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John Lennox and panel talk spirituality on QandA

8:06am Tuesday, 19th July 2011

Joshua Maule

It was an unprecedented night for the ABC political program QandA. Normally populated with commentators and politicians, last night's show was dubbed a "spiritual special" and featured voices from a number of religious and secular viewpoints. If nothing else, the diverse conversation about God, forgiveness and morality revealed something of Australia's ongoing interest in discussing the transcendent.

Among the five panellists were two Christian voices: John Lennox, a visiting Oxford mathematics professor; and Jacqueline Grey a pentecostal scholar. Both spoke candidly of their faith in the God of the Bible.

Lennox was careful to point out what he believed in was not - as in the view of one questioner - an ambiguous Force such as that of the Star Wars films. "I don't conceive of God as a Force because I feel that God has revealed himself ... Of course he is powerful, but he is personal, and he is good."

Fielding a question about the need for honesty and forgiveness in politics, Lennox said he believed politicians needed forgiveness. But he put himself in the same category. "I am a man who needs forgiveness ... And of course, from where I sit as a Christian, forgiveness lies at the very heart of the gospel." The audience liked hearing this.

Lennox didn't buy into the premise of an amusing video question about how God had stopped speaking to humanity. "I don't think he's gone quiet," he said. "I think we've stopped listening."

While Lennox promoted the need for people to "think" and "debate" the rational truth of spirituality, Jacqueline Grey emphasised the personal aspect of knowing God. "Everyone has a belief system, and it comes out in their actions." She suggested the widespread thirst for the supernatural could be seen in aspects of pop culture such as Harry Potter and Twilight.

Religion-in-schools advocates found an unexpected ally in Triple J host, John Safran who suggested chaplains with extreme views were part of life and provided fodder for storytelling later in life.

Referring also to some of his experiences, such as his exorcism in the finale of his 'John Safran Versus God' documentary series, Safran believed religion was more fun than atheism. "Trying to ban religion is like trying to ban snowboarding or something," he said. He spoke of his motives in creating his sometimes outlandish shows: "I was really trying to be cooperative with the gods."

At least one Tweeter found himself agreeing with Safran. Said aidanjago: "Safran has a point. Atheism is boring." And if there was one thing QandA was not last night, it was boring.