JD "secular" is a Christian concept, so I assume the countries you are talking about are foundationally Christian countries. The only secular countries I can think of without a Christian foundation are communist ones, which have attempted to obliterate religion because it is a rival to the state. I doubt whether that is your idea of a successful society.

I wasn't arguing that Christianity creates a perfect society - that is a straw man argument. But my question to Ezyhill was what does he see as the scaffolding for a good society?

Hi JD,

There is real poverty in our society today, much of it unseen. I get emails like this one several times a day from individuals and contacts.

"I (a contact) am currently working with two families who reside in the area. Both families include a single mum with 3-children family structure. Can you please advise if these two families would be eligible to receive food hampers, as they both struggle to cover the cost of living (including groceries for their children) each week. Transportation is another barrier for both mothers, so could an arrangement be made for me to assist with collecting groceries with their children, on their behalf? One mother works and the other is at home with two of her children having high/complex needs.
My contact number is 04XX XXX XXX."

My reply is basically "Thanks Alana, see what we can do, call you later etc etc"

Only last week, we had to drop off food and gift cards to the local Scout Master, who has been fund raising for us, through the Scouts. Rang so embarrassed that she was in strife, and really need assistance herself to put food on the table for a young family of 5. All we can do is drop off $100 worth of groceries and $100 in Coles gift cards, ok for this week, but what about next? The BIG problem is RENT, its a killer.