What did you make of Simon’s inability to believe in God, in spite of his profession? How about his bishop’s pastoral advice to “carry on as if you still believed” (p. 59)? Do you consider Simon a good vicar? Why or why not?
The fact that Simon didn’t believe in God, only surprised me insofar as his position presumed belief. I’ve known a number of clergy who came to understand God differently over time. As a young clergyperson myself I discovered that listening and supporting the beliefs held by the person to whom I was offering pastoral support was more important than sharing my belief or unbelief. So, in my view, Simon was a good vicar.
I thought Simon was a good vicar. Regardless of his personal faith, he cared for the people who came to him. He listened well and he had a compassionate heart. I would like to think that in time he will realize that the “coincidences” were not actually random coincidences but God acting in his life.