Britain is leaving the European Union. But what does that mean? No one is quite sure.
The momentous decision has brought with it excitement for some but fear and confusion for others, and has provoked a flurry of jargon into the British lexicon. Will we be facing a 'hard Brexit', a 'soft Brexit', a 'clean Brexit' or a 'red, white and blue Brexit'?
As the UK's general election looms nearer, banal soundbites about 'strong and stable leadership' and a 'coalition of chaos' abound. Some warn of a 'messy divorce'. Everyone is confused.
Whatever the results of the election, tough negotiations clearly await Britain in the next two years. The soundbites and sloganizing don't shed much light, but Christians may be able to point to some godly wisdom for such times. Scripture is full of conflict, compromise and warring parties making complex decisions about their futures.
It's time to find out where God stands on Brexit. Here are six Bible stories to help us out of Europe.
1. Lot's land-grab
Human beings have always been passionate about land. Our modern nation-states are defined by our regional boundaries and assets, often won through conflict, but humankind has negotiated territory for millennia. In Genesis 13, we see an uncle and his nephew (Abram and Lot) decide to part ways when sharing wealth becomes tricky and quarrelling begins.
'So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left"' (Genesis 13:8-9).
So Lot looks around, sees that the plain of the Jordan is well watered and prosperous, and goes to live there.
Abram lives in Canaan, but is told that the surrounding land will be his forever, and his family will endure forever. Which bodes well. In contrast, Lot's 'well-watered land' is near the sinful city of Sodom, a land soon destroyed in fiery judgement, where Lot's wife is turned to salt. Altogether, an unsuccessful move.
So, the lesson here: families can separate amicably, but be careful where you pitch your tent. A good-looking deal might not end so well.
2. Proverbial wisdom
The book of Proverbs contains profound wisdom for those facing conflict and the need to negotiate. Last summer's referendum stirred up a lot of rage, but for successful resolution now, Britain must seek a calmer path. 'For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife,' says Proverbs 30:33.
'Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs' (Proverbs 10:12), and 'a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger' (Proverbs 15:1).
Arrogance is to be avoided. Proverbs 11:14 teaches that 'For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers,' while 12:15 says: 'The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.'
3. Solomon's judgment
One day two women approached King Solomon, each claiming to be the mother of the same baby. The story's in 1 Kings 3:16-28.
'They argued back and forth in front of Solomon, until finally he said, "Both of you say this live baby is yours. Someone bring me a sword."' He ordered: 'Cut the baby in half! That way each of you can have part of him.'
One of them begs him to give the whole child to the other rather than kill him; the other tells him to go ahead. It's easy to see who's the real mother.
In this analogy, the two women are Britain and the EU, and the baby is the people of the continent of Europe. As a negotiating tactic, it's high risk. It worked because one of them was prepared to put the good of the child before her own interests. If neither of them had blinked, the consequence might have been tragic.
It still might.
4. Abigail the advocate
In 1 Samuel 25, a woman named Abigail intervenes to stop an angry David from killing her then-husband Nabal for his apparent ingratitude to David. Abigail placates David by offering him a feast of food, many sheep and giving him wise counsel. She advises him not to 'have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed', and reminds him of the 'lasting dynasty' God has promised him. David is won over, crisis is averted and peace wins the day.
Abigail is remembered for her wise intervention, which modern politics should learn from too. If the EU is angry at Britain for leaving and wants it punished, we must placate them with our plentiful stock in sheep. Later in the story, Abigail marries David, so played well, Brexit might not end in a messy divorce after all.
5. The Jerusalem council
Since its very beginning, the Church has been no stranger to internal conflict – but it can be done well. In Acts 15, we see a defining moment for the Church, the AD 50 Council of Jerusalem, where it decreed whether Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians should be circumcised or not.
Circumcision was essential to Jewish identity, but was it necessary for new followers of Jesus, now the gospel message was going beyond Israel to the entire world? Some said it was necessary for salvation – Paul and Barnabas disagreed. Apostles and elders gathered for debate. They heard the different sides, then made a decision.
They decide that 'we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God', and circumcision was not demanded of new converts. They emphasised that it's faith that saves, not circumcision. Who knows what shape the Church would have taken otherwise?
Often wisdom means addressing division and seeking a common way forward. Paul and Barnabas, who agreed in this instance, later had to go their separate ways when they disagreed about their next steps. We're told that 'They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company (Acts 15:39)'.
Sometimes a break-up is needed – but it doesn't have to be a fight.
6. The Prodigal Son
In perhaps Jesus' most famous parable (Luke 15:11-32), an avaricious son asks his father for his inheritance before its due (when the father dies). The father gracefully grants his wish, the son leaves home and things don't go well. When the son's riches are squandered, he realises he was foolish and never should have left. He hopes to return home finding work as a mere servant, but the loving father – holding no grudge – welcomes him back with open arms.
The household celebrate the return of the son who was lost but is now found. To be clear, Jesus' story is about the beauty of the gospel, not about the EU. Nonetheless, does this tale hint that though Britain may leave its proverbial home, demanding numerous benefits on the way to its eventual Brexit poverty, all could one day be restored? Who can say?
At the very least it reminds us to value family, to not be demanding, and choose grace over grudges.
Scripture's stories remind us that our conflicts and dilemmas are typically human. They often can't be avoided, but they can be weathered with wisdom.
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