CultureIn Search of wild GodsNick CaveNick Cave and the Bad SeedsnoneReligionThe Rest is HistoryTom HollandUnHerd
January 10, 2025 - 3:45pm
The first pictures are here from yesterday’s 800 ticket sell-out UnHerd event in London, In Search of Wild Gods, a conversation between Nick Cave and Tom Holland, hosted by UnHerd’s Freddie Sayers.
The historian and the rock star discussed their evolving relationship with faith and whether the era of militant Atheism is behind us — as well as Elvis, death and R.S. Thomas.
We recreated the UnHerd Club at the Emmanuel Centre to evoke the unique, intimate atmosphere that is quintessentially UnHerd.
Look out for the video of the full discussion dropping next week and you can purchase limited edition merchandise designed by resident artist J.G. Fox here.
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SubscribeGoing to have to check out the video of this!
Thoroughly enjoyed this event, thank you
Dear Freddie and UnHerd,
Just to thank you for your excellent event on Thursday. You handled these two huge figures with skill and elegance. And the result was a fascinating, moving and deeply thought provoking evening. Well done.
I’m keen to find the poem that Tom read.
I’ve found it!
R S Thomas. The White Tiger
https://tomhirons.com/poetry/sometimes-a-wild-god
Not interested in looking at pictures, but look forward to hearing what they had to say
I enjoyed it but the question time could have been organised better and statements curtailed. What was very interesting was their disarming revelation of their personal experiences and feelings and yet their unwillingness to describe themselves as anything much more than ‘cultural Christians’, if that. What was missing, especially from Tom, was any discussion about the part played if any in their new perceptions of reality by historical fact. Orthodox Christianity makes some very clear and fundamental statements about its being based on certain historical facts (attested to by reliable witnesses, the Gospel writers, and backed up by archeology for example) which base it firmly beyond the realms of simply myth, feelings, and experiences. I was surprised Tom did not address this since it is fundamental to Christian belief which, though full of mystery, is nonetheless based on certain historical facts – the incarnation, the resurrection, etc. But it was most enjoyable and perhaps Tom in particular might address this vital issue of historicity at a later date. Many thanks for the evening: worth the trip up to London!
Can’t wait to hear their discussion…
“Nick contemplates the absurdity of belief in a secular world.”
That’s a strangely phrased caption, and I dont recall Nick Cave saying that.
The world doesn’t care about our beliefs. A “secular world” is absurd, because the concept itself is absurd.
On the other hand, a secular society isn’t an absurdity. In fact it’s the only one that will guarantee your freedom to be a believer if such is your inclination.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali confessed as much recently (“Why I am now a Christian”); although less because of a sudden realisation that the resurrection is a real thing, and more for utilitarian purposes in a clash of civilisations.
Adorned with social utility, mass delusion should be promoted, if you will.