The Walk On By Society

Civic duty has been in the spotlight this week, drawing into the debate a campaigner who has dubbed us the 'walk on by society'.

Guy Dehn of 'Witness Confident' - a charity that aims to help people take a stand against the culture that fuels street violence - was quoted in reference to proposed plans for overhauling the system of registering to vote, which might lead to even fewer people turning out at elections.

This week has also seen the unveiling of a startling report on the lack of quality care for the elderly within society. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has judged that the low standard of treatment of thousands of older people in home care essentially breaches their human rights.

Does all this suggest that the concept of civic duty is past its sell by date? That we may aspire to be the 'big society' but what we have instead is the 'walk on by society'?

Do we have a right to be cared for? And whose responsibility is it? The state? Except it appears that the government cannot cope with the level of demand placed on it by an increasingly ageing population.

The family, then? But as David Willetts argues in his book, The Pinch: How the Baby Boomers Took Their Children's Future - And How They Can Give it Back, there has been a breakdown of 'the social contract'. Put simply, 'what you give to the next generation depends on what you received from the previous ones'. Indeed, Scripture emphasises the formative significance of relationships within the household, and the success of the 'big society' will undoubtedly depend on how well the 'small society' of the family thrives.

Beyond that, civic duty involves the obligation to uphold the public good as opposed to pursuing one's private interest. I live in relationship with, and dependence on, others. My action or inaction affects others. My choices carry consequences, not only for myself but for others. Of all citizens, it would seem, Christians should be ideally placed to tackle the 'walk on by' mentality. The scope and implications of the gospel suggest nothing less.

thanks to Jason Gardner (LICC)