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Firstly, there is the original Robin Hood who legend has it stole from the Rich, was a pain to the Sheriff of Nottingham, gave most of the money to the poor and lived as a social outcast. Some of the legend’s traits, (although not the Marian winning sub plot,) can be seen in our Saviour, who associated with the needy, worthless (in sense of materialism rather than judgementalism) and socially out-cast. Equally at the same time, he rebuked those who should know better and challenged them to do more. Perhaps this is why we are less keen on the Second Coming than we should be — judgement would be more painful in the sense of guilt for lack of action than we would like to admit.
Secondly, my career change from Arthur Andersen’s Corporate Tax department to the Inland Revenue as a trainee tax inspector on solely moral grounds has been summarised as ‘poacher turned gamekeeper’ and a ‘Robin Hood’ mentality. I state this not for a personal ego trip but as a personal testimony that God was faithful in my decision since there was no certainty in gaining entry to the Inland Revenue, and even less of the Fast Stream Inspector Programme which I will be starting later this year. Placing blind but biblically knowledgeable faith in the Lord is a challenge that we all should take up, now and not tomorrow. For the record, St. Matthew and Zacchaeus were tax collectors not inspectors.
Thirdly, first impressions of the Budget this past week (as I write) was heralded in the tabloid press as a budget for all, especially the poor (in a materialistic approach) and Gordon was being a Robin Hood of the current age. Further examination in the Financial Times coverage might mean that this appearance is more rocky, especially in the longer term, but the essence is there to be had and spent. Could, in this secular country where we live, a feeling of Christian values still pervade? Perhaps the abolition of married couples’ allowance but the introduction of a child relief in the future, including unmarried couples, provides some evidence to the contrary. Of course politics plays an ever increasing part as the rewards for politicians as non-executive directors increase, but so do the feelings of the ‘middle classes’ who have a conscience even if it is not rooted in Christian discipleship.
Fourthly, my old favourite of J Sainsbury has finally got its act together in a small way. (In joke for MethAng-ers of 97). While trying to acquire anything to buy to attain carrier bags to carry Argos catalogues, both of which I recycle, I think of coffee while waltzing around Sainsbury’s. Café Direct, the sound original fairly traded instant coffee has 100 reward points when you buy two jars. This proactive pushing of fair trade products, bringing a sense of equality world wide that Christ himself promoted around his world in his time, can only be praised and supported. Long may it last.
Lastly, long may Robin Hoods last. Amen.
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Last modified: 25th November 2005