Living Faith: Belief and Doubt in a Perilous World

"Faith demands that we give free play to uncertainty.....In the face of the innumerable proofs that the forecasters can't forecast...we have to go back to the wisdom of faith. The worst is always possible, no one can prevent it from materializing. We will never master the forces we unleash....(Faith) can see clearly and speak out-not to terrify people and start a panic, but to bring them around to a sober evaluation of what can be accomplished without creating some terminal danger." I do love this. Jacques Ellul was an evangelical protestant law professor who has written a multitude of books on various subjects. He very definitely is an intellectual, and what I love about him most is that he always provides a fresh perspective on whatever subject he tackles. This is rare in American evangelical writings. He is a watcher, one who heeds Christ's warnings to watch and pray. I don't think many evangelicals in my country really watch world events closely as they should. (I must qualify that last statement. Some evangelicals, especially those involved with missionary work know better than anyone, the tragedies that are happening every day, all over the world. A case in point is Sudan where, over 10 years ago, church leaders informed their laity of the horrors there, through videos, sunday school talks, radio, and newsletters. Most evangelical lay persons have their blinders on like everyone else, and spend more time rejoicing in their perfect christian, biblical precepts). The first two thirds of this book defines what faith and belief is as he sees it, which since I know what I believe in regards to my faith, I pretty much skimmed through those sections. I loved part 3-"YET FORTY DAYS ..." SAID JONAH. In this section he highlights the many horrors of the last century all over the globe and the various movements behind them. He sees politics as an evil in itself in that, especially without G-d's direction, it is self serving whatever organization or movement one belongs to. (And if one is not organized in one of these groups, one is highly likely to get trampled upon in the process). Even faith when used as an instrument to "solve problems...ensure our survival...it's just one more illusion, the G-d it speaks to is no longer there. He becomes a shadow, and heaven is empty again." He talks about people of true faith in his chapter "Faith and the Exodus" who "become, not charismatic leaders, but those who let others show what they can do." People of true faith step out upon the raging waters of the sea to try to stop the tides of destruction. That takes real faith because there is a risk to your own safety. Jonah's exodus was to Nineveh, a pagan city. He didn't say repent and I will give you heaven, but repent because the storms you are unleashing will bring utter ruin to all. Jacques Ellul believes we are in the end times before Christ's return though he doesn't outright say so. His last words are "men and women of faith, of fa