March 21-27, 2011
Editorial
Editorial: Keep calm and carry on!
Translated by Lydia Ma
On March 11, 2011, a strong earthquake followed by a tsunami devastated northeastern Japan, sweeping away houses, cars, and almost everything within 4 km of the seashore. Days later, news about leakage of radioactive material from Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant brought us to our knees and reminded us of our limitations and powerlessness in face of such devastations.
Nuclear power plants generate 30% of Taiwan’s electricity. To maintain a sustainable level of development that also protects our environment, we must consider increasing the use of renewable energy. The threats posed by nuclear power plants prompted PCT to issue a statement in 1992 that still rings true today.
That statement states the following: “Humankind and the whole ecological system are mutually interdependent and co-existent. Therefore, we strongly oppose this policy of nuclear development which so seriously damages Taiwan’s ecology and environment. We solemnly appeal to all Christians and all members of society, to honestly face the potential tragedy which any nuclear power station could bring upon us; we urge everyone to actively participate in the anti-nuclear movement, and at the same time actively pursue a simple lifestyle, and treasure the natural resources God has bestowed upon us. Let us spare no effort for the ongoing welfare of the people and land of Taiwan.”
Japan is a progressive country and the way in which it’s facing this national disaster is impressive. From alert systems and escape drills set in place before a disaster of this magnitude took place to professional news coverage that created an aura of calmness, this nation has much to teach Taiwanese media and citizens.
Not only has Taiwan’s news networks become untrustworthy in recent years, they’ve also become instruments for spreading bizarre superstitions and unhealthy levels of anxiety. Some news anchors and reporters have resorted to reporting news with such unnecessary drama that what they’ve accomplished in the end is scaring people instead of informing them.
Some Christians, taken back by these reports, begin to believe them and take what they’ve seen and heard as signs of an imminent Second Coming and proceed to scare people into accepting the gospel, creating more anxiety in Taiwanese society.
However, Jesus said plainly in the Bible that no one knows the exact day and hour of the Second Coming, not even angels or God the Son. Only God the Father knows. Jesus reminded his followers to stay calm but watchful, and to always remain in tune with God regardless of circumstances. He told us to stay optimistic, comfort suffering people, and be faithful stewards of the earth.
One famous British slogan that emerged from World War II is “keep calm and carry on”. This slogan was used by the British government to remind its citizens how to respond to Nazi bombings. In face of the tragedy in Japan, we would do well to heed this adage at a time when we don’t know the purpose behind so much suffering. It’s by being calm and collected that we’ll manage to overcome these hardships.
Despite much heartbreaking news, some heartwarming news are also emerging from this tragedy. For example, we recently heard that PCT youths are taking initiative in encouraging Japanese people. They’ve made an internet clip with children holding a hand-drawn Japanese flag with a smiley face and they’ve held bazaars to raise money for relief efforts in Japan.
Yes, together, we can overcome this if we KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON!
Editor’s note: To view the clip, go to http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150125369364303
