Why are US Democrats and UK Labour unable to capture the imaginations of their voters? Is it because they cannot express their messages of hope in fewer than twelve words? (our current “sound bite culture” makes this harder- see the link below). Or because they are too concerned to keep wealthy supporters “on board” to adopt radical policies? In the 1990s “New” Labour combined “free market” economics with easier credit (eg mortgages) and welfare provision, but that broke down in the 2007/8 financial crash and subsequent Tory/ LibDem austerity. Now few people are optimistic about the future, while some are attracted by Donald Trump’s vision of white, “Christian” ethno-nationalism for the UK, even as that creates deeper division and destruction.
Churches also struggle to deal with this modern culture- some respond well to individual “angst” (as Martin Luther did successfully in Reformation times), but find that, if it is not thoroughly addressed it can leave a residue of bitterness that may turn against others (Luther’s virulent anti-semitism in his later years perhaps a warning example). But some churches offer “business” models that seem more concerned with institutional survival than with the Gospel in society. A few merely echo the political populism they hear around them.
The clearest example in recent history of effective cooperation between churches and the political scene in the UK was in the 1940s between Archbishop Temple, Butler the politician, and Keynes the economist, which created a consensus lasting thirty years from the end of WW2. But as with any political consensus external changes and its own weaknesses led to its breakdown. And today bond markets and global finance effectively dominate decisions and constrain government freedom.
The parable of the sower in Matthew chapter 13 describes the very different results which come from seed falling on rocky ground, shallow soil, thorns, and good ground. The disciples ask why Jesus uses parables (“riddles”) rather than speaking plainly. He says because most people either cannot or will not see and hear- perhaps their lives are too burdened by the demands of life and sheer survival. Or their minds are full of preconceived opinions and past experiences which refuse to entertain any new hopes. The disciples, who are continually with Jesus, will have the chance to learn- though even they will find it hard, and will constantly misunderstand.
As these parables were constantly retold by the Christian communities as they faced new challenges in the decades which followed, fresh implications and interpretations would suggest themselves, alongside those treasured and preserved from the disciples who were with Jesus during his ministry. This is the way Parables/Riddles work- they do not lecture or harangue, they can be ignored as meaningless nonsense (and in the time of Jesus many did precisely); they do not “impose” themselves on the hearers, but respect their freedom as adult and responsible individuals, raising questions which can provoke new insights.
In an increasingly cynical, “sound-bite” culture, parables are a means of communication the churches should perhaps explore and use far more than they do at present. Not primarily to recruit and add to their own numbers (though that may also happen), but to question some of the simplistic (and potentially destructive) political myths gaining support today, and to encourage a more positive and hopeful vision of the future.
Weblinks and references:
The Soundbite Society- Jeffrey Scheuer: https://jeffreyscheuer.com/thesoundbitesocietybook https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9780203952924/sound-bite-society-jeffrey-scheuer
Ann Pettifor: https://thebiteback.substack.com/archive?sort=top (with parts 2 to 4 on the same site)