Part 49 - Rebuild ethically? 

It is too early to properly talk about rebuilding, because we are probably still in the response phase of the virus, but I think we need to consider our stance. Will it be the case that we all scrabble for the best opportunities we can possibly get, or will there be a more ethics-driven rebuilding of society?

I was very interested to hear Martin Lewis talking about ethics in relation to the housing market. He seemed to be hinting that we should not each do what is best for us, economically. Instead we should treat others the way that we would like to be treated. The teaching of Jesus is still the best ethic for business and indeed the whole of life at this time. Jesus said: 'Do to others as you would have them do to you' (Luke 6:31). A society that consciously returns to the teaching of Jesus for its ethics, will be one that flourishes. The alternative is every person for themselves. The world, if it wants to have integrity surrounding the autonomy of the individual, needs to say gazumping is the way to go. Why be ethical without Christ? Why not let the strong trample the weak? It's simply survival of the fittest.

I have no idea of Martin Lewis' personal beliefs— but I thought what he said was interesting and heartening. Of course the non-Christian can be inconsistent and insist on love thy neighbour, but it needs to acknowledge that in a world view without God, it makes no sense. The fact that each of us intrinsically has value because we are created by God and he cares how we treat one another, is a far more logical premise from which to argue for ethics. But I loved it anyway!

Martin answers a question about whether to re-negotiate a house price in light of COVID here.