The Prime Minister has called for today to be observed as a National Day of Mourning for the victims of the tragedy in Bali last weekend. Our hearts go out to the many families who have lost loved-ones and especially to those who are going through the agonising process of trying to identify and retrieve the remains. Our prayers go also for those who have been injured, and in particular for those who are still fighting to survive or who face a crippled future.

Much has already been spoken and written about this tragic event in the past week. Journalists, radio commentators, politicians and just ordinary people have tried to come to grips, and to make some sense of this barbaric slaughter of ordinary people, our own people, so close to our own shores.

One academic spoke of a "loss of innocence" that has occurred in the community at large. Even though we had been shaken be the terrorist attacks of September 11, they had been "over there", a long way from our ordinary lives. Now the terror has come very close. Many of the victims were just ordinary Australians doing what the average ordinary Australian loves to do; enjoying a night out.

On the surface, the bombing of the Bali nightclub appears to be an act or senseless slaughter of "innocent" civilians. But there are some deep issues at stake which we do well to heed.

It would appear that the bombings were the work of Muslim "fundamentalists" who are no more representatives of the whole of Islam than Christian "fundamentalists" are of the whole of Christianity. However, the fundamentalist movement, which advocates a very hard line in moral and religious code, has been gaining considerable ground over the last few decades in many Muslim countries. Numerous countries have introduced 'Shariah' Law, where, for example, a woman can be stoned to death for adultery and thieves have their hand cut off.

There are many moderate Muslims who reject such severe standards and seek to live in peace with their Western neighbours. It is very wrong for us to develop attitudes of hatred to all Muslims because of the actions of a minority of fanatics. However, we must still recognise that the fanatics can wield great power, and are increasing their influence in many parts of the Muslim world.

To the fundamentalist Muslim, the nightclubs that were targeted in Bali represent much that is hated in the Western "Christian" world. Strict fundamentalist Islam is very concerned with moral and religious purity. The service of Allah is emphasised over personal enjoyment. Alcohol is forbidden, and it is shameful and offensive for women to expose any part of their bodies. The Balinese nightclubs were places that were deeply offensive to a Muslim fundamentalist.

But, it must be said that there is much about the hedonistic, self-indulgent lifestyle of the average Aussie, exemplified in these and many other night clubs, that is offensive to our God! While we deplore the horror and the suffering caused by a few fanatics, while we mourn with those who have lost parents, children, friends or team mates, and pray for those struggling with their injuries, we must not overlook the fact that the judgement of God is over our nation for some of the very things that provoked this outrage!

In the Book of Revelation, which we have been studying at Home Group, there are many warnings of terrible calamities and suffering coming upon the earth. These are specifically sent by God, in accord with His precise timing, as a judgment on the godlessness and immorality of the majority of the world's population.

In Revelation 9:15, for example, four angels are released at the precise time God has appointed, to go forth and kill a third of mankind! The sobering consequence of 9:20,21 is that, in spite of this horrendous disaster, the rest of mankind did not repent of their false worship, idolatry, immorality etc.

It is the attitude of the repentance towards God, and faith and trust in Him alone that is the only guarantee that we will make it through this life and stand in His presence. As Jesus himself said, at the news of terrible disasters "Unless you repent you too will all perish." (Luke 13:3-5)

Today is a Day or Mourning. But it is also a day to re-examine our own lives, and our relationship with the God before whom we all must one day give account.

John Davies
20 October 2002