Warning from Caledonia

Uncle Arthur is visiting relatives in Scotland. The week before the Scottish elections it appears that Labour's woes will intensify here. I attended a fund-raising event in Glasgow last night where someone said Labour will get 'gubbed' on 3 May, the Scots don't mince their words.

This socialist heartland may express its ire by backing the SNP and ushering in an uncertain time for the UK polity. The prospect of an independent Scotland, I think is folly and would of course present a major problem for the Labour movement.

Uncle Arthur has taken the time to peruse the rainforest of literature which arrives at homes courtesy of the STV electoral system being used in this election. This of course heralds open season for the minority parties. Uncle Arthur noted that the Scottish Christian Party is standing on an agenda which may alientate some voters but it will be interesting to see how much they poll..not a great deal I would imagine. However, how well this party fares on 3 May is of minor concern to Uncle Arthur. The principal question is why are they standing?

I would imagine that part of their narrative is built upon the analysis that neither of the major parties pursue policies which reflect biblical values. They would find a sympathetic ear in many churches, because this is largely true. Furthermore, Uncle Arthur can think of recent legislation endorsed by a Labour Government, which not only appear rooted in secular ideology but arrogantly make life difficult for the churches in pursuing their own mission, let alone in seeking to interface with the rest of the world. The legislation on religious hatred and the gay adoption debate spring to mind when making this point.

However, whilst empathising with this observation, Uncle Arthur does not support the creation of a 'christian' political party for a number of reasons. Primarily, I do not believe that the bible grants the mandate for a chrisitian political party. I am open to fresh revelation and being corrected if wrong but that is my understanding. Uncle Arthur believes, and is not the only one I would humbly suggest, that christians should engage in politics and if possible join the mainstream parties and each christian should perhaps contemplate joining the party with whom they identify with. It is challenging trying to be a christian in any political party but I think this is the best way forward.

Yet, in conclusion, Uncle Arthur will flag up a contemporary exmaple of the complex interaction between christian narratives and the secular/liberal mindset. It is most instructive. A recent event in North Wales, where a Conservative candidate's comments appear to have been leapt upon (Clwyd West) because he indicated what the bible actually teaches about a matter of sexual ethics demonstrates why some christians will be tempted to form and join christian parties. If Christian standpoints are distorted or treated with over-reaction by whomsoever
then we need to ask what is the real issue? Is it a matter of bigotry or civil rights and discrimination or are we talking about religious freedoms here? I think if religious freedom is increasingly constricted whereby even responsible, compassionate comments are met with villification don't be surprised if more christians make the error of mobilising round christian parties.

There has to be a better way.