"No Euroshima"

A tidal wave of horror at the prospect of nuclear war swept over Europe in the autumn of 1981. Massive week-end demonstrations were staged in many Western European cities - in Bonn and Paris, in London and Amsterdam, in Rome and Madrid. More than two million people are estimated to have taken part. A similar concern among Eastern Europeans was reflected in a march of 300,000 people through Bucharest, the capital of Rumania; they were demanding the withdrawal of nuclear weapons from both Eastern and Western Europe.

"No Euroshima" was just one of many slogans displayed on banners as parades swarmed the city centres. Other slogans were equally telling "Today's babies are tomorrow's dead"; "The bomb will not be our tomb"; "I am afraid".

The organization of these protests has varied from country to country, with religious, political and humanitarian groups all becoming involved. Whatever their basic motivation, they have recognized a great groundswell of opinion against the fearful prospect of Europe's being the chief sufferer in a nuclear conflict between super-powers. This fear, of course, has been intensified by the plan to deploy nuclear intermediate missiles in several NATO countries of Western Europe. Unguarded remarks by several American leaders about the possibility of a "limited" nuclear war being fought in Europe inflamed resentment in countries which would bear the brunt of suffering.

The demonstrated strength of public opinion in Western Europe against "nuclear incineration" was doubtless a factor influencing President Reagan to announce what has become known as the "zero option". His audience is said to have been "the largest ever to watch a live presidential speech", probably 200 million people. He offered to forego plans to place 572 new medium range missiles in Europe, if the USSR would scrap comparable nuclear missiles already deployed against Western Europe.

Our responsibility as believers includes a prayerful concern for all men, "for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity" (1 Tim. 2:1-2). The very possibility of nuclear war should stir our hearts to prayer for divine restraint on world rulers. In His mercy and longsuffering our God is able to overrule human affairs to prevent major nuclear conflict.

The effectiveness of the praying Christian in fellowship with God is immense. "The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working" (James 5:16). We shall certainly exert more influence through prayer than through participation in protest. As Abraham pleaded with God for Sodom and Gomorrah he achieved the amazing promise that if there were but ten righteous persons in those cities they would be spared from divine judgement. When ultimately we are able to look back over history from God's viewpoint, we shall be able to understand more fully how God has responded to Christian supplication regarding the perils of their time.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego were confident that God was able to deliver them from the burning fiery furnace (Dan. 3:17); "but if not", they would nevertheless still trust in God, even unto death. We too believe in God's power to control world affairs away from nuclear war; but if not, each believer in Christ can trust Him in every circumstance:

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore will we not fear, though the earth do change,

And though the mountains be moved in the heart of the seas;

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,

Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.

The destructive convulsions which may result from nuclear conflict beggar imagination. Yet nothing can separate the believer from the love of Christ

"neither death, nor life, ... nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers ... nor any other creature". Therefore will we not fear!

Certain it is that wars and rumours of wars will continue until He comes whose right it is to reign. Only He, the Prince of peace, will be able to bring lasting peace to this planet. The word "peace" is on the lips of many world rulers, even as they amass armaments for war. But Scripture warns that even when they are saying "Peace and safety", sudden destruction will come upon them (1 Thess. 5:3).

The inevitability of human failure to achieve abiding peace should help us to realize the most effective use of our Christian energies - in prayer, in the furtherance of the gospel of peace, in the making of disciples who will turn to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven (1 Thess. 1:9, 10).

unknown | Apr 1982
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