Best of the Spectator 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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Christian Heroes of Faithful Dissent
- Nigel Biggar highlights Christian heroes like Jesus, Thomas More, Helmut von Moltke, and Franz Jägerstätter who risked and lost their lives for justice.
- These examples illustrate profound moral courage rooted in faith, standing against injustice even unto death.
Christian Faith Fuels Courage
- Christian faith provides unique motivation for courageous dissent because death is not the end and God sees even when no one else does.
- Non-religious martyrs exist but Christian martyrdom is enabled by hope beyond death.
Mary Wakefield's Encounter with Rowan Williams
- Mary Wakefield recounts a respectful and empathetic interview with Rowan Williams where they shared faith despite political disagreements.
- She was impressed by his humility and capacity for attentive listening without vanity.