BBC presenter says it’s difficult to speak about God
by Anne Thomas
Posted: Monday, January 19, 2009, 13:03 (GMT)
BBC presenter Jeremy Vine has spoken about the difficulties he faces in openly discussing his Christian faith on air.
In an interview with Reform magazine, the Radio 2 and Panorama presenter admitted he found it difficult to reconcile his beliefs with his job.
“I'm living a strange life aren't I? A journalist is paid not to have views. But we all know that we do. We're all made of different things. We all think different things,” he told the magazine.
“One of the things I think, which may sound bizarre, is that Christ is who he said he was. I don't think I'd put that out on my show; I suppose there is a bit of a firewall between thinking that and doing the job I do.”
Mr Vine, who converted to Christianity in his twenties and is a practising Anglican, went on to say it would be problematic for him to share his beliefs during discussions on his radio programmes.
“Just blurting it out would be destructive. Just because something's true doesn't mean you can say it. That's quite an important principle. Once I put my cards on the table about my faith in discussions, it becomes problematic.”
He continued: “You can't express views that were common currency 30 or 40 years ago. Arguably the parameters of what you might call ‘right thinking’ are probably closing. Sadly, along with that has come the fact that it's almost socially unacceptable to say you believe in God.”
Although he does not share about his own faith on air, Mr Vine said that discussions about God always generated a huge response. “The energy goes up,” he said.
He admitted, however, to tussling with himself over the morality of the programmes he presents.
“I'm trying to work out whether any part of the BBC Jeremy Vine is the Christian Jeremy Vine. I would never claim that being a Christian would make me a better person, let alone a better broadcaster.
“I would never ever say that. For me it's family, church, prayer, hoping – and then the job is something else. From time to time I've asked myself, "Is the programme moral?" and I'm glad I can't answer it.”
Addressing the state of the church today, he said, “I know it gets attacked for being in a muddle but we are the muddle. And the muddle is our life.
“I feel sorry for the church because it keeps bumping into walls and it's full of good people. But a pain-free church would be a really spooky, unpleasant space.”
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Added: Thursday, January 22, 2009, 23:51 (GMT)
I'm pleasantly surprised to read these comments by Jeremy Vine and they have renewed my appreciation of him. I admire his candour and understand the difficulty he must find himself in as a Christian in a (mostly) secular environment. If it's any encouragement to him, he's not alone. I wish him courage and God's blessings.
John Davis, Manchester
Added: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 16:16 (GMT)
I disagree with James from London. I don't think being honest makes Jeremy Vine a bad Christian, just the same as us all, on a journey to what God sees us as we will be and not as we are. You could say thought, that to judge someone saying that is to be equal with God Himself and we are not equal to God so we should not hold people in judgement. When we get to the judgement seat of Christ, then we will be judged by the one who is worthy to judge.
Martin, Bristol, England
Added: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 14:28 (GMT)
What a pleasure it is to learn that Jeremy Vine is a Christian and to look back over his work and notice in retrospect the integrity of the man. As far as being a 'better person' is concerned, that isn't for him to judge. If he said he was, that would be a sure indication that he wasn't. One of the biggest turn-offs is Christians claiming to be better than others.
Jethro, Dunblane, Scotland
Added: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 12:30 (GMT)
I reckon Jeremy Vine does a pretty good job. Having had broadcasting experience myself, I understand that in his Radio 2 role he has to remain neutral - he's not there to directly declare his faith or to 'preach'. But his faith does underline his approach and his reactions to the people he speaks to. He's always gracious and considerate - and that's a big part of being a christian too!.
Bill Caldwell, Dudley, UK
Added: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 1:06 (GMT)
"I would never claim that being a Christian would make me a better person."
That's an odd remark. If that truly is the case, then his "Christianity," has very little value.
Bruce427, USA
Added: Monday, January 19, 2009, 17:12 (GMT)
He claims being a Christian doesn't make him a better person, then I guess he isnt a very good Christian then.
James, London
