The Government issued a call for evidence on extremism and responses to it, in a consultation1 due to close on 31 January.
The independent Commission for Countering Extremism aims to ‘improve understanding of extremism and its impact on individuals, communities and wider society’.
Definition?
The consultation asks for a definition of ‘extremism’. ‘Someone wanting to kill another person because their views, or very existence, are incompatible with the protagonist’s viewpoint’ could be a suggestion. However, in 2015, the Casey Review2 described an extremist as someone holding a view ‘at odds with the views of mainstream society’. By that definition, many Christians would be categorised as ‘extremists’. Definitions of ‘mainstream views’ change over time. What is truth (or in this case, what is extreme) remains hard to pin down when people who believe it’s okay to carry out in utero murder (abortion) hold ‘mainstream’ beliefs, whilst those who oppose abortion are seen as the ‘bad guys’.
Filling in the survey uncovers layers of muddled complexity which have been produced as society has moved further away from biblical standards.
How have we got here?
The consultation asks one to grapple with the problem of how does an extreme view become mainstream? If an idea is packaged up as loving by winsome advocates and adopted by the media, who argue well, then enough people start believing something, and it becomes mainstream. This explains not only the rise of secular ideas, but perhaps the decline of the acceptance of the Bible’s truths in society.
Question 10 asks: ‘Many of the people we have spoken to say that offering a positive vision for our country is key to countering extremism. What could that vision look like?’
What an incredible invitation to give a gospel account of Jesus’ sacrifice and love shown to us, which drives us to show love and sacrifice for others. Is there a more positive vision than one built on love? Love for all, regardless. Love when we disagree. Love when we sacrifice ourselves rather than wanting to kill others. Therefore, look no further than the Jesus of the Christian Bible, who shows how to love even in the face of enemies, who shows how to be served rather than serve. It may be idealistic, but that is what the UK needs. An ideal that wants to bring life, and have life to the full.
1. www.gov.uk/government/consultations/extremism-in-england-and-wales-call-for-evidence
