Faith

Tony Blair: ‘A World Without Faith Would Be a World on the Path to Tragedy & Disaster’

Tony Blair Speaks About Faith & Religion In SocietyFormer Prime Minister Tony Blair has gone through a spiritual evolution since leaving office. He has launched a religious foundation, converted to Roman Catholicism and made vibrant and bold statements about his views on the role of faith in society. He uttered his most powerful sentiments to date yesterday when addressing a massive congregation in England, The Independent reports.

On Monday, Blair spoke at the Holy Trinity Brompton Church in London, where he said that a world without faith would be one marred with immense pain. In fact, the former leader said, ”I think a world without faith would be a world on the path to tragedy and disaster, I really believe that.”

While Blair didn’t speak much about faith while he was in office, on Monday, he was pointed and overt in declaring the strength of his beliefs. As he addressed the audience of 4,000 people, he said that something “bigger and more important” is crucial for the health of society.

“For a long period of time, what people thought was that as society became more developed and as we became more prosperous, that faith would be relegated, that it would become a kind of relic of the past,” Blair said. “I think that essential obligation of humility for humanity is deeply important. It is what allows us to make progress, it is what keeps us from ideology or thought processes that then treat human beings as if they were secondary to some political purpose.”

Tony Blair Speaks About Faith & Religion In Society

Additionally, the former prime minister spoke about his own faith journey and his father’s atheism. For Blair, his religious pilgrimage commenced when his dad had a stroke. He was 10-years-old at the time.

“The headmaster of the school called me into his study and he said ‘I think we should kneel and say a prayer for your father.’ I said to him, ‘I should tell you my father does not really believe in God,’” Blair recalled, as he addressed the audience. “I will never forget what he said to me – he just said to me ‘but God believes in him, so let us kneel and pray.’ That made a big impact on me.”

For Blair, this address seems to be a natural progression following his founding of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation four years ago. The organization works to foster inter-religious dialogue.

(H/T: The Independent)

Comments (71)

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  • hbear
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 6:30pm

    I respect Tony Blair very much. Hope GWB‘s deep faith added to Tony’s conviction to become a Christian. Best wishes and God Bless Tony Blair.

    Report Post »  
  • aurora53
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 5:51pm

    Tony Blair was Bushes‘ partner in crime for attacking Iraq looking for ’weapons of mass destruction‘ and then didn’t find them. These two, plus others, caused immeasurable damage by the methods they used and caused many Republicans to abandon their party and vote for BO.

    Report Post »  
  • Moozmom
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 5:33pm

    Watch this guy over the next 5 years. Could be very interesting to see where he ends up. My guess is he will zoom out of Rome as someone very special. (Biblical)

    Report Post »  
    • SonOfThunder
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 6:16pm

      Yes the anti-Christ. He is all for a one world government. Revelation comes to mind.

      Report Post »  
    • edmundburk
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 11:07pm

      and yet another bigotted response from the neanderthal evengelicals…….

      Report Post » edmundburk  
  • tothepoint
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 4:52pm

    Atheism is a religion. It is a religion of godlessness. Atheists have difficulty knowing they are a religion so some continue to ridicule people of faith in an attempt to distance themselves from the truth of their belong to a religion, too. Some try to impress their godless religion on others.

    Report Post »  
    • Enquirer
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 7:08pm

      Atheism is not a religion!! Please dont make erroneous statements. It makes you look very stupid.
      Atheists only commonality is that they dont have a belief in any god or deity.

      Report Post »  
    • slyswine
      Posted on May 19, 2012 at 1:02pm

      How do you define religion? Let’s get that out of the way first. Then we can look at whether atheism falls under that definition.

      Report Post »  
  • junkhead
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 1:55pm

    your belief and faith in an “all powerful” non-existent entity unto which your become a beggar is hilarious. I pray for this , I pray for that – are you getting high? Look, the only thing to understand is that 1. religion by it’s nature breeds contempt, denial and conceit for those who do not “believe”. 2. Science/philosophy will ultimately shine the light of truth – we are nothing more nothing less than cognizant entities which are comprised of matter that was forged in the incredible physical fundamental forces of supernovae and the big bang. …..the only “religion” if it indeed that which has any merit or value to human existence is BUDDHISM, and BTW the Buddha is NOT considered a god he is a TEACHER a HUMAN BEING….

    Report Post »  
    • girlnurse
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 3:41pm

      You are sadly decieved JUNKHEAD. You say: “we are nothing more nothing less than cognizant entities which are comprised of matter”
      Yet you ascribe to Buddah which pulls reincarnation and Karma out of it’s arse hat.
      Where is your proof for reincarnation? STOp being decived with every crazy ungodly religion that you think sounds good. TRUTH is TRUTH. You can say there is no God but that doesn’t make it true. There is a God. Maybe there was a Big Bang-but He banged it! He is patient and kind-but He is a just judge and one day He will judge you and EVERY knee WILL bow and say Jesus Christ IS Lord!

      “Reincarnation is the religious or philosophical belief that the soul or spirit, after biological death, begins a new life in a new body that may be human, animal or spiritual depending on the moral quality of the previous life’s actions”

      Sorry but I don’t have enough faith to be an athiest and I CANNOT be “good enough” to save myself.
      IMPOSSIBLE!

      Report Post » girlnurse  
    • StanO360
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 4:15pm

      Being self-conscious is at odds with atheism. Self-awareness is just a delusion, a evolutionary tool and nothing more. Without external reference, you are no more important, life no more valuable than an ant.

      Report Post »  
    • carl t johnson
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 4:28pm

      Junkhead, I might say that your username is adpt, but I will not go there. You my friend are indeed more mystical than those that are roman catholic. You reak of New age, alistar crowley type nonscence. Do not fall for this New world order crap, these people are not fully conscious human beings. I agree that christianity was hijacted by these huminoids and used fear and coersion to controle the masses, HOWEVER, seeing through those illusions, one will see the VALUE that IS there. It is important that we all have a moral base that aligns with nature. That my friend is the Ten Comandments. Wether Tony boy realizes that now is of no concern to me but I do wonder if he might have a hidden new world order agenda or not. That should be our discussion here

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    • vaughan
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 4:42pm

      @Junkhead…listen to yourself. “…Religion by its nature breeds contempt, denial and conceit for those who do not believe.” Its you man, you are contemptuous, in denial and are insufferably conceited. All in the name of what? Science? “…oh Lord the gift gee us to see ourselves as others see us.” A world without Faith, is a world without Hope.

      Report Post »  
    • anr613
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 8:29pm

      IMHO, everyone has an animal nature and a spiritual nature. The latter is the part that yearns for meaning in one’s life, the part that fosters the ‘good’ in us, “…the better angels of our nature,” as Lincoln put it. The side we nurture the most ultimately will end up taking possession of who we are. History shows that individuals & societies that pursue their ‘animal’ nature tend to devolve and degenerate, while the reverse is true regarding the spiritual pursuit (i.e. Buddah). God also provided standards –the distilled wisdom of the ages– for men to live by. Living these ‘standards’ helps people become better, which in turn, improves societies and advances the human race. God doesn’t force these standards on us, but the consequences of living them are far more positive and better, than rejecting them. Ultimately, “religion” is meant to make us better people. It is these moral standards that uplift man & societies, not mere license or philosophy. Buddah is a fine example of personal enlightenment. Ghandi, by his example changed a nation. Christ, by his example, changed the world and his influence continues to change people’s hearts for the better. What would our society & our world look like if more people were Buddah-like, Ghandi-like or Christ-like? I’m sad that your life experiences have left you with the attitude you have. But if you‘re willing to consider the thoughts I’ve offered, perhaps more positive –and uplifting– experiences may c

      Report Post »  
    • Wolf
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 11:45pm

      Does anyone notice how quickly the ‘atheists’ come out to attack those who believe? My opinion is the Holy Spirit is working on them and they resent being told they’re wrong in their disbelief. God works in mysterious ways to humble the proud.

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  • MammalOne
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 12:46pm

    Duh. Who would fight endless religious wars and stone gay people to death without religion?

    Report Post » MammalOne  
    • conservativejon
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 1:07pm

      communists would. just drop the regilous part and substitute stoning for starving and oppressing. then sub gay for anyone.

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    • HairRazor
      Posted on May 16, 2012 at 5:09am

      I believe Mamma was inplying Islam but you could insert communism without too much effort.

      Report Post » HairRazor  
  • NILAP
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 12:17pm

    We need a world religion. But it has to come from a prophet man or woman whose life we can all observe in this internet age and whose every action and words are recorded, where religious leaders cannot provide their own interpretation which has led to all the divisions in all the religions.. All the past religions are edited. Jesus said and did many things but we have very little that he actually said and did. We also need a prophet who is as much a scientist ala Thomas Edison who can provide real light not just words of light. Who can actually transform us into being able to work together as citizens of the world. A prophet who is not perfect but gives humanity a spiritual foundation to build upon which prevents the future creation of any kind of theocracy. What we have now is vague notions of a return of Jesus and the Muslims have their idea of a return of a Mahdi. Religious leaders and their followers currently spin all kinds of scenarios that change all the time.

    Report Post » NILAP  
    • conservativejon
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 1:05pm

      nilap, that is with out at doubt the most disturbingly frightening post i have read in a while. i hope you didnt think before you posted. I recommend you go back and read what u just said and think about it for a min. it is an example of applying flawed leftist thinking and twisting it into somekind of psudo-religion.

      Report Post »  
    • HairRazor
      Posted on May 16, 2012 at 5:18am

      nilap.. You have arrived. The NWO couldn’t be more proud of their successful propaganda. A poster child, you are.

      Report Post » HairRazor  
    • qhorse101
      Posted on May 16, 2012 at 5:28am

      are you actually calling for the Anti Christ?

      Report Post »  
  • Individualism
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 11:23am

    I disagree a world without faith is a world of reality and self reliance. which would result in stronger people.

    Report Post » Individualism  
    • StanO360
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 4:18pm

      It is hollow and meaningless, temporal, a vapor. It’s chasing the wind. What is the point of “individualism” without purpose? Or is a pretend purpose that you create within yourself enough for you?

      Report Post »  
  • POET
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 11:06am

    About time Toni
    You can build a Government on Faith. You can not build a Faith on Government.
    but the Muslims keep trying .

    Report Post » POET  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 11:02am

    .
    Well Tony if you look around I think the world is a day late and a dollar short on faith already……

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • AMENDMENT
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 11:31am

      Never to late to save the soul… not over to the fat lady sings!

      Report Post » AMENDMENT  
  • inblack
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:58am

    God bless him.

    I pray he continues on the right path.

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  • nappy
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:57am

    A world without faith would mean no more religious wars, no killing in the name of (insert your deity here) . So I don’t see the problem. At the moment.. it is this “faith” thing that is screwing up a lot of things. Sure its good for the individual.. but when it moves beyond the single person and becomes another cult, which is all this stuff really is, then.. you have problems. Don’t believe me? Just watch the responses to this post.

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    • StanO360
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 4:28pm

      What religious wars are you talking about? Be specific. The Crusades, yes they were at least quasi religious, but not necessarily unjustified. What else? UK/French, decidely political. Boer War, all US wars, Japan/Russia, what? Where are they?

      Muslims? Yes, but truthfully Islam is as much a political system as a religious one.

      Report Post »  
    • CougarNick78
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 4:32pm

      Faith and religion are not the same, pal. Religion is a set of rules, a bunch of do‘s and don’ts. That is where many stop off and live at, not camp at, rather than progress. Faith, is reading into and applying what you’re supposed to learn, not just checking a box and playing church. Tell ya what, if every person of faith is wrong, and when they die there is no eternity, then what do THEY lose? If we die and there’s nothing in the end, and no soul to feel bad, what’s your concern? NOW, the Christians do turn out to be right, and there is a Heaven and Hell, and you and many others end up on the wrong side of that Hereafter, well the loss is called an Eternity in Hell….. Not good. That’s a heck of gamble, you’re willing to risk, all in the name of labelling everyone of faith as the same as the posers and infiltrators. Example- Dietrich Bonhoffer vs. The Reichs Bishop Ludwig Muller (appointed by Hitler) Do some research and get back to me on who was just religious and who had faith…..

      Report Post » CougarNick78  
  • don young
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:49am

    Thank you now tell obama.

    Report Post »  
  • Baddoggy
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:48am

    The world will see a society without Faith when the rapture comes. Glad I wont be here.

    Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • palerider54
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 3:05pm

      Amen Baddoggy,
      The Church is all that is holding back the gates of Hell. Once we Christians are gone, they will beg us to come back, but too late.

      Report Post »  
  • FromSeaToSea
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:47am

    There is no common ground in theology for the true believer with other religions. Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man comes to the Father but by Me.” Here we have the Truth. There is only one way folks. Sorry, I know this disappoints alot of people self ideas, but if You believe the Bible there’s one Way. Thank God there is a Way.

    “Jesus said who do you say that I am?” This is the most important question everyone in the world needs to ask themselves? If Jesus is just a moral man to You, He is powerless to save you. If You believe Jesus is the Son of God and accept Him, He is Your Saviour.

    We can share common ground on loving each other and respecting others right to their religion.
    Respect does not mean We can not discuss serious differences or influence other for Christ.

    Report Post »  
  • HorseCrazy
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:43am

    well I am glad he is turning to faith instead of his 1 world government ideas but tony, leaders without faith are the problem we the people do not have a bully pulpit or the ability to legislate we sit back and watch the country sprint to moral destruction and are called bigots etc for speaking out against it…by our leaders.

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  • FromSeaToSea
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:38am

    “For by grace are ye saved (eternal life and forgiveness of our sins) through faith; and that not of yourselves (good works): it is the gift (free to anyone) of God: Not of works, lest any man should.
    Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV – Bible …

    Tony Blair is misguided believing Jesus + works is the answer to eternal life and forgiveness of sin. If works are required in addition to Jesus’ sacrifice, Jesus was not powerful enough and not acceptable as the perfect sacrifice for our sin. This is a slap in God’s face. Our good works can never pay for forgiveness of sin. God’s standard of sin is if You have ever commited just one sin, a lie, or stole, had a sinful thought, You and I are guilty of spiritual death. God is perfectly sinless. We find this hard to accept, but the Bible clearly states this. The payment does not have to be us. If we
    believe in Jesus, God allowed His Son to die in our place and We can accept Jesus payment for our sin.
    There are no good works in accepting a free gift from God. Many religions enslave their people, like Tony Blair, believing You can not be saved by Jesus alone and must maintain good works. This is believed by the Mormons, the Jahovah Witness’, the Catholics, the Freemasons, and just about everybody. Jesus + works is not Salvation. It’s not in Scripture. Galations teaches this is a false religion. The Bible teaches in Galations if You add good works to Jesus for salavation You are not saved.

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    • edmundburk
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 11:14pm

      you are clearly ignornant of catholic theology and very paranoid according to your previous posts. try reading the catholic catechism with an OPEN mind before making ignorant comments.

      Report Post » edmundburk  
    • THE BECKMEISTER
      Posted on May 16, 2012 at 12:17am

      O, you fundamentalists! You are hard of heart, just like the Pharisees of old. Think you that you can have faith without good works? “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm and eat well,’ but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also, faith itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the works. Thus the Scripture was fufilled.” James 3:14-17,20-23a NAB.
      I happen to know for a fact this information is in your Bible, as well, as I have seen copies of it. We Catholics are taught to be tolerant of other faiths and to hope to be united in one universal faith one day. It is ignorant bigots like you, however, that seem determined to prevent that from happening. “You are an evil and unfaithful generation and no sign shall be given you except the sign of Jonah.” Mt 13:39 Beware, lest you are overcome by the same fate as the Pharisees of old!

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  • Kitsune
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:32am

    And by “Faith”, he means the prevailing Islam of his beloved Londonistan.

    Report Post »  
  • SquidVetOhio
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:29am

    Good for him! I just hope he found Christ, not religion.

    Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • conservativejon
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 1:09pm

      i wonder how many people are confused by what u just said and think they are the same

      Report Post »  
  • momprayn
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:23am

    Sorry – very cynical of him. Not saying that the “words” he said were not true — but may be “tricky” – another ploy of satan. Exactly what kind of “faith”? Heard for a long time he‘s for One World Govn’t/“religion” (which isn’t Christianity). But no, can’t judge his “heart” – just going by past actions and words…..”inter-faith” stuff is a deceitful scam….denies true Christianity.

    Report Post »  
  • jhaydeng
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:15am

    If he cared why wouldn’t he fight for a Democratic Republic in the UK?

    Report Post »  
    • db321
      Posted on May 16, 2012 at 12:07am

      Exactly – Why doesn’t he fight for the UK – because he too is like most American Christians – he probably goes to a “go along to get along” Church! It’s time for the Church of Jesus Christ to rip the Good Samaritan story out of the Bible and start Fighting back!

      I assure you Jesus will return and will not bow to Satan and any of his followers – before the World can have peace, he must destroy Evil at every corner of the globe. It is not going to be pretty, but it sure will be interesting. Watching all of Satan’s lairs beg for mercy as they claim to be Christian.

      I can just see all of Obama lovers begging for Mercy – look if you vote for a a man that has no respect for God – then you can expect the Son of God to give you any respect!

      Report Post » db321  
  • MBA
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:06am

    Good for him. Humans are so fallable they need more than their own good will to direct their lives. I think we are all concerned with the state of our government right now. We know that some of the poltiicians are just plain criminal but most of the elected people probably had the best of intentions of trying to do “good” for the country or at least the people who elected them. However with the presence of the seven deadly sins always available–without faith, the pressure to continue on the moral path just cannot be sustained. Our society becomes weaker every day. As it becomes easier to give into temptation and rationalize the bad behavior away part of the rationalizaton is denying religion that uphold values and encourages people to remain strong.

    Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:32am

      And insightful he is. Now take the time to get the message. Progress is the root word for Progressive.

      Report Post »  
    • edmundburk
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 11:29pm

      @SONS OF THUNDER- what is your major malfunction numbnuts??!! I was a former protestant who
      switched to catholism because I came to the concoustion that catholism has the truth. I beleive that the catholic church is the one true faith, but I don’t attack the believes of the protestants here. You don’t need to agree with me, just quit attacking what I and others like me find sacred.

      Report Post » edmundburk  
    • Wolf
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 11:53pm

      @ Edmund… and just what makes the catholic church the ‘one true church’?

      Report Post »  
  • ENDTIMES2220
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:06am

    This guy is forming a One World Religion
    Obadiah 1:15

    For the day of the LORD [is] near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done (to Israel), it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.

    Report Post » ENDTIMES2220  
    • Magyar
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 10:19am

      Exactly right—He’s a member of the Fabian Society–one world government. This is a convenient cover….

      Report Post »  
    • SonOfThunder
      Posted on May 15, 2012 at 6:35pm

      Probably the Antichrist. He fits the mold and now coming from the roman catholic church. The roman catholic church is the apostate church.
      Revelation 3
      3:14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea.
      This is the message from the one who is the Amen – the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation:

      3:15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold.
      I wish you were one or the other!

      3:16 But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:56am

    Jolly good show old chap!

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • Git-R-Done
    Posted on May 15, 2012 at 9:53am

    Look at the history of communism if you want to see a world without faith.

    Report Post »  
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