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MPs probe unhappiness of value deficit
by Ed Beavan
A CROSS-Parliamentary group of Christian MPs launched a report this week analysing why British people are so unhappy, despite being materially well off. The 60-page document, Faith in the Future, was written by the MPs Alistair Burt, Andy Reed, Caroline Spelman, Gary Streeter, and Steve Webb. It suggests that rising levels of dissatisfaction are because of a decline in Christian values. It calls for a five-fold test, based on theological principles, which could be used by individuals and legislators to underpin new policies. This would involve asking questions such as: “Does my action encourage people to fulfil their God-given potential?”, and “Does my action promote a climate of trust and hope?” The report also says that Britain is “relationally impoverished” because of family breakdown and the pressures of everyday life. It suggests that British people are suffering from a “trust deficit”, holding cynical attitudes towards “everything and everyone”, particularly politicians. One of the authors, Gary Streeter, Conservative MP for Devon South West, explained, after the launch of the report in the House of Commons, that it offered a positive way for Christians to engage in the public square. “Often people think Christians are against everything, but we want to get on to the front foot, and this is a positive way to try and make the country stronger. The five values are the building blocks of human well-being, and flow from our Christian faith, but many non-Christians might recognise them.” The report concludes: “Our solutions do not involve yet more laws or increased taxes, but rather a call to re-examine the decisions taken in every sector of society, in the light of crucial life-changing principles.” The authors hope to initiate a national debate on these questions, and to discuss them at festivals such as Greenbelt and Spring Harvest.Faith in the Future is downloadable from www.theosthinktank.co.uk Crimes “acceptable”A study released this week suggests that Britain has become “morally bankrupt”. It reports that 26 per cent of the 1000 adults in Britain who were polled believe that some crimes are morally acceptable. It also says that 38 per cent of those questioned had committed a crime such as shoplifting or fare-dodging in the past five years. The study was commissioned by G4S Security Services. |
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