Living in central London means that there are all sorts of things going on that one would not be able to get to otherwise. Faithworks runs occasional meetings under the title of the 'Charities Parliament' and last week I attended a session which looked at the 'Churches' Response to the Big Society'.
'Big Society' is our new Prime Minister's big idea for restructuring how public services, government (national and local) and local communities interact. There is much that is interesting in the idea and it would certainly seem to present increased opportunities for the Voluntary Sector. There is, however, a concern that it may be a way of saving public spending and putting pressure onto charities.
The main speaker was the Archbishop of Canterbury who gave a thoughtful consideration of what might be involved and how churches and Christian organisations might respond.
While much was said about social justice and the caring side of the gospel, the whole question of the need for spiritual change and the eternal perspective did not receive a mention. I recently came across a quote from another Christian leader with striking beard and hairstyle (William Booth) who warned:
"I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost; Christianity without Christ; forgiveness without repentance; salvation without regeneration; politics without God; and heaven without Hell."
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