Richard Truss has just received a letter in response to his book ‘The Pattern of God – David Jenkins’ Theology in Church and Public Space’ (https://www.sacristy.co.uk/products/david-jenkins) from an old friend, Dr David Marjot, who is an eminent psychiatrist – he was Ian Brady’s psychiatrist in Broadmoor. Herewith a couple of paragraphs on which Richard says, ‘I would be interested to see others’ reactions.’

“In the school choir at Rochester I used to read the Bible and Prayer Book when needing distraction. I approved of there being but one living and true God; without body, parts or passions; of infinite power, wisdom and goodness. I saw the Godhead as our best guess, within our talents and passions; perhaps God’s and our accommodation to our limitations. But even so, I could not accept the miracles, as I thought them unnecessary today.

We have Messiahs who believe they are in touch with God, such as Moses, Buddha, Jesus and Mohammed. They are accepted by a group of followers who, on the Messiah’s death, have leaders who then create a dogma or creed to which all must accept and follow, and those who disagree are heretics who are cast out, often violently. Subsequent prophets try to call people back to virtue, or at least to the prophet’s view of virtue. If I were a devoted convert my impulse would be to set up a sect! (Conversion therapy is a fascinating subject ).”