And here's the difference between a website and a radio broadcast. Three scripts back and I was talking about the Stone of Destiny (and a bit about the Crown Jewels in the margin) and here it is again - except in real life it was a good six months later. And of course, just because it starts off with the same subject doesn't mean it has to carry on that way - a case in point.

At last the Seat of Scottish kings is coming home, to move in with the royal jewels. It has no real value. You can't eat it or use it for anything useful, any more than the somewhat prettier rocks it will sit alongside. But its value is in its rarity, and of its nature, what is rare on this earth can't be shared around, but gravitates towards those who have earthly power, the economic and military might reflected in the castle itself, and the weapons that decorate its walls.

Of course, there are those who would prefer to get rid of the monarchy altogether, perhaps inclining more towards a French style revolution declaring Liberty, Fraternity and Equality for all. Indeed, the roll of the tumbrils and aristocratic heads did change our sense of individual empowerment in Europe, by offering the power to the people.

But removing kingship is one thing, controlling power is another. Cut off the head of state, and revolutionaries so often find that someone else has to put their own head in its place, a questionable privilege when the blood on the executioners blade is still warm from the previous incumbent. As Robespierre discovered, devolution of power to the people is not that easy.

Long before the French revolution, the Arabian community was also transformed by an ideology based on a very different philosophy, but enshrining the same basic tenets for humanity, and despite any number of kings and tyrants in their history, muslims still see Liberty, Equality and Fraternity as their rights. In all their variety, they refer to each other as brother and sister, and know that before God they stand as equals. No matter what the scale of difference on this earth between one muslim and another, we stand shoulder to shoulder each prayer time, just as we will before our King on Judgement Day.

Our freedom is also God-given. Knowing that this life is just a moment in a greater scheme of our existence, sets us free in what matters, we need have no fear of death, and can choose to stand against injustice and tyranny. Freedom comes from serving a King Who didn't conquer or inherit, but created mankind and His kingdom.