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Holy Smoke Easter special: in praise of faithful dissent, a conversation with Nigel Biggar and Mary Wakefield
Apr 20, 2025
Nigel Biggar, a moral theology professor at Oxford and Conservative peer, teams up with Mary Wakefield, Spectator columnist, to discuss the concept of 'faithful dissent' in Christianity. They celebrate historical figures like Thomas More, who stood against injustice, and ponder how contemporary Christians can challenge conformist leaders. Wakefield critiques modern Church bureaucratic language while finding common ground with former Archbishop Rowan Williams. Together, they explore faith's role in advocating justice, navigating complex moral issues, and the enduring power of unity.
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of 'faithful dissent' in Christianity, highlighting historical figures who exemplified moral courage against societal pressures.
- Critique of church leaders like Rowan Williams reveals concerns about avoiding difficult moral judgments in favor of aligning with liberal ideologies.
Deep dives
The Importance of Faithful Dissent
The discussion highlights the significance of faithful dissent within Christianity, as exemplified by historical figures such as Jesus, Thomas More, and anti-Nazi dissidents like Helmut von Moltke. These individuals risked their lives to stand up for truth, illustrating moral courage in the face of societal pressures. The conversation raises the question of whether such dissent is solely rooted in Christian belief or if individuals without faith can demonstrate similar moral courage. The conclusion suggests that while a strong belief in God can fuel dissent, it is not exclusively the domain of the faithful, as various forms of dissent may emerge across different belief systems.
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