Among the most baleful developments in public life is the disappearance of concepts of forgiveness, absolution & redemption. Both left & right present everything as a story of moral cardboard cut-outs who are either the elect, unable to fall from grace, or the evil, the damned

The idea that almost all of us are deeply conflicted, imperfect beings whose motivations and behaviour are a complex mish mash of good, bad and indifferent is alien. But when accepted, by God does it make for more humane relationships and a bit of mutual humility

Every single one of us has done dumb, shameful, stupid things and exposed ourselves as selfish, small and absurd. Remember that the next time you are tempted to paint someone else as a complete rotter. Remember that you and the other person are probably very similar

As R.H. Tawney once said: 'Clever men are impressed by their differences from their fellows. Wise men are conscious of their resemblance to them.' Clever men are self righteous and quick to blame, wise men realise that they need mercy as much as their enemies

And I have often been the worst of all in this respect: far far too judgemental, self righteous and 'clever' for my own good. And I bitterly regret it