Crumbling Barriers In Eastern Europe

Last year President Gorbachev's personality and policies had a momentous impact on the Eastern European states of the Warsaw Pact. Perestroika having brought new freedoms within the USSR, strong popular movements were aroused across Russia's western borders from the Baltic to the Black Sea.

Gorbachev made clear that each country should decide for itself what form of government it preferred. Hungary took quick advantage of the changed political climate. Early in 1989 the Hungarian Parliament voted to allow free elections. Within four months leaders who had dominated the country for thirty years were removed, and five months later the newly elected party formally renounced communism. Barbed wire barriers along Hungary's borders with Austria were dismantled, and in September a twenty-year agreement with East Germany requiring Hungary to block the passage of East Germans to the West was suspended. On October 29 Hungary declared itself an independent republic.

Events also moved swiftly in Poland. The once outlawed Solidarity movement was legalized, and in April 1989 free elections were promise~ The June 4 elections gave Solidarity an overwhelming majority, and on August 19 one of its leaders became the first non-communist Prime Minister in Eastern Europe since World War II.

In East Germany discontent was expressed by the exodus of thousands to West Germany, despite regulations forbidding travel to Western countries. Early in October protest demonstrations in East Berlin, Leipzig and Dresden were violently broken up by security forces, but by October 18 the country's leader was forced to resign and a more conciliatory policy followed. Restrictions on travel were lifted and free elections promised. In a dramatic move it was announced that on November 9 the infamous Berlin Wall would no longer be a barrier between the east and west of the city. This announcement brought tremendous celebrations in Berlin and caused world-wide amazement at such a complete reversal of policy.

The month of November was also to see the tides of change sweeping into Bulgaria and Czechoslovakia, long-standing leaders being removed

and new freedoms introduced. Finally Romania's Communist dictatorship was overturned, but only after terrible bloodshed.

It is not easy to evaluate these sensational developments in relation to the "word of prophecy" in Scripture. Any direct connection may remain obscure for the time being. In more general terms, however, the Christian observer must be impressed by the astonishing speed of such fundamental change. The established order in Eastern Europe had remained solidly structured over forty years since World War II. Military and economic integration with the USSR locked the Warsaw Pact countries into a uniform political system. It seemed incredible that within a year the forces of change could advance so far. We are living in momentous times, and have again been forcibly reminded that the world scene depicted in Scripture at the time of the end could be moved into place with dramatic suddenness.

Of immediate practical interest is the possibility that these changes in Eastern Europe may bring greater liberties for Christian believers. The situation has of course varied from country to country, the Romanian government having been particularly oppressive. "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them", we read in Hebrews 13:3. Doubtless this exhortation applied originally to disciples in churches of God at that time, but we rightly feel a sense of kinship with all believers who suffer for the sake of the Name. As their hearts are gladdened by relieved conditions, how thankfully' we "rejoice with them that rejoice" (Rom. 12:15).

Observation of current political developments should not be seen as any indication that disciples of Christ ought to be engaged in political activities The Lord leaves His disciples in the world, but they are not to be of the world (John 17:16). His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Christian activity should be centred on the spiritual furtherance of the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3; 8:12; 20:25; 28:30,31).

Nevertheless Scripture confirms that the rise and fall of nations and their leaders are under the control of the Most High (Dan. 2:21; Rom. 13:1). It also shows the relevance of certain political situations to the development of divine purpose (e.g. Dan. 2:3744; Acts 4:27,28). Christian awareness of current events is important from this distinctive point of view.

unknown | Apr 1990
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