Dr Antony Latham is a retired GP.
Inform me about your background.
I'm 67 and was born in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin. We attended the Church of Eire. My mom had a powerful Christian religion and I'm the youngest of 5 kids. I'm married with 4 kids and dwell on the Isle of Harris in Scotland. I attended Portora Royal College, Enniskillen, earlier than finding out drugs at Trinity Faculty Dublin. I labored in Kenya for 3 years and later as a missionary physician in Tanzania for six years. I've been a GP right here in Scotland since 1995 and retired final 12 months. I chair the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics.
How and when did you come to religion?
I used to be very sceptical about Christian perception. I felt that evolution had eliminated any want for a creator. When working in Kenya at a really busy rural hospital in 1982, I used to be below nice pressure. I cried out to God. Someday I picked up a dusty Bible, given for my affirmation at St Macartin’s Cathedral in Enniskillen. I started studying the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s Gospel. I used to be gripped by this educating and felt not simply that it was true, however that Jesus was talking on to me. I skilled His presence powerfully and His unconditional love. I questioned if this was only a delusion, however the next morning He was nonetheless there with me. Little question the prayers of my mom had been instrumental on this shocking conversion.
Is that this religion just for Sundays?
Regardless of the circumstances and regardless of what number of instances I've messed issues up, God is with me. Being a disciple requires taking over our cross every day. I've typically let Him down, however what's superb is His unconditional love, proven on the cross, the place He took our punishment and set us free. Following Jesus is essentially the most liberating factor we are able to do.
Have you ever ever had a disaster or a gnawing doubt about your religion?
I've not had these experiences, however I do know that many do. Doubt may be very fruitful if within the disaster an individual calls out to God. The person who stated “Lord, I consider; assist my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23) prayed an excellent prayer.
Have you ever ever been indignant with God?
Perplexed, however not indignant. When working in Tanzania in 1994, we had 1000's of refugees from the Rwandan genocide coming into our space, with horrible tales of atrocities. We felt a black tide of evil over Rwanda subsequent door. Generally we have to simply look once more on the cross and see Jesus struggling there, displaying us that He isn't distant however has skilled far better torment, on our behalf.
Do you ever get criticised in your religion and can you dwell with that criticism?
Sure, after all. That is par for the course. Nobody was extra criticised than Jesus.
Are you ever ashamed of your personal church or denomination?
I'm not ashamed of my present denomination. I used to be previously, when a denomination we had been in turned so liberal amongst most of its leaders that the Gospel message was virtually fully erased.
Are you afraid to die, or are you able to look past demise?
I'm not afraid to die, and I'm certain of life past demise — as a result of Jesus rose from the lifeless and he has gone to organize a spot for individuals who put their belief in Him.
Are you afraid of ‘hell-fire’?
No. There isn't a must concern this if we put our belief in Jesus. He took your complete penalty for our sins upon himself. Salvation is a free present, purchased at nice value by Him. Nobody is excluded who merely believes.
Do you consider in a resurrection?
The resurrection is definite. Maybe the clearest image for Christians is in Revelation 21:4: “He'll wipe away each tear from their eyes, and demise shall be no extra, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor any extra ache, for the previous issues have handed away.”
What about individuals of different denominations and different faiths?
Christians of different denominations are my brothers and sisters. Folks of different faiths are in search of for reality. Honest in search of results in God, however Jesus stated very clearly: “I'm the way in which, the reality and the life.”
Would you be comfy in making an attempt to study from different individuals?
We should be open to studying from others who don't share our beliefs. Many atheists and other people from different faiths can present us necessary truths. We're all made in God’s picture.
Are the church buildings fulfilling their mission?
Some are, however many are doing so half-heartedly. We must be ‘on the earth however not of the world’ and ready to be radically counter-cultural. The Gospel of Jesus is to not be hidden however proclaimed clearly and sensitively.
Why are so individuals turning their backs on organised faith?
Trappings and traditions can get in the way in which of straightforward religion. Church is usually stuffy, whereas the Gospel is gentle and life and pleasure. Hypocrisy within the church is a turn-off and scandals amongst clergy and clergymen have performed nice harm.
Has faith helped or hindered in Northern Eire?
‘Faith’ in Northern Eire is usually a tribal and political label that has little to do with Christ. Too typically, being a Catholic or a Protestant has meant division and hatred — the other of following Jesus. True believers, from both facet of the divide, can and do convey reconciliation, forgiveness and hope.
Some private preferences — favorite movie, e book, music and why?
Mere Christianity by CS Lewis — a superb and sincere account of our religion. Darwin’s Black Field by Michael Behe — reveals the overwhelming scientific proof for God’s design in dwelling issues. St John Ardour by JS Bach — elegant music that brings me to the cross.
The place the place you're feeling closest to God?
He's all the time shut, however I expertise this most in nature, ideally the wildest and most distant.
The inscription you desire to in your headstone?
“For I'm certain that neither demise nor life... nor anything in all creation, will be capable to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
Any main regrets?
Not discovering Jesus earlier in my life.