Mal Fletcher considers the growing fear in society of all things traditional

Yet they also saw with prophetic clarity how these texts had been de-contextualized, twisted and misinterpreted - sometimes by sections of the institutional church - to serve powerful sectional interests and lobbies within society. (The push to "deconstruct" old ideas is no new thing.)

These and hosts of other archetypal historical activists did not call their societies forward into some "new morality". On the contrary, they rejected outright the idea of there being any next step on a ladder of moral evolution.

Their call was for a return to already established and proven mandates, which they believed would last because they reflected the immutable purposes of God.

They were adamant that social moral systems worked for the common good and the betterment of society only when they served that higher moral purpose.

Likewise, Mother Teresa became a powerful symbol for the defence of human rights; yet she steadfastly refused to be known as a human rights campaigner. She loved to remind journalists and presidents alike that she saw in the poor an opportunity to serve Christ and his cause.

Her adopted nation had over centuries developed a moral culture, informed by religion, in which the poor and wretched were not only abandoned to their fate, but were seen to be deserving of it.

In her own quiet but fiercely determined way, Mother Teresa called the prevailing morality to yield before a higher standard, which she believed was exemplified in the example and teaching of Christ.

There are, of course, great examples of social reform from outside the religious fold.

Ghandhi, the preeminent lead of Indian nationalism, first came to public notice in South Africa, as a lawyer who fought for the civic rights of Hindus and Muslims alike.

In his later role as an agitator for change in his homeland, he rejected politics based upon religion - in part because of abuses under the British regime - and sought to represent all religious groups equally.

Through his practice of strategic non-violence he led India to independence and inspired civil rights movements worldwide. His morality could not be described as "new" in any meaningful sense. He demanded that Britain recognise the transcendent human values it had historically espoused.

Nelson Mandela is another prime example. His self-sacrificing commitment to an oppressed people brought world attention to their cause.

Whilst in prison, Mandela was heavily influenced by the non-violent approach of both Gandhi and Martin Luther King. He gradually renounced the use of violence as a primary means for change. (In showing personal forgiveness, he also admitted to being influenced by the preaching of Billy Graham.)

Instead, whilst still in prison, Mandela began to hone his considerable political skills and personal charm as agents for change. These, along with his remarkable personal story and the sacrificial work of fellow activists, enabled him not only to lead his people out of institutional oppression, but to fashion the seeds of a truly rainbow nation.