ARCHBISHOP of Canterbury Rowan Williams has been guilty of a few crass comments in his time.
But never was he so right in his concerns about excessive debt, especially among young people.
Student loans have intensified the problem, with many in their early 20s owing £12,000 and upwards before they have even started working life.
It’s a situation where the young are tempted to say that a few thousand pounds more won’t do any harm.
But it does. And the consequences come fairly quickly.
This is not the way to exist in life. It is not OK to keep borrowing money when you cannot afford to pay it back.
But what alternative is there for those who wish to better themselves and are forced into financing their studies in this way? Or to have a home?
It is now very difficult to get a college or university education or even to find somewhere reasonable to live, without signing your life away.
The social implications of this live-for-today culture will extend for decades and is a timebomb waiting to explode in 30 or so years from now.
It is a scenario where the majority of the UK economy appears to be supported by debt, with many believing corporate greed and power run unchecked.
And the issue can be laid firmly at the feet of politicians who have done little or nothing to discourage this state of affairs.
Dr Williams could easily have made his comments three or four years ago, but better late than never.
The big question now is: Will we confront it?
