As I write large parts of the Middle East as well as several African countries are in turmoil as ethnic and religious violence wreak havoc, and the world stands by apparently helpless to do anything to stop the cruelty and assist the innocent who are caught up in the terrible situations we hear reported nearly every day. It’s no wonder that many people turn their backs on organised religion when they see what is done in the name of Christianity or Islam. It is a cause of great sadness for many people that their religion has been hi-jacked by extremists; no normal “mainstream” Christian or Muslim would either do or approve of those appalling actions.

Extremism or fundamentalism in any form, whether religious or political, is something that many of us view with suspicion; the absolutist character which seems to disregard and nullify the nuances of life and belief don’t sit easily with a modern, questioning, searching mind. “Post-modern” is a title which many of us would gladly wear – and it can more simply be described as “Pick ‘n’ Mix”; we tend to be magpies, choosing the bits of faith and political life which suit us. I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing either, for who can possibly “know the mind of God” and encapsulate him and his wishes for the world in any one creed, dogma, or point of view? “God moves in a mysterious way” and we catch glimpses of him when we choose to open our eyes and our minds.

Introduce Science into the debate and everything gets even more messy, and often more heated too:- Creation vs Big Bang, The Garden of Eden vs Evolution, Spirituality vs Psychology, and, sadly, far too often one either “must” take one point of view or the other. Being a simple soul I am content, really, to believe 100% in God and be fairly uncertain about everything else! Except that I do believe God wants the best for the whole of his creation, and wants us to use our Godgiven brains, skills and abilities to enjoy all that has been provided and to strive for peace, righteousness and justice for the whole of creation. Religion and Science both have a part to play in that struggle, as does each one of us.