A TALE OF TWO REIGNS

Contrary to the general public’s uninformed exuberance (reinforced by a strange and popular sycophantic media), many of us are more than a little ambivalent about the Jubilee celebrations. Sadly, the well-based accusation of Her Majesty’s betrayal of her Coronation Oath is not only food for occasional sober reflection. The facts flashing all over the internet are too stubborn to be noted then politely ignored.

Of course, with the four-day euphoria yet to die down, it is difficult for people who prefer fantasy to engage with reality. Indeed, the fanfares, ceremonial pomp and public jubilation bear no relation to the current state of the United Kingdom. Consider this: the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603) saw national, cultural,
political, economic, social, moral and—as its inspirational source—spiritual progress from a superstitious, dark and brutal medievalism to something far more civilized (despite undeniable lingering defects). On the other hand, the reign of Queen Elizabeth II has witnessed the opposite: national, cultural, political, economic,
social, moral and spiritual decline.

While Her Majesty is worthy of universal affection as a person—indeed has any monarch been so greatly loved?—it remains to be said that she has reigned not merely as a figure-head over the most disastrous and unprecedented period of political, moral and spiritual decline in our nation’s history. If Her Majesty’s
governments have been in the driving seat, is she not complicit through the Royal Assent in the nation’s numerous wrong turnings?

This being so, today's rejoicing should have included a large degree of repentance. In his eulogy, the Archbishop was predictably 'PC'. Failing to proclaim the comforts and challenges of the gracious, saving kingship of our Lord Jesus Christ, he failed to provide a prophetic note at this time of national crisis. While the hymns harked back to the best days of English, Scottish and Welsh Protestant Christianity, the moral
and social values they represent have long since been jettisoned from our British culture.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron read from Chapter 12 of Paul’s Letter to the Romans. In view of the appalling secularism currently driving the Government’s legislative programme, did he not have a twinge of conscience when he read ‘Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind’ (v. 2)? These words give impetus and meaning to the distinctive Christian values inculcated by the Apostle Paul in the rest of the chapter. In short, secularism is ruining us.

Paul’s Christianity—expounded so powerfully in the early chapters of Romans—is the only antidote for our numerous national ills.

May God have mercy upon us.

God save the Queen! God save the United Kingdom! God save the Commonwealth!  God save the world!
Dr Alan C. Clifford