In Depth:  Charley Ballinger

letter from New Zealand

As I have written previously, New Zealand is often at the cutting edge of progressive law making. With euthanasia it is no different; we are amongst 19 jurisdictions in the world where it is legal to request medical help to die.

The End of Life Choice Act came into force on 7 November 2021: as a result almost 1,000 people have been euthanised. When the law was introduced the Ministry of Health was required to review it after three years. The review was published at the end of November 2024, and many of the recommendations made are alarming for those who believe in the sanctity of life.

letter from New Zealand

New Zealand sees itself as a forerunner when it comes to progressive thinking: in 1893 New Zealand became the first self-governing country to award women the vote. And, whilst many of the progressive advances have brought good, there have been others which have had a detrimental impact.

One such ‘progressive advance’ came in 2018 when the Anglican Church of Aoetearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia (ACANZP) voted to bless same-sex relationships despite this being contrary to Scripture and the Church’s canons.

letter from Japan

‘You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed … There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains’ (Matt. 24:6-8).

With the war in Ukraine well into its second year, severe droughts in Ethiopia and extreme weather, this verse is a prescient exhortation. This verse came to mind whilst my mother was visiting us in Japan from the UK.

letter from Japan

If you look on Google there are over 22 million hits for Japanese queueing etiquette.

‘Japanese people are well-mannered, and they respect the rules, that is known throughout the world.’

letter from Japan

‘The nail that sticks out gets hammered down’ is a well-known Japanese proverb. The meaning behind this proverb comes from a strong cultural emphasis on conformity.

Japanese culture is heavily influenced by both Confucianism and Buddhism; within both of these ideologies there is a focus on group harmony over individual well-being.

letter from Japan

If you have ever read the Chronicles of Narnia you may remember reading the words ‘Aslan is on the move’.

As you did so, perhaps a chill went down your spine as the prospect of the coming victory over evil becomes a palpable reality. Well, as I write, a chill goes down my spine as it would seem that the Lord is on the move here in Japan.