The Culture of Softness
In 1965, Garth Lean and Sir Arnold Lunn published the book ‘The Culture of Softness’. In this book they criticise the brilliant, concerted and partially successful attempt being made to capture the mind and culture of Britain for secularism. They examine the progress of the cult of softness in education, social science, theology, literature, the theatre and television. A long chapter is devoted to bias in the BBC; and another to the writings of clerical new moralists. They are critical of the lack of standards and the loss of truth in our society..
A ‘culture of softness’ can be understood as an environment in a society or organisation that prioritises gentleness, empathy, and understanding over high standards, discipline, and hard work and can seen in various ways. It often prioritises personal well-being and relaxation over effectiveness and productivity. It values communication that is kind, understanding, and avoids criticism. Its effects are being seen in industry, in schools, in the health service and also in churches. In churches it can result in lack of drive and ambition. Love, compassion and kindness are all that seems to matter, success and productivity are secondary and therefore rarely assessed.
It can lead to inefficiency or a lack of accountability. Support of children and youth work can be limited to the children church members, evangelism becomes a lower priority as people just don’t feel like putting themselves out. The finances of many churches are in trouble and giving to mission work limited because there is a low expectation that Christians must give. Personal evangelism is at a low ebb and few Christians carry Christian literature to give to those they meet as Chfristians are afraid of upsetting anyone and so are loathe to be positive about their faith.
What is worse is that many church leaders just shrug their shoulders and say,
‘Well, that is life today.’
Where is firm, clear leadership that will find ways to remedy this culture that has infiltrated so many of our churches.
Obviously the teaching and leading of a church must have a combination of firmness and empathy. This has been referred to as ‘tough love’. Those who are hurting need the care of a loving mother but others need the firm direction of a loving father. When the apostolic epistles are read there is no doubt that there is a firm direction of what is expected of all Christians and it is surely this attitude that church minister/elders should advocate clearly. ‘Laissez faire’ in churches, where everyone is left to themselves may feel easier but it is a recipe for disaster in churches. People do need and do respect leadership that they understand.
