The decision of Robert Jenrick, Minister for Immigration, when he ordered the removal of murals featuring popular cartoon characters from the walls of child refugee detention centres has sparked a wave of controversy.
As a priest, I find the notion of hostile design not just inhumane and abhorrent; but a demonstratable manifestation of ‘everyday evil’. Those things that make life purposefully difficult for a specific already-marginalised group which the general public might not notice or, at worst, will encourage simply because of the effectiveness of horizontal hostility.
Of course, the grass is greener, except for those folk who have no grass, and in that case, we are told to remind ourselves that we are lucky with what we have. We should not crave or covet the grass of those who own the greenest field but rather be thankful for the somewhat green grass in the plot we rent. More than this, the elite would have us condemn those with no grass as lesser than ourselves, lazy ne’er-do-wells; ‘the undeserving poor’.
Radical orthodox and Liberation theologians emphasize the imperative of reevaluating economic systems in light of the interdependence between human beings, the environment, and Christian metaphysics. They call for a shift away from the relentless pursuit of profit and economic growth that disregards ecological sustainability and social justice. These theological perspectives advocate for alternative approaches that prioritize the well-being of both humanity and the natural world.
It is immoral for the UK government to send refugees to Rwanda, specifically through the lens of Christian metaphysics. Christian metaphysics, with its emphasis on love, justice, and human dignity, offers profound insights into the moral dimensions of such decisions.
If facts can be made, it implies that there is a degree of human involvement in their creation and interpretation. This realization challenges the assumption of an objective and impartial reality, highlighting the potential subjectivity and fallibility of facts.
The Labour Party political ideology aligns with the concerns of radical orthodox and liberation theology, emphasizing justice, equality, and the liberation of marginalized communities.
While not explicitly rooted in theology or metaphysics, it shares common ground with certain aspects of radical orthodox and liberation theology, as well as Christian ideas of metaphysics.
While not explicitly affiliated with any religious or theological tradition, the party’s values often incorporate elements that resonate with radical orthodox and liberation theology, as well as Christian ideas of metaphysics.
At least we all should be setting the example and demonstrating the benefits of those choices to the global market. After all, it is in our common interest.