In response to Kathy Gyngell: Doubting Thomas Welby is no help in these terrible times, Don Benson wrote:
It comes to something when we infantry have to call for the general to stiffen his nerve. But I’m pretty sure Justin Welby’s public emoting was an attempt to demonstrate that he wrestles with the problem of human wickedness rather than choosing to offer a trite response.
Personally, I believe that the current trend for touchy-feely communication by public figures when a stiff upper lip is needed enfeebles our national character and diminishes our dignity. One could well conclude that there is self indulgence evident in an Archbishop choosing to air his own quetions at the very time when strength of faith and resolve are required of someone in that position. And he has to remember (as do all Christians) that it is better to be derided for owning his faith than applauded for questioning it.
Faith for a Christian is not a matter of shutting your eyes and ears to reality (whether scientific observation or human behaviour); it demands that you think through what actually happens in the light of the Biblical revelation of God and his creation.
The witness of millions of Christians down the ages is that the Bible speaks with an honesty and consistency that matches up to all of life’s experiences, both good and bad. The Bible does indeed bewail the fallen nature of mankind, not denying the presence of wickedness, but always it declares the sovereignty of God – and the offer of redemption through Jesus Christ is its stunning climax.
