On his blog yesterday Fr Jones, of S. Peter’s, London Docks, left a throw away line that struck home. So much so I want to dedicate today’s post to exploring it further and ending with an observation which, though obvious, is worth stating LOUDLY. Here is what Fr. Jones wrote: I find myself meditating on themes of an intellectually bankrupt culture, a morally bankrupt society, a theologically bankrupt communion and a financially bankrupt country.
1) An intellectually bankrupt culture:
In recent times we have built up a shallow culture of ’self’. Our media revel in mediocrity and we are encouraged to worship ‘celebrity’ in and of itself. We see just how intellectually empty culture has become when we aknowledge that more people vote for X Factor than at a General election. And sadly more people are interested in the colour of Jordan’s knickers than the plight on Jordan’s banks! (I like that one!) Just compare the work of today’s artists – epitomised by the cocaine fuelled Tracy Emin:
with those of past masters- epitomised by the alcohol fuelled Caravaggio:
There is nothing between the artists by way of morality- but, my goodness, there is difference in the end product. For where Caravaggio spent years studying the very discipline of painting- Emin was ‘discovered’ – accepted on the strength of her innovative thought and outrageous character alone. Such comparisons can be found in most every field of expertise, save technology. It seems today’s people have facts at their finger-tips, and extraordinary skills of communication, but lack genuine depth and substance. Where is that rounded knowledge found in educated folk of pre-war Britain?
2) A morally bankrupt society:
All societies have created crime, wickedness and decadence. But, at the risk of sounding like the Daily Mail, the sheer level of immorality today is staggering. Modern opinion asserts; lack of money is the cause of social evil- but this does not bear scrutiny. For Victorian England had slums and poverty in much greater number. Yet the working classes, though littered with rogues, were more honest, hard working and decent. Perhaps the real difference is that previous generation were taught ‘right from wrong’ at Sunday School-(also called morality) where today’s generation are indulged with the selfish values of secularism? We might add further proof by citing modern abortion figures, divorce levels, etc
3) A theologically bankrupt communion
Compare the writings of current Bishops, with those of Cardinal Newman. In grammar and structure alone- the giant of Anglo-Catholocism embarrasses his whimsical contempories. Indeed lack of intelligence in the modern House of Bishops is alarming. Most every problem today could have been avoided with careful thought and coherent theology. But it seems innovation is ushered in without consideration of consequence. The perfect example is women’s ordination. Such change in practice is either right or wrong, theologically coherent or not. But the C of E made no such decision nor offered a definitive theology. Rather it foolishly ushered in women priests whilst simultaneously validating the claims of opponents!! However expedient it seemed- it has caused only confusion, pain and disunity. Hardly surprising is it? And we must ask ‘where was the theological integrity?’ of those who voted at that time?
4) A financially bankrupt country:
It is little surprise that a nation worshipping cunsumerism and self ends up in financial ruin. Where previous generations saved and then spent- the current lot have spent, lent and borrowed money that is not even real! So that when things needs accounting for- the reality hits hard. You cannot recall the emporer’s clothes to the cupboard- if the clothes were never there in the first place! The self delusion is over and we awake to a sobering reality- the current generation have selfishly gathered, feasting on the glut of wealth created by over inflated housing markets et al- only to bankrupt the nation for their grandchildren. Leaving us, in all likely hood, with debt around our necks for ages to come. Worst still the glut involved selling off energy companies and production lines. We are left with little of value- save bits of paper and imaginary commodities. See what greed produces?
So to my conclusion as I ponder these things:The further this nation has gone from GOD – the more it has degenerated. The more it has placed value in atheism and secularism, abandoning its Christian past, the more it has weakened its identitiy and substance. So dear Britain- the message is simple. The solution is clear:
Repent- for the Kingdom of God is at hand. What a wonderful lead into Advent. For into the darkness and mess of modern British society- a ray of hope is dawning… and he shall be called Emmanuel.
