THOUGHTS by Phil S

Like Derrick, I suddenly realised a few weeks ago that I no longer feel guilty about things, and that's not because I carefully avoid situations that would make your average God-soul feel guilty.

Individuals 'revelling' in guilt-placing! Could well put it down to a 'seared conscience'. If that is the case, I would choose to remain as I am, 'seared' but immensely contented.

As we are all aware, it's that old haunting business of the law - less forgiveness than a penalty.

Unlike Alan (and even the scriptures!), I sometimes wonder if it (the law) does have 'a legitimate function when we are guilty'. Does the 'worse-ness' that we feel, necessarily precipitate us into something better and less legal?

Ronald Knox certainly felt that life would be considerably easier without the rogue business of the law…

"Lord, in as much as without Thee
We are not able to doubt Thee,
Give us the grace to tell the whole race
We know nothing about Thee."

I go along with Derrick and suggest that it is not a case of being not serious enough, but of being not carefree, or even careless enough. A morbid sense of guilt totally out of proportion to any actual misdeed is a major factor in people's gloom.

Isn't true faith in the gospel being able to say, "So what. I don't care a damn!" Arrogance, carelessness, like disbelief, is surely an act of faith.

As for leaving the broom in the shed and feeling guilty about it!!!! If that is all Brian had to be condemned concerning, then he ought to read my secret journals!

I think it all comes down to FEAR, which crouches mischievously at the crux of everything if we permit it.

No fear - no law - no guilt. As one of my favourite novelists, Elizabeth Von Arnim says. "Everything is natural and everything is clean except for the person who is afraid it isn't."

Phil S

PS (for Brian) Next time, return the broom to where it belongs. It will save us all a lot of hassle!!

Another fine thoughtful letter from Phil. I'd like to keep some of this correspondence, so please don't destroy it anyone. I would have put the order: NO LAW, NO FEAR, NO GUILT. MS

I would really like all these 'guilt' writings somehow summarised into a pamphlet or article or something. So helpful. PH