Richard Littledale's
Views on the News: May 2005

If there is one word which the post-modern era has robbed of its meaning more than any other, it is 'new'. We have grown sceptical of 'new Labour', 'new men', and even 'new religion'. Ironically it is the frequency with which this kind of phrase is coined that devalues it so much. On the first morning after the General Election, all three party leaders seemed to be able to use it - so one is left wondering who really means it? Apparently today heralds the start of a new era in 3-party politics, a new stronger opposition, and a new people-conscious government. Can all these three points of view be right?

Of course it is not just in politics that we doubt the possibility of a truly new start. Those of us who find giving up a bad habit so easy that we have done it lots of times wonder whether truly new starts are in fact the stuff of fairy stories. There are times when it would be nice to have the snake's ability to slip out of an old skin and slither off into a new life. Reincarnation in this life, let alone any subsequent one, might make a welcome change. Perhaps if we all had the money and imagination we would re-invent ourselves over and over again as stars like Madonna have done.

As Christians we believe that new starts are possible, and that they begin in inner sanctuary of the heart rather than the outer trappings of our words and actions. As Jesus explained to an eminent Jewish scholar, 'you must be born again'. A humble faith in Jesus for forgiveness and new life can open up the way to whole new vistas in our lives.

How does this belief make us look upon the start of a 'new' government? Does it make us view it with greater scepticism, since we believe that only faith can bring new beginnings? Alternatively, do we embrace this new day with greater optimism because our experience has been that fundamental change is always possible? Whichever way we fall, we should be clear that our duty under this government is to pray fervently and act righteously, as it has always been.

May God give our new (again) Prime Minister strength for this new day.