Transmission Winter 2010 Red : How left and right have broken Britain and how we can fix it

Phillip Blond (: Faber and Faber, 2010) ISBN 978-0-571-25167-4 rrp £12.99

Not long ago people were saying that through GDP. New Labour, according to this government spending. Together, right and politics was dead. The great ideologies were analysis, accepted the economic ‘realities’ of left have systematically homogenised and no more. With the collapse of the Soviet the new order, cosseting the people of the emasculated . Union, we had entered a new era, where Square Mile, with the intention of using the Blomd’s take on our history is important politicians were only arguing about what taxes generated by the financial houses in and exemplified by his review of the working worked, not about principle. London to strengthen the public sector. For class during the industrial age. He charts the them, this meant a policy of interventionism, And yet deep shifts in culture have been move into cities and the vigorous grassroots which we have all come to recognise, with occurring. Many of the readers of this activity that resulted in the formation of its all-pervasive targets and centralised magazine will have noticed the decline in cooperatives, as well as political movements bureaucratic accountability. Such then is local community life across the UK in the like the London Correspondence Society. the ‘Big State’ we have come to experience last 30 years. How are we to understand It is when he gets to the with its blend of dominant market ideology this? In conjunction with Robert Putnam that he becomes truly controversial. Some and the frustrations of the nanny state. and many others, Philip Blond speaks of would see the welfare state as the pinnacle From the right, we have experienced the it in terms of a weakness in ‘civil society’, and a great triumph of the cooperative invasion of the market and consumerism which he defines as everything that is movement, but Blond argues that it was a into every area of life and thinking, while ‘not reducible to the imposed activities of false move, because it removed a sense of from the left, we have doctrinaire policies the central state or the compulsion and motivation through active involvement and about rights and choice coupled with big determination of the marketplace’. By paying -Lyfe CRE Web flyer:Layout 2 19/10/10 15:02 Page 4 serious attention to the structure of society in terms of power and relational life, Blond is able to show how both right wing and left wing policies have contributed to the decline in our, once vibrant, local community life. Blond understands our current society to be hollowed out. The great emphasis on individualism, on the one hand, developing alongside an increasingly authoritarian and Connecting God, us and everyday life intrusive state on the other. It is to him we lyfe is about going deeper into the Bible to connect God, us and everyday life. It’s about owe much of the thinking behind the phrase making discoveries through reading and reflecting on the Bible with others. And it’s about ‘’ and the new political apposition joining the conversation and community of people seeking a richer relationship with God. of ‘Big Society’ and ‘Big State’. The new lyfe website features a host of video interviews, articles and further resources to For example, he shows how the right wing, help you set up a small group and begin discovering a deeper life with God. neo-liberal, economic policies of the Thatcher and Reagan era created a global financial Visit lyfe.org.uk today system that was no longer constrained by simple national regulation. As a result, London became an international financial centre and the government gained from considerable tax revenues. Such ‘goods’ came at the price of an invasion of market- type thinking into all parts of society with an emphasis on the individual person as

consumer and progress being defined solely 232759 Charity Reg. No. PBPM001251

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fostered state dependency. This develops And he denies that self-interest should be was suddenly launched into the full glare of into a general critique of the collectivist the only coordinator of economic activity. public attention. Perhaps that is also a story policies of the doctrinaire left wing and in where true vision arises? I guess that I have written enough for their concepts of public ownership, because readers to discern whether or not to read Sometimes, as I was reading the book, I felt they undermine civil society. Others might this book. I am not a Tory by inclination and I was listening to Samuel, dismayed by the argue that once you have chased the hesitated in my appreciation of it, because developments of his own time and mourning population off the land and into the cities, it affirms so much of ’s the ‘big state’ that would come if the people and developed an economic system which thinking. Yet I found it truly enlightening had a king ‘like all the other nations’ (1 Sam demands a certain level of unemployment, and encouraging. It left me wondering 8ff.). Those with an appreciation of Solomon then you have created conditions whereby where came from? It turns out and the Davidic line may, of course, have state-coordinated welfare systems are that he was a lecturer in and other ideas. essential to any just culture. and did a PhD in theology with Chris Sunderland Nevertheless, we may agree implicitly with John Millbank. From a position of relative the idea of a ‘Big Society’, but wonder how obscurity, his writings were noticed and he it can be implemented. We might see that it is needed. We might extol ’s ‘little platoons’ of diverse local groups and associations that make up an essential and enriching component of a good society and a balance against overweening state power. But how do we get from here to there? The heart of Blond’s ideas in the ‘how to’ section of the book is to rebuild a culture of virtue. It is to pay attention to virtue as the means by which any good society holds open a conversation about what is really good. He invites us to honour people of Inspire your church virtue, who help us consider what we should be aiming for as a society. He speaks of afresh with the Bible the inspirational schoolteacher or energetic priest, who helps us to form our first ideas of The E100 Bible Reading Challenge is based around what is good. Blond sees such virtue-based 100 carefully selected Bible readings (50 from each leadership as an essential component in Old and New Testament) designed to give participants a democratic society, encouraging people, a good understanding of the overall Bible story from through a process of ‘formation’ to the place Genesis to Revelation. Each of the E100 readings range where they can take part in a constructive from a few verses to a few chapters. democratic conversation. Such thinking The programme is very fl exible and can be used by may resonate with and affirm the role of individuals but it is even more effective when adapted to those who try to articulate the faith and its the context of the local church. Through completing the challenge, participants are encouraged to build a regular habit application to society. Blond is also positively of spending time with God through Bible reading and prayer. affirming of the role of faith in the process of school education. He writes, ‘religious ideas As part of the Biblefresh initiative, a consortium comprising of a transcendent God seem to be uniquely the Bible Societies and Scripture Union movements of Britain and Ireland, along with Wycliffe Bible Translators able to achieve both a sense of objective has been formed to promote the truth and to sustain an educational balance programme. In addition we between child and teacher’. This culture of have teamed up with CPO virtue will be established, he says, by means who are providing a wide of a wholesale redistribution of power from range of supporting state to citizens. materials, many of which can be tailored In terms of economics, Blond commends to local requirements, an economic , with economic to help churches life being organised and provided at the promote and support most local level possible. He is radical here the programme. as well, pointing to models of community We have made it as easy as possible for churches to supported agriculture, to community land participate so there is a wealth of resources available trusts and local finance initiatives as models on the website: www.e100challenge.org.uk. for renewal of civil society. He looks for a Visit the website and start planning your 2011 programme now! diverse, local and values-based economy, where mutuality and values, like Fairtrade, work together with a concern for quality. www.e100challenge.org.uk

2425 2524 Transmission Winter 2010 HORDERN One Nation but Two Cities IKE Building Jerusalem? BICKLEY

‘In the modern era, the idea that faith should be a private pursuit has often meant that The PartisanChristians have been hesitant to get involved in a political party. Thankfully, as we have increasingly come to understand that our faith has public consequences, this is now changing. In One Nation but Two Cities Joshua Hordern helps to inform and fuel this change with regard One Nation but Two Cities to the Conservative Party. This is an excellent resource that provides a stimulating analysis of the huge and enduring effect of Christian thinking and activism in the party. I hope that it will Christianity and the Conservative Party help to extend that influence in coming generations.’ Gary Streeter MP Christianity and the Labour Party

The Bible speaks to politics because God is interested in government. This truth has been and Christianity and the Conservative Party remains a powerful motivator for Christian involvement in party politics. Although political parties are often tribal and the ideas that once inspired them have waned in recent years, they still offer series tremendous opportunities for Christians to serve and lead in public life. This is one of three publications – extended essays – that focus on the historical, theological and contemporary influence of Christianity in the three main parties in British politics. It is the first phase of the Partisan project – a developing resource on Christianity and British political parties initiated and funded by Bible Society, and produced and delivered in partnership with the Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics (KLICE). By showing that Christianity has played a significant role in shaping the identities and trajectories of party politics, the project aims to stimulate new and robust Christian political reflection within them. In a paradoxical time in which the public role of religion is both expanding and deepening, and also attracting fierce criticism from increasingly assertive secularists, Available at www.susa.info/resources/partisanthe need for fresh insight on how Christianity relates to party politics is an urgent priority.

Dr Joshua Hordern is a Research Fellow at Wolfson College, Cambridge and is Associate Director of the Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics. Josh lectures and writes on medical, sexual and political ethics. The Bible speaks to politics because God is the UK. This phase has developed with the interested in government – the right public invaluable help of the three Christian party ordering of our relational priorities. But what political groups within the parties concerned £5.00 Joshua Hordern about party politics? Can the sovereignty – the Conservative Christian Fellowship, ISBN 978-0-564-04736-9 of God extend to these often disorderly, the Christian Socialist Movement and the conservative cover whole.indd 1 03/09/2010 10:09:39 and self-evidently sectional squabbling Liberal Democrat Christian Forum. These compacts? Is it possible to demonstrate the essays represent part of a conversation signs of the Kingdom amid the tribalism of that has been going on for many years Building Jerusalem? BICKLEY political parties? Commanding our loyalty, among party political Christians, and as they can often be places that both express ‘critical friends’‘Paul ofBickley’s theessay raises issuesparties, of crucial importance the for the future authors of the Labour Party as it receives a remarkable surge of new members, and rebuilds under new leadership after its first general election defeat in 18 years. From Keir Hardie via Richard Tawney to John Smith, Tony and suppress religious identity. Whether addressed the Blairrole and Gordon of Brown, LabourChristianity has been profoundly influenced bywithin people who have approached Building Jerusalem? politics from the starting point of faith in Christ. Christian input will be vital once again in developing a popular, new, moral vision which can secure election success for centre-left politics Christianity and the Labour Party we like it or not, political parties dominate them. Stephenin modernBackhouse, Britain. This publication will make Paul a valuable contribution Bickley to this important process.’and Stephen Timms MP politics in the UK and are set to do so for the Joshua Hordern engage, appreciatively but Christianity and the Labour Party The Bible speaks to politics because God is interested in government. This truth has been and remains a powerful motivator for Christian involvement in party politics. Although political parties foreseeable future. As collegiate enterprises, frankly, with theare often history,tribal and the ideas that once theology inspired them have waned in recentand years, they broad still offer tremendous opportunities for Christians to serve and lead in public life. they have traditionally provided a political policy orientationsThis is one of three of publications the – extended party essays – that focus on the historical, theological and contemporary influence of Christianity in the three main parties in British politics. It is the first phase of the Partisan project – a developing resource on Christianity and British political parties initiated focus for joining broad sets of ideas around to which they andwere funded by Bible assigned. Society, and produced and delivered This in partnership involved with the Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics (KLICE). By showing that Christianity has played a significant role in shaping the identities and trajectories of party politics, the project aims to stimulate new and robust Christian a unifying theme or common vision for identifying thepolitical characteristic reflection within them. In a paradoxical time historicalin which the public role of religion and is both expanding and deepening, and also attracting fierce criticism from increasingly assertive secularists, society. In recent years, as the inspiration contemporary the‘gifts’ need for fresh insight given on how Christianity by relates to theparty politics isChristian an urgent priority. of great political ideals has waned, they faith to the partyPaul Bickley istradition a Researcher at Theos – the publicin theology question, think-tank. With a background and working in Parliament and public affairs, he holds an M.Litt. from the School of Divinity at the have become more complex and even also to employingUniversity of Stinsights Andrews. from Christian contradictory vehicles for representation. political theology to confront the party’s This offers new challenges and opportunities vulnerabilities or ‘Achilles heels’ where £5.00 Paul Bickley for Christian engagement in politics. they were found. Discursive, rather than ISBN 978-0-564-04746-8 definitive, each booklet offers a particular At fringe events at the recent party labour cover whole.indd 1 02/09/2010 16:35:55 (theological) reading of the history and conferences, Bible Society launched three contemporary condition of the political party publications – extended essays to meet Experiments in Living BACKHOUSE concerned. these challenges. This is the first phase of the Partisan project – a developing resource It is hoped that the Partisan project will ‘Stephen Backhouse’s Partisan essay is a well researched and thoughtful critique of the relationship between and Christianity. It challenges us to make best use of our on Christianity and British political parties bring fresh theologicalopportunities, deal wisely withdepth, the challenges in the self-awareness,marketplace of faith and politics and identifies areas for further consideration. I thoroughly recommend this to all those who are Experiments in Living seeking to work out their faith in line with the Liberal principles of freedom and fairness.’ initiated and funded by the Bible Society, and critical potentialKate Heywood, Chair ofto the Liberal conversations Democrat Christian Forum Christianity and the Liberal Democrat Party and produced and delivered in partnership already under way about the contribution The Bible speaks to politics because God is interested in government. This truth has been and Christianity and the Liberal Democrat Party remains a powerful motivator for Christian involvement in party politics. Although political parties with the Kirby Laing Institute for Christian of Christian faithare often tribalto and Britishthe ideas that once inspired party them have waned politics. in recent years, they still offer tremendous opportunities for Christians to serve and lead in public life. Ethics (KLICE). The aim of the project is to Recognising thatThis is one Christianity of three publications – extended essays – hasthat focus on themade historical, theological and contemporary influence of Christianity in the three main parties in British politics. It is the first phase of the Partisan project – a developing resource on Christianity and British political parties initiated and funded by Bible Society, and produced and delivered in partnership with the Kirby Laing Institute stimulate new and robust Christian political notable – at timesfor Christian Ethics perhaps (KLICE). By showing that Christianityeven has played decisive a significant role in shaping – the identities and trajectories of party politics, the project aims to stimulate new and robust Christian political reflection within them. In a paradoxical time in which the public role of religion is both reflection within British political parties. It contributions toexpanding the and deepening, thinking and also attracting fierce and criticism from increasinglypractice assertive secularists, has been launched at a paradoxical time. of the parties, itthe needchallenges for fresh insight on how Christianity relatesthe to party secularist politics is an urgent priority.

Dr Stephen Backhouse is the Tutor in Social and Political Theology for St Mellitus College, Presently, the public role of religion in the myths about theLondon privatisationand has taught at the universities of McGill of and Oxford. faith. He is the author of the Compact Guide to Christian History and Kierkegaard’s Critique of Christian Nationalism. UK is both expanding and deepening. At Importantly, the booklets also offer food for the same time, it is attracting fierce criticism the journey for those already working within from increasingly assertive secularists. This British political parties, and inspire others £5.00 makes the need for fresh insight on how to consider entering the party political fray Stephen Backhouse Christianity relates to British parties an themselves as a constructive, honourable ISBN 978-0-564-04756-7 urgent priority. and missionalliberal coverarena whole.indd 1 of authentic Christian 03/09/2010 09:58:30 citizenship – for the common good of the The first phase of the project concentrates whole nation. on the three largest parties – Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat – but our Dave Landrum, Senior Parliamentary hope is that a later phase will engage other Officer, Bible Society parties as well, and from all four nations of 26 27 2276