Â鶹Éç

Good morning. It may seem trivial or even embarrassing to look forward this week to the opening of non-essential shops and the restart of the Premier League – against the backdrop of the weekend’s violent protests and the serious issues raised by Black Lives Matter, getting children back to school and continued Covid deaths. But it raises the question of how essential leisure is, in the midst of crisis and cultural change.

In 1947, the German philosopher Josef Pieper published the article Leisure: the Basis of Culture. It was written during the difficult reconstruction of economy and identity in Germany following the second World War. While some saw leisure as trivial and self-indulgent when serious issues had to be confronted, Pieper boldly argued that we should work less and play more, for if we see everything in terms of its usefulness, we lose our identity as human beings. Drawing on Christian tradition, he suggested leisure is a celebration of the goodness of creation, a space for contemplation and worship of God, and a key way to reshape culture at a time of rebuilding. By taking leisure seriously, we begin to understand who and what we are rebuilding for.

Of course, in the current easing of lockdown leisure industries are important for the economy. But they have greater significance. They give a space for joy and communal celebration. As a Christian, immersed in a tradition of desire to change the world for the better, I have always been challenged by the way Jesus participated in so many meals, engaged in humour with his disciples and even provided far more wine than was needed at a wedding feast.

These weeks at my University, are traditionally a time post exams when students enjoy creating music and drama and even building rafts to cross the river. And that’s what we are doing, on-line with choirs, orchestras and performances at home - and model rafts in sinks! This is not what Neil Postman would say is Amusing Ourselves to Death but a time of joy in and rebuilding community which has been physically separated.

Some of the weekend’s violence seemed to involve some far-right football supporter groups. Yet twenty years ago, Nelson Mandela, saw the power of sport to resist evil and promote change. In presenting an award to the football great Pele he said, ‘Sport has the power to change the world…. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.’ Science, government and constructive protests can all help reshape society. Yet so can leisure.

Show less