Corporate greed, environmental contamination, the fear of strangers, contempt for the unsuccessful and “many more things”, except hell, of course.
And what will do the saving? Nothing supernatural, just “a whole community rejoicing together – being glad of each other’s happiness and safety”.
I can’t understand why Rowan, while he had the attention of such an august audience, didn’t make the most of it and deliver a lecture on the merits of Sharia law; he’s going soft.
From here:
He said: ‘Moralists, including Archbishops, can thunder away as much as they like; but they’ll make no difference unless and until people see that there is something transforming and exhilarating about the prospect of a whole community rejoicing together – being glad of each other’s happiness and safety.
‘This alone is what will save us from the traps of ludicrous financial greed, of environmental recklessness, of collective fear of strangers and collective contempt for the unsuccessful and marginal – and many more things that we see far too much of, around us and within us.’
Do you suppose Semantu will replace him? (And will he be any better?)
I had thought he stood a chance but there were some reports of machinations against him so, who knows.
I should think he would be better than RW (how could he not be?) but things are in such a mess that it’s hard to imagine anyone being able to redeem them.
I read the text of the ABC’s speach that is provided in the linked to article. On the whole it is rather good. Several times reference is made to the Holy Bible (especially the Epistles of St. Paul) and considering the nature of the event are relevant.
Although, as you point out, he does make reference to certain issues (ie. the environment, poverty, greed) which are more in the mind of the secular world, it is done in a manner that tries to show that by being Faithful to God these issues will be addressed, and the lives of people improved. He does not dwell these certain issues. What he does seem to dwell on, if anything, is the selflessness of Her Majesty and how she has been a rather good Monarch.
On the whole I would say it was one of his better speaches.
Give credit where credit is due, and remember 1 Cor. 13.
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=1+Corinthians&chapter=13&verse=