‘Brothers and sisters, I see in the papers the users are being asked to repent’, proclaimed Tom Hodgkinson at The School of Life’s first Sunday Sermon yesterday. His contemporary interpretation of the Biblical commandment LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR focused on the practice of usery. There was a time, Tom argued, when to lend money at interest to a man in need would have been considered wicked. Now it is the basis of the banking system. But salvation may be at hand he suggested, with the looming economic crisis and the renationalisation of the banks offering us a chance to see to the prevalence of sinful practices.
What other advice did Tom have to offer? Alcohol, he explained, is among the most tried and tested ways to promote good relations with your neighbours. He told us of the boozy feasts he and his family put on for neighbours in their Devon village and urged us to do the same in London. Tom headed for drinks after the sermon at the suitably named Friend at Hand pub opposite the Horse Hospital.
A synopsis of Tom's sermon will soon be published on The School of Life's website.
Tom preached to a packaged congregation who were led in song by the Hackney Secular Singers. Hymns included Lou Read’s Sunday morning. Confessionals were offered to living worry dolls; Jonny Satan, the West-country devil offered parishioners the chance to sit on his lap for 20p; and there was tea served with Nice biscuits and millionaire’s shortbread for everyone after the service.
The next preacher in the series is Geoff Dyer extolling the virtues of punctuality. Details are here. Be on time!
Read Mark Vernon's blog on The School of Life's sermons on The Guardian website here.
The world needs more people with the Tom's philosophy on life.
Posted by: Morgan Phillips | October 29, 2008 at 02:52 PM