Rowan Williams Reflects on Faith, Doubt, and the Enduring Influence of Christianity

Rowan Williams stands as one of the foremost religious intellectuals today. A theologian, poet, playwright, and literary critic, he led the Anglican Communion as Archbishop of Canterbury from 2002 until 2012. In this interview, he reflects on his personal journey of faith and doubt, explores why suffering exists, and discusses approaches to interpreting the Bible. He also addresses the impact of the New Atheist movement, the profound influence of Fyodor Dostoyevsky on his theology, and what makes Jesus a uniquely compelling figure. Williams offers insights on guiding others through grief and describes Christian faith as a perspective that deeply enriches life. This conversation has been lightly edited for clarity and is part of a series exploring contemporary faith.

1. The Guiding Influence of Dostoyevsky

Peter Wehner: To begin, could you describe your spiritual journey? As a young adult, what drew you toward Christianity? Was it mainly an intellectual attraction, an aesthetic appeal, an imaginative longing, or a combination? Did you experience something like C.S. Lewis’s concept of “Sehnsucht,” an intense yearning for something beyond the material world?

Rowan Williams: I was raised in a Christian setting, though it wasn’t particularly intense. It wasn’t until my teenage years that faith began to resonate with me, largely on an imaginative level. At that time, I was immersing myself in literature, philosophical inquiry, and exploring the historical foundations of our culture. All of this felt expansive and invigorating.

What brought it all to life, fortunately, was the influence of certain key individuals—especially my parish priest—who encouraged and supported me, consistently affirming that faith could accommodate all these dimensions.

When I entered university, I encountered human suffering and need in ways I hadn’t before—meeting homeless people in Cambridge, for example. This experience deepened my conviction that a broad and compassionate understanding of human nature is essential to truly honor human dignity. It strengthened my belief that the faith I was growing into offered a meaningful way to engage deeply with people.

Wehner: Does your present attraction to faith mirror what drew you to it when you were younger?

Williams: In many respects, yes. While my faith has evolved and been challenged over time, the core remains the same. What I learned then—that faith offers a perspective that enriches and expands one’s understanding—continues to hold true for me.