HOW SHOULD WE LIVE IN THESE CHALLENGING TIMES? (PART II)

In continuation of our discussion of the above subject, let us review recent events as they relate to economics, natural happenings, and religion.

Economics:

The late-2000s financial crisis, also known as the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) or the "Great Recession", is considered by many economists to be the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. It resulted in the collapse of large financial institutions, the bailout of banks by national governments and downturns in stock markets around the world. In many areas, the housing market also suffered, resulting in numerous evictions, foreclosures and prolonged unemployment. It contributed to the failure of key businesses, declines in consumer wealth estimated in the trillions of U.S. dollars, and a significant decline in economic activity, leading to a severe global economic recession in recent years.

Natural Disasters:

Here, I will like to refer to World Disasters Report of 2016 issued by The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). This body is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network. The Report includes data of natural disasters of a decade (year 2006-2015). The ‘disasters’ reported refer to those with a natural and/or technological trigger only, and do not include wars, conflict-related famines, diseases or epidemics.

Total number of reported disasters: 8,000

Total number of people reported killed: 771,911

Total number of people reported as affected: 1.9Billion

Total amount of disaster estimated damage: USD 1.4 Trillion

Just to put the above information in context, it would appear that given a world population of about 7.5 Billion people, then almost 2 out of 7 people have been affected by natural disasters in the last one decade!

Religion:

When we take a look at religion it is the same sad story. One would have expected that at least this area of human endeavor will offer some solace to perplexed humanity. But what do we find? Religious intolerance which sometimes leads to violence or mindless terrorism! Religious bodies expend so much energy to recruit masses to join them so that these same religious bodies can become richer, bigger, more powerful and more influential. The flamboyant and arrogant life styles of some religious leaders are legendary. The popular offer from some religious bodies today is prosperity and earthly comfort while the important aspect of the urgent need for repentance and turning to our Creator is cleverly downplayed if not altogether avoided. Many stories that come to us these days are simply ridiculous. We hear of preachers marching on the bodies of their followers, making them eat grass and so on. Does this state of affairs not remind us of the false prophets?