I believe that one of the reasons that the political extremist are prominent in many parts of the world is because of one thing : fear.

This fear - of change, of not being heard, of becoming worse off - is a big part of extremist politics. These movements focus on destroying an unlikely possibility, rather than given the electorate an alternative viewpoint.

I want the BNP to give more ideas on other parts of everyday life, not just immigration and Britishness. I want the American far-right to provide more evidence to their claims, rather than attack alternatives with misinformation and hyperbole. I want transparency to exist throughout all political thought. Let's see where the 'beef' is.

I believe that the Church, the bringers of God's Kingdom, need to be less imbued with most fears. The church seems to take aim at shooting itself in the foot when the call for political/social action comes.

When the NHS came into existence, not long after World World Two, the national church opposed it. There was a feeling of mistrust of the government helping and enhancing the work already in place (see here). What we see now is a health care that is accessible and to the benefit to all.

This is happening with the Health Reforms in the States: the church does not want to provide for 60 million people because of the potential increase of abortion. Pregnancy terminations effects our understanding of human worth; so is the people not receiving care in times of ill health and disability because of low income or social security dependence.

A church might fundraise for new equipment in their building, for fear of not looking modern; yet not know of anyone in need.

A denomination can hold certain ethical views so tightly, in certainty of living the 'right way', that God can be squeezed out with it.

Some Churches only donate to Christian charities, whatever the crisis or appeal; fearing compassion without a homily will eradicate the Gospel.

Now is the time for the church to follow the way of Jesus.

(I know. It's silly isn't it?)

Jesus was a no-strings attached kind of guy. When He cared for anyone, He healed, He listened, but He never made anyone believe they had anything to fear: Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole(Luke 8:50); Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Jesus gave His frustration to the religious authorities (check out the seven Woes in John's Gospel), which reverberates in certain parts of Christianity today.

It is time to stop finding comfort in fear, and be comforted by the words of the Comforter.