Can you too, be religious?

[Molasar]

I'm an atheist, thank god.

[Carruthers]

At this time of the year 'Today', BBC radio's news and current affairs programme, has a number of guest editors. This morning it was the turn of Michael Palin (No relation to Sarah). For one of his contributions, he chose to revisit the fuss that surrounded the Monty Python film, 'Life of Brian'. I remember watching the TV debate between Palin and John Cleese, and Mervyn Stockwood, Bishop of Southwark and Malcolm Muggeridge. Stockwood's job description is self-explanatory but Muggeridge presents more of a challenge. He was a journalist by profession but eventually became someone who was famous for being famous. I think that 'all purpose pundit' will probably do. Oh, and wilful contrarian.

Cleese and Palin discussed the rumpus this morning and it can be heard here: BBC Radio 4 Today. Occasionally with the BBC there are copyright restrictions for media being played outside the UK. I think that it should be OK in this instance.

I had a search on Youtube for the actual TV debate and managed to find it. It has been assembled from a number of sources and isn't perfect, but it should be a reasonable representation of the event.
Uncharacteristically, Michael Palin becomes somewhat tetchy towards the end.



Just remembered. Muggeridge became increasingly 'holier than thou' as time went on and was often known as St. Mugg.

[Carruthers]

Just found the entire debate on Youtube. It might be more than any of you wishes to sit through, but it's here:

[Molasar]

if I remember rightly the "St. Mugg" label originated in Private Eye magazine.
Clearly they didn't play favourites (still don't) because Muggeridge worked for them at the time!

[Sundae]

Originally Posted by Molasar

if I remember rightly the "St. Mugg" label originated in Private Eye magazine.
Clearly they didn't play favourites (still don't) because Muggeridge worked for them at the time!

Did he?
I know Richard Ingrams wrote his biography, but I had no idea he wrote for Private Eye. Well, before my time I guess, because all I can remember is his anti-semitic comment about Ian Hislop.

[Carruthers]

Well, before my time I guess, because all I can remember is his anti-semitic comment about Ian Hislop.

Could you shed a bit of light on that for me, Sundae, please?

I'm a bit puzzled because Hislop wrote a chapter in a book entitled 'Why I Am Still an Anglican'.


ETA. FWIW my eighty-eight year old dad (whom God preserve) has just referred to Muggeridge as 'a pompous old bugger'. There is nothing more to be said.

[Sundae]

It turns out the only reference I can find is here:

From his early life, Muggeridge would often refer to Jewish women as 'that Jewess' or 'a vulgar Jewess'. Three years before he died, he gave an interview to The Guardian, where he talked about the decline in standards of the Private Eye magazine, 'under its new Jewish editor Ian Hislop.' He then wrote a letter of apology, addressed to 'Leon Hislop'.

And I have no idea of the veracity of the source.

I am remembering discussion and hearsay, which I cannot pass off as truth.
But I totally agree with your Dad and I don't think I need a cite for that

[Carruthers]

Thanks for that, Sundae; I'm grateful to you.

The chapter mentioned in my post above is in Google books.
It seems that St Mugg might have been labouring under a misapprehension.

Why I am still an Anglican. Ian Hislop.

[JBKlyde]

oh you still think the preacher was telling the truth... not any more..

[Undertoad]

It might be more than any of you wishes to sit through

I watched most of it, and thank you.

Also your dad is polite for having used the word pompous. There isn't really a word extreme enough to describe that guy though.

[infinite monkey]

Originally Posted by Carruthers

ETA. FWIW my eighty-eight year old dad (whom God preserve) has just referred to Muggeridge as 'a pompous old bugger'. There is nothing more to be said.

My dad always said Murder She Wrote woman was a 'pompous old busybody.' Yes I know it's Angela Lansbury but he was referring to the character and saying why he couldn't stand that show.

[Carruthers]

Yes I know it's Angela Lansbury....

Have a care, if you please! It's Dame Angela Lansbury from today.

'Murder, She Wrote' Star Angela Lansbury Honoured

[monster]

If U2 can be religious, I doubt they could be Christian because they don't seem overly keen on Sundays....

[Sheldonrs]

Originally Posted by infinite monkey

My dad always said Murder She Wrote woman was a 'pompous old busybody.' Yes I know it's Angela Lansbury but he was referring to the character and saying why he couldn't stand that show.

I have fond memories because of that show. ;-)

[monster]

Dame Angie made you gay? I can see that.....