Do faith and politics mix? Tim Farron and Polly Toynbee

In this episode of Unbelievable, Justin Briley welcomes Tim Farron, MP and former leader of the Liberal Democrats, and Polly Toynbee, a renowned journalist and vice president of Humanist UK. The discussion revolves around the intersection of faith and politics, especially focusing on the challenges faith leaders face in public life, spurred by Farron's experiences during the 2017 UK General Election when his Christian beliefs were scrutinized.

Tim shares insights from his recent autobiography, 'A Better Ambition,' which reflects on his political journey and his Christian faith's role in public life. He recounts how his faith influenced his leadership of the Liberal Democrats, stating that he faced suspicion for his beliefs. Farron argues that faith should inform political perspectives but must not impose legislation. He highlights the importance of humility in politics and the challenges of being a Christian leader in a secular political environment.

Polly provides a contrasting view as a vocal critic of religious privilege. She discusses her book 'The Lost Decade,' analyzing the political and social shifts from 2010 to 2020. Polly expresses concerns about the influence of religious groups on political matters, such as euthanasia and abortion rights, and calls for transparency when personal beliefs affect public policies. She argues for a secular society and emphasizes the importance of individual freedoms.

The episode dives deeper into the potential of faith as a force for good in society. Both guests explore whether Christianity can coexist with modern secular ideologies. They discuss the decline in religious belief among the British populace, speculating on the future of faith in shaping political discourse. Tim argues that Christianity could yet play a rejuvenating role as communities increasingly seek moral foundations.

As the conversation winds down, the discussion touches upon the myth of secular neutrality in politics and the obligation of politicians to represent their beliefs transparently. Tim and Polly assert the need for a political landscape inclusive of diverse views while acknowledging the dangers of dogmatism, calling for compassion and understanding within political dialogue.