Social Values in a Secular Age

what sort of religion do they imply?

Abstract

The aim of this consultation is to examine the concepts of motivation, commitment and enthusiasm in today’s society; to ask why people choose a certain lifestyle, adopt a particular attitude, or specific mode of behaviour; and what it is that leads them to look beyond selfishness. I am not a theologian, a philosopher, a sociologist or a psychologist. So you may wonder— perhaps rightly—whether I have any qualifications to be requesting your attention for the next few minutes. In justification I can only plead the fact that for the past few years at St George’s House I have been able to observe and listen to much discussion of topical secular problems, and also of matters of religion (not only Christian). One cannot do that without wondering about the motivation and reasoning which lies behind what people say; especially if, in a world which does not lack scary or depressing features, the predominant mood is of optimism, idealism and altruism. You may think that this happy state of affairs is as unsurprising as it is welcome. What is so strange about people being moved by idealism or selflessness? These qualities are frequently encountered in human nature. Let me explain why—at least to some extent I have been surprised.