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July Comment
July Comment
Efforts to change some of our traditional values appear to be the latest fad. It began some months ago when the Prime Minister and others decided it was time to change the traditional meaning of Marriage. He has now been joined by the leaders of the other two parties at Westminster though this proposal did not appear in their Party manifestos. ‘Gay’ Marriage or ‘Equal Marriage’ as some prefer to call it, is proposed on the grounds of ‘equality’ and the claim that it will strengthen families by widening its appeal. Ever since the expenses scandal a few years ago many of our politicians have not been exactly the ‘flavour of the month’. Perhaps I could be forgiven in thinking these proposals are driven by the desire to detoxify their image and for the sake of popularity.
It is hard to see how these proposals will lead to greater equality and the strengthening of home and family values. One has only to look at other countries that have legalised same-sex marriage. In Spain, Holland, the Scandinavian countries and others, there is little or no evidence that home and family life has been enhanced. On the contrary in fact. Long term commitment appears to have weakened. In Holland 40% of first babies are now born to unmarried mothers, a doubling of the rate since the year 2000.
Marriage between two loving parents of the opposite sexes has for centuries been the bedrock of Western society. At its best it has given a secure and safe environment to children. It is of course true that there are unhappy marriages. With our flawed human nature we all fall short of the ideal at times. We need to be non-judgemental and supportive to those who are separated or divorced. The same must be true in our attitude to those whose sexual orientation differs from our own. Redefining marriage will do nothing to help them. The moral and social consequences will neither produce equality nor the enhancement of home and family life.
A New Promise
The Girl Guide movement has recently announced a new ‘Promise’ and it makes some significant changes to the old one. It is the result of a three-month consultation process.
The old promise:” I promise that I will do my best. To love my God. To serve my Queen and my country. To help other people and To keep the Guide law.”
The new promise: “I promise that I will do my best. To be true to myself and develop my beliefs. To serve the Queen and my community. To help other people and To keep the Guide law.”
The absence of any reference to ‘God’ is not surprising. It encapsulates the outlook of our secular society. Even so, in the last National Census nearly 60% indicated they have some kind of religious belief. In fact many folk though declaring themselves ‘non-religious’ or ‘non-Christian’ readily recognise that the Christian Faith has and does provide a moral and social framework for the well-being of our society.
To replace the reference to God with ‘To be myself and develop my beliefs’ is self-centred. It feeds the popular ‘me, me, me’ attitude so prevalent today. Likewise replacing ‘my country’ with my community’ is weak and narrow. It lacks any notion of a wider focus. As one commentator says: ‘It is hard to imagine a change better designed to encourage division and faction in a body where togetherness is the essence.’ As to the removal of ‘my country’ Is it a sop to those who do not like us? In these days of political correctness, the slightest hint of patriotism is treated with disdain! So forget ‘God’ and ‘country’, it’s the new religion, the worship of self.
Reference to the Queen however is retained. She is patron of the movement so ditching her at this late stage in her reign and at the height of her popularity would have been embarrassing! Don’t hold your breath however. At the risk of sounding cynical, I would not be surprised if one of the ‘trendy elite’ comes up with an alternative in a few years from now!
For me it’s ‘thumbs down’ on the new Girl Guide Promise!
John Fletcher
Girl Guides’ new oath.
There was something very moving about hearing Girl Guides promise to love God and country.
Now God has been replaced by being “true to myself and to my beliefs” (how wet!) and country has been replaced by the weasel word “community”. How sad to take away the big ideas about God and patriotism which should uplift and inspire these girls. They should be looking outwards and not inwards. And how tragic that it is now unacceptable to love your country.
This item by kind permission of Jennifer Selway Daily Express.
Thanks Jenny.