Two countries — many similarities

Japan and Canada are not that different.

OK — one is an island, the other stretches for miles surrounded on three sides by water.

But in other ways we are similar.  Perhaps it is the last few decades that are bringing us together.

The pressure of the job is tremendous.  And now, in Japan, the “company” cannot be counted on to give security.  Youth are not always looking for a career when they graduate — a MacDonald’s job is fine (their parents still have to support them).  Hope is a commodity not easily assimilated into daily life.

Japan is not a poor country.  Citizens love to travel.  But money does not overcome loneliness.  The bonds of family loyalty are being stretched.

As I have listened to, interacted with, and shared life together with Don and Carol Love and their family, I’m surprised at how Japan, their adopted country, mirrors a number of Canadian quandries.  As they spoke of religion, the civil society was exposed.  We too live in  a country where we have relative stability.  And yet the veneer of civility could easily be stripped away.  There is little foundation for love of neighbours or family loyalty.  The secular person refers back to religion to appease powers and gods.  Only Christianity brings a reason for love that is based in forgiveness and a loving God.

As our societies continue to collapse, the true distinctiveness of Christianity will be exposed.  Not without opposition.  Not without defiance.  But the contrast will grow more evident.

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