A Case for Social Holiness
Dear Friends
Britain never ceases to surprise us.
For several years we watched—part with amusement and part with horror—the psychodrama of three hapless Conservative Party Prime Ministers in just six months. And we witnessed the Labour Party lurch ever leftward to unelectable oblivion under its then leader Jeremy Corbyn.
A British Prime Minister once said in the 1960s that "a week is a long time in politics". It couldn't apply more than to current political events both in the UK and the US.
Ernest Hemingway is quoted as saying that bankruptcy occurs "first very slowly and then very quickly". And while the source may be wrongly attributed, the sentiment is true; not least in the way leaders decay gradually from the inside and then, suddenly, the outer realm gives way.
In the recent General Election landslide, Britain returned a thumping majority for Labour under the reforming technocrat Sir Kier Starmer.
Suddenly the political mood music changed. It's as if everyone has become nicer, more humble and more gracious towards each other. I can hardly believe that I'm writing this, but the three largest parties in England are now being led by pretty decent and competent men (although, sadly, no women leaders this time around).
All this to say, based on the UK's recent experience, it is possible for culture to change. Perhaps it won't last or, like black and white terrestrial TV in the 1950s, 'normal service will be resumed as soon as possible'. But change can, and does, happen. Presidents resign. Elections upend the status quo.
Another UK Prime Minister was once asked what was the greatest challenge for a statesman. He replied: "Events, dear boy, events". The same is true for most leaders and organizations. Events happen, and when they do a lot of things are at stake: lives, livelihoods, reputation.
The philosopher Dallas Willard recognized that holiness is not just about being perfect. It's about doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done. He said that holiness is something that works well. Like a tree planted by the water that brings forth fruit when it is supposed to, or "in due season" (Psalm 1).
Much is happening in Britain and in the United States right now. And for the follower of Christ, this is both the challenge and the opportunity. What should we aim for in our response? For those in public life, we might call it social holiness.
James Catford is the founding Board Chair of the Center for Christianity and Public Life.