A discussion about Tyndale involving broadcaster Melvin Bragg took place at St Paul’s Cathedral on 24 October.
The Reformation’s quincentenary has seen a resurgence of interest in Tyndale. Two new titles on the famous translator have been Introducing published: Banner of Truth’s Tyndale and Melvyn Bragg’s Very Brief History for SPCK. While the former is marketed as a devotional volume, Bragg’s is a secular book for interested readers. Bragg stresses his own unbelief, while describing himself as a candid friend of faith.
Bragg and Williams
The St Paul’s event, a discussion between Bragg and Jane Williams, wife of Rowan, begat much interest. The cathedral was packed out, although a uniformly white and ageing audience suggested that perhaps Bragg was a bigger draw than his subject. With believing and non-believing Europeans asking why the Reformation matters, the debate between broadcaster and theologian usefully illustrated two approaches to the shared Christian heritage.