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.
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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.
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Simon was a good vicar. He was a good listen and a compassionate man who cared deeply for his parishioners. Those are the traits that are important—not whether he believed in God.
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I think Simon was a good and caring person. I am not sure I would want him for my vicar though, given his beliefs.
I have to agree, listening and compassion are key to church leaders.
I think Simon was a good vicar, very caring. I don’t know how I would feel if my religious leader did not believe in God. The religious leaders I know do talk about their belief in God.
He was an adequate vicar. I thought all the scenes that centered on Simon, highlighted another institution relied on for support/solace that has collapsed following the pandemic. He was young when he thought he was called into service, and his placement indicates his adequacy but not greatness, but he tried. And he loved nature…which many believe is Godliness.
I so agree with this. My husband was a pastor. Yes, you want someone to listen, but most people I’ve encountered are looking for biblical advice, which he couldn’t give. It did seem, however, that the churches he served were much more about the institution rather than being in relationship, if that makes sense.
Whether or not he was a true believer, he conducted himself as a compassionate vicar.I was surprised by his Bishop’s reaction to his confession.
He was compassionate and caring. However, he was living a lie as his parishioners believed him to be a man of faith. I’m not sure if it disqualifies him as being a good vicar. Personally, I would want someone more honest with me about his doubts.
Great question! The bishop probably would have said he’s good because he is fulfilling the roles in the community not because he is a model of faith and leader of the spiritual group. Seems that the bishop himself was lacking in the belief department too…secular man of God, as it were. His congregation would say yes because he is involved and interested in their lives and participated in the community. He mirrored the disbelief of the people he shepherded and was not afraid to consider other ideas, i.e. reincarnation. He fosters growth of a community so unlike the rigid, evangelical ones looking for conformity of belief in all members. I’d appreciate him as a good vicar, discussions about life in all its uncertainties without an arsenal of canned answers aimed at creating another member.
As a Christian, I felt saddened by his lack of conviction to his faith and vocation; however, I think it was one chosen impulsively rather than by deep intrinsic desire to serve God by leading and supporting a congregation.
It seems a small town vicar’s most important role is to bring kindness and peace into the lives of their parishioners. I’m sure they all assumed he believed in god, but don’t feel it really mattered in his case. He had the kindness and empathy piece nailed down.