Ideas to live by - Michael Taylor's 'credo'

Michael Taylor, Professor of Social Theology at the University of Birmingham, spoke at the movement's 2010 Conference in February. These are some of his ideas on what living out the gospel means . . .

1. That sinful and insecure human beings are usually going to guard their own self-interests when they get the chance, so I should be realistic and not neglect tough issues of power.

2. That human beings are (like God) creative and capable of love, so I should never underestimate what I and they can do to fashion a new world.

3. That mending a broken world and making a new one is an expensive business involving crosses, so I should be wary of doing great things on the cheap and be judged and inspired by costly love even when I don’t achieve it.

4. That justice and good news for the poor and oppressed is a priority, so I should always be asking whether what I do is of any use to them.

5. That people are more likely to flourish when they are accepted (‘forgiven’) and not shut out and written off, so I should be biased in favour of inclusive communities.

6. That there is no situation, not even one as dark as the grave, where no more good can be done, so I should always believe in its possibilities and add hope not despair.

7. That the good earth is cherished and protected for those who need it most. For building a safer, greener future for all should be part of our vision and work for the poor.