*Written in the 1980s* The smouldering argument about morality has burst into new flame in recent weeks in Britain. Horrific juvenile crimes, as in many other parts of the world, have stunned the public here. Many are ruing the collapse of what _The Times_ called 'the informal moral structures which used to abound in society'. Some still seem strangely reluctant to acknowledge the link between the decline of accepted standards of right and wrong, and the rise of uncivilized behaviour. Others are tempted to rub their hands and say, 'I told you so'. Some of these see imposed codes of morality and behaviour as the only way forward. Something deeper than moral rigidity is needed to answer our problems. Morality is essential, but it is not life's ultimate goal. It is both a signpost to, and a natural extension of, a further excursion journey - the meeting of the human heart with God's heart of love. Permissiveness and moral rigidity have one thing in common: they are founded on a lack of real love. Slavery to our desires and slavery to rules both destroy the true freedom of spirit which is love's hallmark. External behaviour is easier to change than the internal workings of a person's heart. While calling for moral standards we must not neglect the source from which morality flows. The loss of purpose and a sense of belonging, which are at the root of juvenile crime, can only be answered by a deeper quality of love. This quality cannot be legislated for by government or paid for from social funds. It is passed on and picked up through caring families, schools, neighbours and friends. It is time we stopped pretending that such spiritual qualities are an optional extra for the religiously minded. We all need a spiritual renewal. From it will come the right legal and structural changes. And a desire to seek and apply the eternal moral truths which lead to true inner freedom.