Cultural witness and the purpose of theology, with Graham Tomlin
Apr 16, 2025
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Graham Tomlin, a vicar and former Bishop of Kensington, leads the Centre for Cultural Witness, aiming to integrate faith into modern life. He recounts his journey from childhood faith to atheism and back, stressing the accessibility of theology. Tomlin discusses the Church of England's struggles with human sexuality debates and its relevance to contemporary identity issues. He emphasizes the importance of making Christianity appealing in a secular world and argues for the resilience of faith amidst skepticism.
Graham Tomlin's journey into theology underscores the importance of connecting academic studies with practical faith application for everyday life.
The struggle of modern theology lies in its detachment from societal issues, often leaving individuals feeling disconnected from church teachings.
Through the Centre for Cultural Witness, Tomlin aims to reframe Christianity as relevant and meaningful in addressing contemporary cultural and ethical challenges.
Deep dives
Graham Tomlin's Journey in Theology
Graham Tomlin shares his unexpected journey into theology, which began in his youth when he transitioned from growing up in a Christian home to identifying as an atheist during his teen years. His curiosity for knowledge led him to study theology, where he found a renewed interest in faith that deeply influenced his academic and ministerial pursuits. Tomlin emphasizes that his study of theology was not initially a planned path but evolved through a genuine love for understanding the complexities of faith. His goal has always been to bridge the gap between academic theology and the practical application of Christian teachings to nurture faith in everyday life.
The Importance of Relating Theology to Real Life
Tomlin argues that theology should not exist in an ivory tower but must engage with real-world issues to remain relevant and impactful. He reflects on how much contemporary theology can become too insular, focusing solely on individual spiritual experiences rather than addressing broader cultural and ethical challenges. By comparing the works of historical theologians like Martin Luther, he stresses the necessity of engaging theological discussions with lived experiences and societal realities. This approach cultivates a richer understanding of faith, helping individuals navigate not just personal struggles but also communal and societal crises.
Challenges of Modern Theology
The conversation highlights the struggle of modern theology to address pressing societal concerns while being confined within church walls. Tomlin points out that many individuals leave the church not due to a crisis of faith but because they perceive a disconnect between Christian teachings and their everyday lives. He shares insights on how some theologians fail to communicate effectively with those outside their academic bubble, leading to a lack of relevance. Engaging with topics like ethics and modern culture is essential for making theology accessible and meaningful to broader audiences.
The Center for Cultural Witness and its Mission
Tomlin discusses his current work with the Centre for Cultural Witness, which aims to prepare the ground for evangelism by providing cultural insights through a Christian lens. The center seeks to awaken a longing for God within contemporary culture, presenting Christian faith as both attractive and intellectually grounded. Tomlin notes the importance of framing the message of Christianity in a way that resonates with people's inherent need for meaning, especially in an age of skepticism and existential fear. Their mission is to create resources that help bridge the gap between faith and culture, making the Christian narrative applicable to modern life.
A Shifting Attitude Towards Faith
The discussion also touches on the emerging openness among younger generations to explore Christian faith amidst disillusionment with secular ideologies. Tomlin reflects on contemporary society's quest for significance and meaning as traditional secular beliefs fail to provide satisfactory answers. He suggests that this creates an opportunity for Christianity to present a compelling narrative that addresses historical roots, a sense of belonging, and hope for the future. Ultimately, he believes that while the journey to rediscover faith may be uncertain, the foundation of Christian truth remains steadfast, regardless of societal trends.
Graham Tomlin has been a vicar, a theologian, a college principal, a bishop and now spearheads a project dedicated to trying to re-enchant the UK with Christian faith. In this episode we reflect with him about his ministry, the current state and status of theology in the church, the struggles of the Church of England where he served as a bishop until recently, and why he’s now focusing on helping non-churchgoers begin to see the world through ‘Christian spectacles’.
• Subscribe to the Matters of Life and Death podcast: https://pod.link/1509923173
• If you want to go deeper into some of the topics we discuss, visit John's website: http://www.johnwyatt.com
• For more resources to help you explore faith and the big questions, visit: http://www.premierunbelievable.com
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