Editorial: Keep calm and carry on!

["Taiwan Church News" <enews@pctpress.org>]

3082 Edition

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

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