Reality TV star Spencer Matthews, known for his appearances on ‘Made In Chelsea’ and as an alumnus of Eton College, has ignited a full of life debate on the standards of spiritual education.
Candid disclosures by the luxurious star about his uncertainties regarding the existence of Jesus, despite his elite education and Church of England background, have stirred each curiosity and controversy surrounding the standard of his public school teaching.
The old Etonian admits, almost with a level of pride, “I’d be pretty low in the religion knowledge bracket, but I’m on a quest to broaden my knowledge and non secular horizons.”
In an upcoming episode of the brand new three-part BBC Two programme ‘Pilgrimage: The Road To Wild Wales’, 35-year-old Matthews openly expresses scepticism towards biblical miracles, stating, “I type of thought that the people within the stories may be made up…”
These admission haven’t only raised eyebrows but additionally ignited discussions in regards to the efficacy of spiritual education in elite institutions.
During a Q&A session for the sixth series of the show, Matthews further expresses his uncertainties about faith by questioning the existence of Jesus Christ and the prophet Mohammed.
He candidly remarks, “By the best way, the Jesus being real thing, simply to reference it. I believe I’m a bit confused with the Old Testament and New Testament – and the parting of the seas and turning water into wine all sound mad to me, so I type of thought that the people within the stories may be made up.”
These off-the-cuff comments from a public figure have fuelled conversations in regards to the role of faith in contemporary society, in addition to the importance of comprehensive religious education. If religious education in Eton College isn’t adequate, what’s the standard like in other UK schools?
Beyond these religious reflections, Spencer Matthews also opened up about personal struggles, notably the tragic lack of his brother, Michael, who went missing following a climb of Mount Everest.
Reflecting on his journey in the course of the pilgrimage, Matthews shared poignant moments of emotional growth and acceptance throughout the group, indicating his deeper spiritual exploration.
‘The Pilgrimage: The Road To Wild Wales’ follows seven celebrity pilgrims as they embark on a private journey along the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way.
Before heading off on his televised trek, Spencer Matthews admitted he knew little about religion, bluffly saying, “A pilgrimage is whenever you walk and sleep on church floors and eat dead rats and stuff, which I’m looking forward to.”
However, in a while, sounding more of a mature seeker, he says, “I’m an open mind, an open book. I need to study different faiths, cultures and religions and develop a firm understanding of my faith and the way it might probably potentially play a bigger role in my life.”
BBC Two’s ‘Pilgrimage: The Road To Wild Wales’ guarantees to offer viewers with an intimate glimpse into the spiritual journeys of seven celebrities, including Spencer Matthews, and their personal reflections on faith when it airs in full on twenty ninth March. It may even be available on BBC iPlayer.
The full list of the celebrity pilgrims is as follows: wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan, who places her faith within the natural world; Sonali Shah, a journalist and TV presenter who was raised in a Jain household; comedian Eshaan Akbar, a lapsed Muslim; Amanda Lovett, a practising Catholic, who catapulted to public attention in the primary series of BBC’s ‘The Traitors’; actor Tom Rosenthal, star of Channel 4’s ‘Friday Night Dinner’, who calls himself non-religious; and TV personality and former model, Christine McGuinness, who’s spiritual but doesn’t practise one particular faith.
