Archbishop attacks the reality of modern life

The Archbishop of Canterbury opines thusly:

And why would one find any of this surprising?? Is this not the experience of modern life? His point that we increasingly live in a scape-goat society where we are quick to blame others for our ills, is undoubtedly true to some degree, but there is also a growing unwillingness to engage in/with wider issues, which increasingly divorces us from issues that in turn affect us. If one was cynical enough you could apply exactly the same arguments to the Anglican church, which certainly seems to be riven by toxic brew of self-doubt, over-analysis and artificial/doctrinal crises.

We live in a modern world. This is not a safe state of affairs. The hallmark of modern life is the contradiction [if not outright war] between constant social and economic change and a desire for stability in a world where all that is solid melts into air. The pace of life has changed forever over the last century, and with it the differences and understanding between generations. [A couple of days ago I referenced some of Grant McCracken's thoughts on the impact of change on different generations.]

But why shouldn't we resent limits? Many limits on us are placed upon us for good reason: a growing number though are arbitrary and capricious. Why shouldn't we resent the passage of time? Is there anyone who does not look back on things they wish they'd done, have things they wish to do but doubt they'll ever have time for?

And why shouldn't we fear growing old? Is not this part and parcel of our mortality, the recognition that we will be unable to do many of the things we currently do, perhaps the things we most take for granted? Are we to be in denial of the precarious nature of the UK pension system? Are we to be unconcerned by the raising of the retirement age? Should we be unconcerned about trusting our care to younger generations with whom we may share little in the way of cultural and social values??

Blur said it best: Modern life is rubbish.