What does a good life look like?

Reflection from Jane Winter, Programme Manager, FbRN

What does a good life look like?
 
This question was asked at the faiths exchange event that took place on 27th September focusing on young people, faith and the future. The contributions ranged from academic research into young people and crime, and the recognition of faith in the life of higher education to the practical example of the Muslim Youth Helpline and a report on the impact of the Faith in Action Fund.
 
As we all begin to answer the question we very quickly realise that structural divisions of our society affect what a good life might look like and will need addressing. These structures are those that define what our communities look like. In some cases they can create barriers to living a good life through fear of losing our cultural and religious foundations in the process of socialisation based on the structure of conformity.
 
The most recent example of these barriers is seen in the reaction to the summer riots. These reactions have been quick to blame: bad behaviour, poor parenting, failure of education. They have resulted a response based on managing bad behaviour. Addressing deeper concerns about the systemic causes of unrest: the cuts, particularly in youth services, unemployment, future uncertainty, is beginning to emerge in the comments of policy makers although community activists raised these issues immediately.
 
Looking at the question through a faith lens, the inherited wisdom of faith traditions particularly of non-Christian faith provides a practical stability that does allow the flourishing of a good life. For example the response of the Birmingham Imam following the death of his son in the riots has had a transforming effect on that community.
 
A good life is a shared life. Contrary to the pressures of individualisation, it is one where we take the risk of sharing what is precious to us and offering it to others.
 
For FbRN, whose definition of faith based social action was quoted during one of the presentations, a good life is one where people together through their different beliefs and traditions work to transform local communities into places where people are valued for their diversity and community life becomes vibrant.
 
To find out more about faithxchange go to: http://www.faithxchange.org.uk/