From Mr Brian Fish
Sir, - We are reminded that this is the 50th anniversary of the
publication of Honest to God by Bishop John Robinson (Features, 26
April). This was a disturbing book, scornfully rejecting
orthodox views of God. I was left wondering how a person could
love, or pray to, "the ground of all being".
I am responding to the anniversary by rereading another book by
Bishop Robinson, Can We Trust the New Testament?,
published 14 years later. To his own question he answers a
resounding "Yes!" It is therefore a very reassuring and encouraging
book. Such a difference! But what about compatibility?
BRIAN FISH
28 Mulberry Court, Stour Street
Canterbury CT1 2NT
From Rosalind Lund
Sir, - Modern Church members have been delighted to see your
tributes to John Robinson's Honest to God. It was
particularly gratifying to see Dr Mark Vernon quoting Canon Sam
Wells in the April edition (focusing on Honest to God) of
Modern Church's journal Modern Believing. In the 21st
century, we still find Robinson's book an inspiration. The aim of
building a thinking Church is top of our agenda.
To that end, and to mark the 50th anniversary of Honest to
God, Modern Church has organised a number of events this year,
including a weekend conference at Swanwick in November which has
been jointly organised with PCN (Progressive Christianity Network)
and is entitled "Being Honest about God".
For all the events organised by us in this anniversary year,
please see our website (www.modernchurch.org.uk).
ROSALIND LUND
Vice Chair, Modern Church
1 Arbury Road
Cambridge CB4 2JB
