Place de la Paix: The EU Is Not At Peace

This blogger was in Norway when a majority of voters in the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union ("EU"). Norway is the seventh richest country in the world and the second richest in Europe after Luxembourg in terms of Gross Domestic Product in 2016 [1] and is not a member of the EU [2].

In comparison, the United Kingdom is not ranked among the top 13 richest countries [3] and was a member of the EU [4] since August 2, 1993, [5] making it one of the 12 countries that together symbolizes "the identity and unity of Europe" [6]. They even came up with a flag with 12 gold stars forming a circle against a blue background. It would be a mistake, however, to assume that the 12 gold stars represent the first 12 members of the EU because according to some accounts, "[t]he number of stars has nothing to do with the number of member countries." [7], [8].

The fact that UK exiting the EU ("Brexit") [9] has no effect upon the EU flag is in a way parallel to the fact that Brexit has no bearing on this blog. So why mention it? Because Brexit has created uncertainty in the marketplace, causing stress upon those who have tied their financial fate to the supposed indissolubility of the EU. This supposition was proven wrong by the June 23, 2016, referendum, wiping out global equity wealth totaling US$2.08 trillion [10]. The currency markets were also affected with the British pound dropping to a 31-year low against the US dollar on June 27, 2016, with £1 equaling to US$1.3320 [11].

Those who are in turmoil ought to realize that God is still at the center and Divine Love has not wavered. It is a good time to step back and meditate on these words of Christ separating what is secular from what is sacred: "'[G]ive back to Ceasar what is Ceasar's, and to God what is God's.'" [12]

Man's artificial constructs such as political alliances and trade unions can be dissolved as easily as they can be formed, the value of a currency can depreciate to reflect reality [13] and material possessions can be destroyed in a natural disaster and in a war. Even if society remains somewhat intact, it depends on a functional and reliable planet with the right amount of sunshine, air, water and gravity for its inhabitants to exist, but these things are often overlooked in this dysfunctional world of economics, politics and secularism. Sometimes, it is necessary to pause and be reminded of the this planet earth and all that it offers, and to recognize the Creator Who has dominion over it and the universe in which it spins.

For those who might stumble on this entry and are troubled by uncertainties of this world, below are a few photos taken in Norway, affirming that planet earth is still providing for the existence of each and every life, not only the bare minimum of what is needed but in abundance and in inexplicable beauty.