The Prejudged

This autobiographical account records events that unfolded during the particularly dynamic cultural revolution of the fifties, sixties and early seventies. This was the post-war era when the Church slowly began to lose its influence over the day-to-day life of ordinary folk. Furthermore, Dr Spock’s ideas about childcare began to encourage parents to be less rigid and more affectionate with their children and to treat them as individuals. This contrasted with the authoritarian style of parenting which had hitherto demanded absolute obedience and offered little, if any, affection. Such parenting was and is often based on a false understanding of what Christianity is all about and, at its worse, can be abusive. The book is intended to stimulate reflection on why overt abuse is accepted and tolerated, but goes unreported. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the majority of my relatives, friends and neighbours had expressed concern at the physical and emotional abuse I had suffered; and yet none ‘wanted to interfere.’ What mechanisms were in play there? Is this still as likely to happen today and, if not, what has changed? And could the conditions which led to a culture that tolerated abuse ever return?