Rowan Williams - Christianity After Certainty (N346)

35 snips

Jun 9, 2025

Rowan Williams, the Former Archbishop of Canterbury and a distinguished theologian, delves into faith as a journey of attentiveness, rather than certainty. He contrasts genuine faith with toxic religion, highlighting trust as a core element. Rowan shares insights on appreciating Buddhism while remaining committed to Christianity, and discusses the dual nature of the Church—its beauty and cruelty. The conversation also touches on how contemplation influences spiritual perception, encouraging listeners to embrace the mystery of faith.

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INSIGHT

Faith as Trust and Growth

Faith is basic trust in a landscape worth exploring that takes time to discover.
It opposes toxic religion's ready-made certainty by being a growing, persevering process.

ANECDOTE

Williams' Faith Under Pressure

Rowan experienced faith pressure during graduate studies and as Archbishop of Canterbury.
He witnessed church's cruelty and struggled with its purpose but never lost trust in the church's basic reality.

INSIGHT

Toxic Religion and Power Abuse

Toxic religion operates through power and control, often making people feel small or less.
It appears in extreme revivalist groups, political-religious alliances, and local bullying church dynamics.

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In this episode, we speak with former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams about his vision of faith as attentiveness, not answers — a path not of mastery, but of mystery. Drawing on themes from his book Discovering Christianity, Rowan reflects on the difference between faith and toxic religion, and explores how trust, not certainty, might be the deeper thread that runs through the Christian story.

We talk about the appeal of other traditions, Rowan’s appreciation of Buddhism, and why — despite it all — he remains rooted in the Christian faith. Along the way, he speaks candidly about the beauty and the cruelty of the Church, the liberating potential of theology, and how contemplation can shape not only our spiritual life but our way of seeing the world.

Following the interview, Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Nick Thorley reflect on the complexities of letting go of toxic religion, while staying open to what faith might still become.

Interview starts at 15m 2s

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