Bishop's letters: July 06 +Graham
In Pursuit of Happiness
Suddenly everyone is talking about happiness. The study of happiness is becoming an industry, even a science. And ‘Quote me happy’ is how Norwich Union advertise their products..
David Cameron has joined the advocates, saying,
‘we should be thinking not just what is good for putting money in people’s pockets but what is good for putting joy in people’s hearts.’
As a possible future government leader, I hope he took note of the poll done for the BBC’s series ‘The Happiness Formula’. The results were reported on the 10’o clock news in early May. Whereas in 1957, 52% of those interviewed said that they were ‘very happy’, the figure is now only 36%. Yet 81% of those interviewed recently saw happiness as the highest goal in their lives. Clearly we are not a happy nation.
The television report at prime time went on to set out what the priorities might be of a government pursuing happiness rather than wealth as a national goal. First priority would be marriage, followed by religion. Next came voluntary service, and then, a surprise, perhaps for recent governments –taxing the rich.
Are we surprised? If so, why? Marriage is the relationship where the highest values of love and faithfulness are nurtured. There is no better school for love-learning. But it must be worked at. Surveys show that marriage adds 7 years to the life of a man and 4 years to a woman. But sadly recent governments have not supported marriage with tax incentives. Rather the opposite.
Our country is ambivalent about religion and Christian Faith has to bear much criticism. The government supports faith schools, but seeks to override faith convictions on important moral matters. In our schools firm Christians are often mocked. How foolish! Christian Faith brings peace and joy into our lives: the past is forgiven, the present has meaning and the future is safe in God’s love. The Beatle, George Harrison said that the purpose of life was to answer the questions, ‘Who am I?’, ‘Why am I here on earth?’, and ‘Where am I going?’ Only religious faith can answer these fundamental questions of our existence; and without answers our generation is very restless.
Voluntary service brings happiness because it is an expression of love. It reflects the generosity of God who sent his Son to serve us. To serve others brings deep satisfaction.
And why tax the rich? The science of happiness answers that it is because people compare themselves with those who are richer than them and a widening gulf brings unhappiness. A far better answer would be because God is a God of justice. He made earth’s riches to be shared and poverty is an offence in his eyes.
Wonderful material for sermons here; and a strong message to the government. But what about all of us? Happiness lies with knowing God, and by embracing his love, his giving and his faithfulness. If we can be like him, so much the happier!
Graham Dow, Bishop of Carlisle
