In the UK it's General Election time but this time it has suddenly become a little more exciting with our traditional third party suddenly finding itself in second place statistically (though with Britain's first past the post system the party in third place in terms of the overall vote - Labour - will win the most seats because of the distribution of those seats and will still form the next government and the party with the most overall vote - Conservative - (not that there is much in it) will become the opposition and the party in second place - Lib Dems - will hold the balance of power possibly in a Hung Parliament. At the moment... don't you love the way a system throws up these very peculiar results?) It's better than the X-Factor.)
Why? (Can you remember the question?). Why have we been gripped by an enthusiasm for the underdog to win? It's quite biblical, certainly, even if Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader is an atheist. But it does suggest people like the possibility of upsetting the status quo and possibly being refreshed by something alternative. Well, that's only true as far as prospective results are concerned. When it comes down to the real thing people are far more conservative (small 'c') in the choices they make. But then that's a biblical issue too.
At the end of the day everyone knows we tend to be reluctant to choose something that takes us out of familiar territory, even it if it just a territory of mud slinging, more inequality, competitive lifestyles and yaboo politics. It's human nature, but not God's nature. The biblical story is one where the call is to move out and on. Hmmm. Surely the General Election and our politicians aren't teaching the church something?
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