David Cameron revives 'big society' idea in his Christmas message

David Cameron, who once said that his Anglican faith "sort of comes and goes", has turned to Jesus to try to revive his signature theme of the 'big society', which bombed during the 2010 general election.

In his annual Christmas message, the prime minister says that millions of people building the big society are living up to the teachings of Christ.

Cameron says: "There are those millions who keep on strengthening our society too – being good neighbours, running clubs and voluntary associations, playing their part in countless small ways to help build what I call the big society.

"Many of these people are Christians who live out to the letter that verse in Acts, that 'it is more blessed to give than to receive'. These people put their faith into action and we can all be grateful for what they do."

Cameron was referring to the Acts of the Apostles, the fifth book of the New Testament, in which the Apostle Paul quotes Jesus as he addresses the Ephesian elders. Paul says in the King James Version in Acts 20:35: "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."

The prime minister's decision to try to revive interest in the big society by turning to scripture might raise eyebrows in the Tory party. Unlike Margaret Thatcher, whose Methodist faith underpinned her entire political outlook, Cameron once likened his faith to the patchy reception for Magic FM in the Chilterns.

In a Guardian interview in July 2008, at the height of his modernisation programme, the future prime minister said: "I believe, you know. I am a sort of typical member of the Church of England. As Boris Johnson once said, his religious faith is a bit like the reception for Magic FM in the Chilterns: it sort of comes and goes. That sums up a lot of people in the Church of England. We are racked with doubts, but sort of fundamentally believe, but don't sort of wear it on our sleeves or make too much of it. I think that is sort of where I am."

In his message the prime minister said that Christmas gives people a chance to value friends and family and to think about the meaning of the festive season.

"For me, this season is also a time to think about the meaning of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope that gives to millions. In Handel's Messiah, these words from the prophet Isaiah are brilliantly put to music: "His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."

Cameron also said that 2013 was a significant year for Christians with the appointment of Justin Welby as archbishop of Canterbury and the election of Pope Francis. "Both have come in with exciting plans to rejuvenate their respective churches, which should inspire Christians around the world," he said.

The prime minister, who recently made a pre-Christmas visit to British troops in Afghanistan, paid tribute to British servicemen and -women. "With peace in mind, I would like to say thank you to our brave servicewomen and -men who are helping bring peace here and around the world; to their families who cannot be with them; and to all the dedicated men and women in the emergency and caring services who are working hard to support those in need this Christmas."

Nick Clegg, who is an atheist, said that Christmas provides an opportunity for people of faith and no faith to come together. In his message, the deputy prime minister said: "For Christians it is a celebration of the birth of Jesus as a gift from God and someone who embodied the values of love and forgiveness to which we should all aspire.

"But what is so extraordinary about this time of year is that it brings together the whole country – religious, non-religious, Christian, non-Christian – to embrace these values and celebrate together."

Ed Miliband, who says he does not believe in God but has great respect for people of faith, said in his message: "As Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we should also take time to think of all those alone or suffering at this time of year. I would like to pay particular tribute to the many people, churches and charities who will be looking after those who are alone or homeless this Christmas time.

"We should also pay tribute to those who will be working so that the rest of us have an enjoyable break, especially our medical staff, our police and our armed forces – thank you for your service."

Original Article
Source: theguardian.com/
Author: Nicholas Watt