Categories: uncategorized
Date: 03 September 2007 20:49:18
So the Sunday Times decided to "do religion" yesterday. The front cover contained this story which said lots of people think religion is harmful, but lots of them also believe God (or something like that). Of those who do believe in a personal God very few talk to Him on a daily basis.
This story linked to an extract from John Humphry's new book In God We Doubt. I have to say this was one of the most sensible articles on religion I have ever read. It comes from the perspective of an agnostic and slaps down secular fundamentalism whilst being sensible about the place of faith. I'm looking forward to finding out if the whole book can live up to the extract.
It is also interesting because although few people openly described themselves as agnostics in the poll quoted in the first article I believe what Humphry's describes is actually the position a majority of people in our society would hold.
As to where I stand? Well I find it easier to believe with a cynical streak than doubt, but that's just the ever hopeful optimist within me. I do believe religion is harmful when it is misused and misinterpreted but then again I hold the same view of science. I do believe we have a relational connection to God and so tend to pray regularly, but don't give God the quality time I should. To be quite honest, I think rather than being a failed atheist, as Humphry's describes himself I'm a Christian because I'm a failed agnostic - every time I try to walk away in my uncertainty I get drawn back in by the threads of possibility.