What's wrong with the world?

A post inspired by Reading the Classics with Challies.

In chapters 5 and 6 Wilbeforce seems to get a little more practical. Since 'A Practical View' is the start of this book's lengthy title, it is appropriate that the author goes in this direction as the book approaches its completion.

The title to Chapter 6, very wordy as per usual, ends with this phrase: 'Practical Hints for which the Foregoing Considerations Give Occasion'. It is in this section of the reading I wish to focus.

Wilberforce is concerned with the decaying Christianity that is apparent in his country. His concerned is partially based on the fact that he believes a weakened Christianity will have an adverse effect on all of society; "...in particular it must be material to ascertain, whether religion be in an advancing or a declining state; and, if the latter be the case, whether there be any practical means for preventing at least its farther declension." (231)

Wilberforce believes that Christian morals are what bring 'good' to a society. In contrast, his blame for evil in a society is clear: "But, more than all this ; it has not perhaps been enough remarked, that true Christianity, from her essential nature, appears peculiarly and powerfully adapted to promote the preservation and healthfulness of political communities. What is in truth their grand malady? The answer is short; Selfishness." (251) Therefore the main bulwark against selfishness and thus evil is 'Real Christianity': "...unless the prevalence of this be in some degree restored, we are likely, not only to lose all the advantages which we might have derived from true Christianity, but to incur all the manifold evils which would result from the absence of all religion." (256)

Many would not disagree with the author in that they think we need sound morals for a just and caring society. They would, however, take issue with his idea that Christianity was needed for true morality. Wilberforce has considered this option. "But in this way the fatal habit of considering Christian morals as distinct from Christian doctrines, insensibly gained strength. Thus the peculiar doctrines of Christianity went more and more out of sight; and, as might naturally have been expected, the moral system itself also, being robbed of that which should have supplied it with life and nutriment, began to wither and decay." (242) Without Christianity providing the foundation for the morals their 'life and nutrition' they will whither.

I believe we are seeing the fruits of this in North America. Whether you believe that Canada and the United States of America began as 'Christian nations' or not, I do not think it is possible to effectively refute the premise that both these countries were built on Christian principles and morals. But those days are quickly leaving us.

Wilberforce would instruct us that un-anchored morals, morals without a foundation in solid Christian doctrine, are better than no morals at all: "We should endeavour to tread back our steps. Every effort should be used to raise the depressed tone of public morals." (262) His practical suggestion is to attempt to raise the moral standard of society. However, he also cautions that "...fruitless will be all attempts to sustain, much more to revive, the fainting cause of morals, unless you can in some decree restore the prevalence of Evangelical Christianity." (264)

So we see the practical steps the author proposes to us. He would encourage us to maintain and build up the moral fiber of our society for the benefit of all. But more importantly, he would implore us to find a way of restoring 'Evangelical Christianity' to a prevalent place in our countries. And, as we have seen, Evangelical Christianity's central themes are "...the corruption of human nature, that our reconciliation to God by the atonement of Christ, and that the restoration of our primitive dignity by the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit..." (222-3).

If we take these suggestions as the steps we need to take, the we have our work cut out for us! God help us!