard bullying, nightclub bashings, mayhem at sporting events, road rage and abuse of women and children. There must be many reasons for the unfortunate trends. Without doubt, some of the problem is related to the influence of alcohol and drugs. Media moguls must also share responsibility for the violent content of many video games, T-V programmes and the like. When some deny that this affects the behaviour of viewers I point to hard headed business interests ready to pay very big bucks in the belief that media advertising does affect people's lifestyle choices. Then the much publicised violence of sports stars provides a shocking example for adoring fans and the weekly procession to tribunals for statutary slaps on wrists seems to have little effect. Signs of blood-lust in crowds at some sporting events are disturbing and indicate that in our secular society the jungle is not far from the surface and still needs taming. That points to the need for a power greater than our own.

A matter of life and death

Easter is a matter of life and death. We commemorate the death of Jesus Christ as the victory of vulnerability over brute force and love over the forces of evil in the world. The early Church proclaimed that Jesus was still alive. Certainly he was alive in the memories of his followers - which memories were perpetuated when written in the gospel records. Then there was the conviction that, as he had prophesied, He was still alive with his Father God in Heaven. Furthermore, he was alive - and is still alive -through his alter ego or other self, the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers. For Christians the flag of faith is not at half-mast but flying high. Jesus is not dead. He is alive and let loose in the world. He has moved from the 'here' to the 'everywhere'. Small wonder that Christianity is a faith which exults.

A memorable man

I have just had news of the passing of a friend known as a composer of music and a writer of prose and verse throughout the Salvation Army world. His name was Brindley Boon and at one time we worked together editorially. He had a phenominal memory and a fund of stories from a life-time of service in the Army. I learnt so much from him and enjoyed his huge sense of humour.His legacy of creativity will remain for many years and I am only one of many who are in his debt.