Archbishop of Canterbury not sure that God exists

Archbishop of Canterbury not sure that God exists

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MikeO996

Original Poster:

2,008 posts

223 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
quotequote all
"Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has said he sometimes has doubts in his belief in God.

In an interview with BBC Bristol the leader of the Church of England said he doubted in "lots of different ways".

He said: "There are moments, sure, when you think, 'Is there a God?' 'Where is God?'"

The archbishop has recently completed a tour of the West Country and made his comments at an event called Standing Room Only at Bristol Cathedral.

When asked about doubt by presenter Lucy Tegg, he said: "It is a really good question. I love the Psalms, if you look at Psalm 88 that's full of doubt.

"The other day I was praying over something as I was running, and I ended up saying to God 'look this is all very well, but isn't it about time you did something, if you're there?'

"Which is probably not what the Archbishop of Canterbury should say.""


Which of course naturally raises the question: is the Pope Catholic?

anonymous-user

53 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
quotequote all
I was listening to the radio the other day, and the programme was interviewing many current serving clergy who openly state they don't believe there is a God or afterlife, and that it is all just a 'metaphorical moral lesson for life', and that their role was to help guide people, offer advice and suchlike.

Made me respect them a bit more upon hearing that.

MikeO996

Original Poster:

2,008 posts

223 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
quotequote all
At least they're being honest at one level but that must lead to a lot of hypocritical behaviour e.g. every Sunday when they stand up and lead the congregation in the creed.
Maybe they should chuck in the collar and become counsellors.

Jasandjules

69,825 posts

228 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
quotequote all
NinjaPower said:
Made me respect them a bit more upon hearing that.
Or does that mean they are living a lie and obtaining money from people through fraud?!?



chris watton

22,477 posts

259 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
quotequote all
If that's the case, are we sure his job exists?

If it doesn't, that's money saved to spend on the poor and needy. smile

standards

1,117 posts

217 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
quotequote all
Bearing in mind the extraordinary claims of Christianity are we really surprised that some/many believers have periods of doubt?

Might be surprised that the ABC is so honest?

Jasandjules

69,825 posts

228 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
quotequote all
standards said:
Bearing in mind the extraordinary claims of Christianity are we really surprised that some/many believers have periods of doubt?
I am only surprised that intelligent people believe in a God.

iphonedyou

9,234 posts

156 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
quotequote all
standards said:
Bearing in mind the extraordinary claims of Christianity are we really surprised that some/many believers have periods of doubt?

Might be surprised that the ABC is so honest?
True. Don't believe in any God myself but I think his comments are very honest and, in a way, brave. No issues here.

Beati Dogu

8,862 posts

138 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
quotequote all
I'm not sure the Archbishop of Canterbury exists. I've never seen his work or met him in person.

bad company

18,483 posts

265 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
quotequote all
At least I know I don't believe in any God.

johnxjsc1985

15,948 posts

163 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
quotequote all
Jasandjules said:
standards said:
Bearing in mind the extraordinary claims of Christianity are we really surprised that some/many believers have periods of doubt?
I am only surprised that intelligent people believe in a God.
Sometimes I wonder if these people have a calendar it is 2014 not 1014.A friend of ours is waiting for a Priest to give them a letter so their children can go to a certain non Catholic school. WTF is that all about.

Steffan

10,362 posts

227 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
quotequote all
Beati Dogu said:
I'm not sure the Archbishop of Canterbury exists. I've never seen his work or met him in person.
That's not a bad approach!

Some years ago as the then Bishop of Durham began his classic demonstration that it was possible to regard the bible as a fairy story and still remain within the church actively employed and on the gravy train. No surprise to me therefore that the Archbishop of Canterbury can follow a similar path.

I have conluded that the individuals who do this enjoy the trappings of religion and the income they receve from the activity and the Bishops Plalace, the House of Lords seat and the privelage and fawning congregation. One big well paid ego trip. What this has to do with religion I have no idea. Its all about maximum personal gain and ambitious lifestyle choices. Which religion seems to provide for its protagonists.

How anyone can seriously defend these slime balls I just cannot imagine.

TwigtheWonderkid

43,248 posts

149 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
quotequote all
As an atheist since the age of 8 or 9, I can honestly say I have never done the reverse, Not once have I ever doubted the non existence of god, even when some extraordinary coincidence has occurred or when something brilliant has happened to me, like the birth of my kids or Chelsea winning the Champions League.

Actually, I take that back. I do struggle to see how Cliff Richard has had a 50 year career without divine intervention.

pork911

7,087 posts

182 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
quotequote all
Faith isn't about being sure.

Steffan

10,362 posts

227 months

Thursday 18th September 2014
quotequote all
pork911 said:
Faith isn't about being sure.
Well unless you are sure it must be difficult to have faith. If you have no faith then how can you be sure?

King Herald

23,501 posts

215 months

Friday 19th September 2014
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Steffan said:
pork911 said:
Faith isn't about being sure.
Well unless you are sure it must be difficult to have faith. If you have no faith then how can you be sure?
Faith is for when you have no facts, no evidence.

Somewhat unfortunate that no religion ever has brought any facts or evidence to the table.

"That which can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence"

Edited by King Herald on Friday 19th September 01:09

Derek Smith

45,513 posts

247 months

Friday 19th September 2014
quotequote all
pork911 said:
Faith isn't about being sure.
However religions are. And therein lies the great tragedy. We need more people in the church admitting unbelief.

There is, of course, the sure and certain hope of resurrection.

Great play is made of faith, or belief regardless of facts. It is what gives support to homoeopathy. Faith is a human weakness. If you can't accept facts you have problems.

Religions are the problem.

TwigtheWonderkid

43,248 posts

149 months

Friday 19th September 2014
quotequote all
I don't like tattoos, but if I was forced to have one, it would say "a thimble full of evidence is worth more than an ocean of faith."

That's the overriding principle by which I try and live my life.




CAPP0

19,532 posts

202 months

Friday 19th September 2014
quotequote all
Jasandjules said:
Or does that mean they are living a lie and obtaining money from people through fraud?!?
'Twas ever thus.

kowalski655

14,599 posts

142 months

Friday 19th September 2014
quotequote all
Well now he has started this train of thought,he just needs to think it though to the logical conclusion and tell his following that its all just a fairytale