INTERVIEW: Peter Vardy

Leading philosopher and theologian, Peter Vardy, discusses his new book The Philosophers’ Daughters …

Can you tell us a little bit about your own background in philosophy and spirituality?

I have been an academic philosopher for 40 years and was vice-principal of the specialist theology and philosophy College of the University of London. In these years I have extensive contact with leading philosophers and theologians and have authored or co-authored 16 books.

What was the inspiration behind The Philosophers’ Daughters?

My young daughters, Petra and Thora, have asked challenging questions and these needed honest answers.

You provide an answer to all of the questions posed in  book but how did you choose the other contributors who chime in with answers of their own from chapter to chapter?

My choosing leading international figures from three primary categories: theologians, philosophers and educators.

In what ways can a Christian perspective deepen our philosophical beliefs?

Philosophy and Theology should be handmaids. Both illuminate and sometimes challenge the other.

Out of all the questions posed by your daughters, Petra and Thora, did you find there were some that were harder to answer than others? And, if so, which ones?

Absolutely! Many of the questions were very challenging. Perhaps the one I found most difficult was from my eldest daughter when she was 11. She asked how, if Jesus on the cross asked God to forgive the soldiers who were crucifying him because they did not know what they were doing, God could send anyone to hell when many people who did wrong also did not know what they were doing. My youngest daughter than asked how any God of love could send anyone to hell.

How do you hope readers will benefit from reading your book?

Children ask the best questions even if they are often uncomfortable and challenging. Too often adults dismiss their questions and it is important for such adults to be able to understand not only the questions but also to be exposed to answers from eminent Christian and other thinkers. I suspect the book will generate even more questions from readers – and that is a good thing!

 

Peter Vardy was vice-principal of Heythrop College, University of London and now runs the largest conferences for students of Philosophy and Religious Studies in Britain. Peter was awarded an honorary doctorate for services to education in October 2021.

The Philosophers’ Daughters: Two young peoples’ big questions answered by leading philosophers, scientists, educators and religious thinkers from around the world is available now in paperback and as an eBook from dltbooks.com and all good bookstores.