Trust

There's no doubt about it: trust is a precious commodity.

When the Labour party came to power in 1997, they pledged a new era in British politics, free from the sleaze which characterised the Major years. But of course, before long Labour were embroiled in controversy over donations made by F1 supremo Bernie Eccleston. And so it went on, most notoriously with that dossier on Iraq.

And then over recent months, the coalition have had to fend off controversy over links to News International and other news publishers (not to mention the question as to whether Chris Huhne really did ask his wife to take the rap for his speeding ticket).

Perhaps one of the major challenges our society faces is the widespread lack of trust in our elected representatives.

And it's not just about politicians. The reason that the Rio Ferdinand story was decreed to be 'in the public interest' is that he was appointed England captain in place of John Terry, in the wake of the latter's affair, which was deemed to be inappropriate conduct for someone occupying such a prominent position. Turns out that our Rio wasn't so squeaky clean either ...

It's hard to know who we can trust - but at least science (with its solid basis in 'fact') gives us something solid to base our understanding on - or does it? For the past 100 years or more, science (especially physics and cosmology) has rested securely on the belief that nothing in the universe can travel faster than the speed of light. But now scientists at CERN seem to have found something that does! Of course, it may turn out that they were mistaken. But the story does provide a salutary reminder that the certainties of science remain theories, ways of understanding the world we live in as best we can - at this point in time.

So, what to do? Two things spring to mind. First off, that we should beware falling in to that cynical and mistrustful mindset which is so readily to hand. The fact is that many politicians are diligent and honest, that many celebrities manage fame and fortune without being unfaithful, and that science continues to offer powerful resources for making sense of the world.

At the same time, we should be aware of the limits of our understanding and of our ability to maintain integrity at all times. In this context the words of a wise man seem very appropriate:

'Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.'  (Proverbs 3:5-6)