News and current issues

It’s almost time for the winners to be announced – that is, the 7 new wonders of the world.  The list has been narrowed down to 21, and now you can vote in the final 7.  There are only 35 hours left to vote, so you may have trouble accessing the site, but here it is – new7wonders.com.

Actually, if I understand right there will be 7 wonders plus an honorary member – the pyramids of Giza, Egypt.  The pyramids are the only remaining wonder of the ancient 7 wonders.

It was fascinating to look over the list of the final 21.  In a sense, it was amazing to see what people have accomplished all throughout history.  It also makes you wonder what could have been accomplished if it hadn’t been for death, war, and disease.  Then again, it was sad to see how misguided much of our achievement has been, and how small and old it all seems in the grand scheme of things.  "Unless the LORD builds…" (Psa 127:1)

Mexico has its own entry – Chich’en Itza (Chichén Itzá), in the northern centre of the Yucatán peninsula.  This was a major Mayan centre back in its day (the last half of the first millennium AD).  The city may have been destroyed violently in a civil war, but the details are vague.

The most famous part of the site is the Temple of Kukulcan, sometimes called El Castillo.  Kukulcan was a feathered serpent god worshipped by the Mayans, and on the fall and spring equinox the shadow of a snake slithers down the side of the temple following the sun’s movement.

Check out this 360° tour of the ruins of Chich’en Itza.  Here’s another interesting site about the ruins, particularly El Castillo.

The results will be announced on 07/07/07 in Lisbon, Portugal.  It will be broadcast around the world, featuring a who’s who’s of world celebrities.  You can catch it on TV or by webcast.

But as you watch the world’s best, celebrate something else – the day when all humankind’s fantastic energy, ingenuity and creativity will be focused on love for one another and the Creator.

Some of you may have heard on the news about the abortion vote in Mexico City.  Up until now, abortion all over Mexico was highly restricted.  Only a minuscule number of abortions could be performed legally (such as when the mother’s life was in danger).  As a matter of fact, in Latin America only two countries allow abortion on demand – Guyana and Cuba.

The new law, which won by a majority on the 24th of April, decriminalizes abortion, and funds killing the unborn baby that is up to 3 months old.  It’s only legal in Mexico City, however.  Women will nee to prove they are residents in order to have the procedure.

A lot of people are talking about the paradox of Mexico, a highly Roman Catholic country, legalizing abortion.  The Roman Catholic Church stands strongly against abortion, but that stand seemed to have little effect on the vote.  Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard said,"I have a lot of respect for issues of faith. … But this is a case where the affairs of state reign."

If your God fits in a little box in a small corner of your life, is He really God?  Of course, Ebrard used the ambigious word,"faith".

This was a sad prelude to Children’s Day, a big celebration in Mexico.

Mexico is an increasingly secular country that maintains a Roman Catholic culture.  I was talking to a Mexican friend (and pastor), and he felt that the laws would continue to be loosened throughout Mexico, and that more abortions would become legal nationwide.

There are countless problems with the practice of abortion.  I question why we can arbitrarily decide when a person becomes human.  I question its impact on society.  I question why mothers aren’t being taken care of properly, and why they often aren’t told the truth about abortion.  I pray that the whole family, from conception to old age, will be cared for by the community and come to know a loving God.

I’m going to do two photo journals on some of the events around Holy Week (Easter) here in Mexico.  I’m posting some shots of the TV coverage (this was going to be a video blog, but due to technical difficulties we’re sticking with the stills).

All over Mexico, every year, there are passion plays – depictions of His crucifixion and resurrection, and the time leading up to them.  Some of these are small local affairs, but some, such as those in Taxco and Iztapalapa (near Mexico City) are massive events.  Over a million (perhaps over 2 million) people come to Iztapalapa each year for this.

The events are acted in sequence in real time, including the last supper on Thursday.  But Friday is the biggest show – the crucifixion.  This is the biggest Good Friday event of its kind in the world.

TV coverage of the event

An announcer along the route where "Jesus" will pass carrying the cross

The crowds and cast members assemble.  This is an aerial view – those dots are people.  😉

The entire community is involved in the production.  There are costumes, horses, the whole bit.  I should add that not everything here is entirely "fake".  The actor cast as Jesus must have serious physical stamina to endure beatings, a very heavy cross and significant time on the cross.

Many people actually ask the actor portraying Jesus for a miracle.  Though they realize he is an actor, they believe God will answer them because of their devotion.  In the same way, many of the several hundred actors are looking for miracles, or believe they have been directed by God to be a part of the play.

Pontius Pilot speaks to the crowd

Aerial shot of "Jesus" being beaten by the Roman soldiers.  Notice the angel on the left.

"Jesus" on the way to Gologtha, and I think the woman represents his mother Mary.  She’s holding his mic.

With all these realistic props, it’s quite a shock to all of a sudden see Jesus being interviewed by a reporter!

This is not just about the passion of Jesus.  There’s quite a party atmosphere nearby – balloons, food, beer, and secular music.  Quite a contrast to the somber scenes being portrayed!

Throughout the day, they interviewed a lot of people who were visiting Iztapalapa or Taxco or wherever.  Of course I could only understand so much, but there were quite a range of responses to the event.

Woman meditates on the event.  Some people really took the time to consider Jesus’ suffering, though how many really understand what it means is another question.  Many commented that this was an important "cultural" event for Mexico and the Roman Catholic Church.

Other people said that they just came as a family tradition, or that they simply enjoyed the time with friends.

A thief on one of the crosses

At the moment of death, and angel above the cross releases a dove.

Read more about the Iztapalapa passion play here.  In the next photo journal, I’ll write a little more about other Mexican traditions during Holy Week.