The Y2K Frenzy
Some Ways You Might Respond to the Y2K Bug in a Christian Way and/or Without Looking Real Silly
Steve Dennie
July 1999
After my basement flooded last summer, I decided to get a little generator to run the sump when rainstorms knock out the electricity. But I waited too long. Now it's easier to find the Holy Grail. I figure I'll wait until January, when the classifieds will probably offer lots of unused generators by disappointed Y2K survivalists who will be eating freeze-dried food well into the next century.
We Christians love apocalyptic scenarios. End Times books squeeze each new world event and technological achievement between the lines of Revelation, with the conclusion that Christ's return is imminent, society is on the brink of collapse, and we need to be ready. Now along comes Y2K--a real problem, for sure--and way too many people are preparing for the end of life as we know it. My observation: Christians are doing the most to whip up the panic. Get out of the stock market. Convert everything to gold coins. Stock up on food. Drill a well. Buy candles and lanterns. Install a generator. Bury a gas tank in the yard. And get a gun so you can protect your precious hoard.
In April, the denominational General Board raised concerns about the way in which many Christians are over-reacting to Y2K. They suggested that this newsletter caution UB churches and members against behaving in unbiblical ways and, quite possibly, looking like fools in their community come January. The problem is, nobody really knows what will happen. The Y2K bug is real, and every week it causes glitches here and there (which are remedied without fanfare, and life goes on). So, what are some ways Christians should respond to Y2K? Consider the following.
1. It's better to be prepared than to do nothing and hope for the best. A number of UB churches have appointed committees to consider ways their church could prepare and minister in the event of Y2K problems. You might consider that (but put at least one skeptic on the committee).
2. When uncertainty reigns, people tend to listen more closely to God. That's an opportunity for the church. Fear is not of God. The future is in God's hands, and He takes care of His people. Let the world see your trust in God. If, on the other hand, people see Christians relying on generators and Kruggerands and food stockpiles--what makes us different? Where's the witness?
3. A bunker mentality--withdrawing and protecting our stash--doesn't please God. That is selfish and unbecoming of Christ's church. Be salt and light, not a squirrel.
4. Be ready to help the poor, the widows, the elderly, and the shut-ins in your midst. If major disruptions occur, they may be least able to cope (particularly in the dead of winter).
5. Think beyond North America. Y2K problems will be greater in Third World countries. The US and Canada are investing vast resources to prevent problems, and we'll have priority when it comes to fixing whatever problems do occur. But in other countries where UB people live--Honduras, Nicaragua, India, Mexico, Thailand--the worst-case scenarios may actually occur, and those countries lack the resources to fix things. They buy high-tech goods from US companies and just use them, with no idea of the Y2K-deficient microchips embedded in them. How might you help them?
6. Opportunists selling survival gear are preying on people's fears and uncertainty, selling them stuff they can't afford so they can prepare for problems which probably won't occur. Provide a balanced, calming perspective in your community. Don't feed the frenzy. And consider how you might alleviate the panic which may well occur in late November and December.
Now, you ask, how will I personally prepare?
Pam and I will stock the pantry above it's typically minimal level, and we'll take out extra cash. Just in case. As for how I expect to spend New Year's Day: after crawling out of bed, I'll check Headline News and CNN to see where the Y2K bug has caused problems, go online to check some news websites for other Y2K sightingsÉand then go to Mom and Dad's and spend the rest of the day watching football. If I'm not able to do all of that, send me a note that says, "Told you so." I can take it.
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