Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the United Kingdom Conservative Party, has revealed that she no longer believes in God. In a candid discussion on a podcast hosted by Bari Weiss, editor of The Free Press, Badenoch opened up about her evolving views on faith and her personal experiences.
“I don’t believe in God anymore,” Badenoch stated during the podcast. However, she clarified that she does not identify as an atheist but rather as an agnostic. “I used to believe in God very much, but now I describe myself as a cultural Christian. I don’t think it matters if people believe in God or not. What matters is what they do with the belief or the lack of it,” she added.
From Faith to Agnosticism
Badenoch’s remarks reflect a significant shift in her spiritual outlook. While she no longer holds traditional religious beliefs, her identification as a “cultural Christian” underscores the influence of Christian values on her life and identity. She noted that her focus is less on belief itself and more on how individuals act, whether they are believers or not.
Reflections on Police in Nigeria and the UK
During the interview, Badenoch also spoke about her experiences with law enforcement, contrasting her time in Nigeria with her life in the United Kingdom. Reflecting on her negative experiences with the Nigeria Police, she accused them of misconduct, even alleging that they robbed her family.
“The police in Nigeria will rob us,” she said, laughing. She recalled a specific incident involving her brother, saying, “I remember the police stole my brother’s shoe and his watch.”
In contrast, Badenoch expressed trust in the UK police, describing her encounters with British law enforcement as positive. “My experience with the Nigeria Police was very negative. Coming to the UK, my experience with the British Police was very positive,” she said.
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A Controversial Political Figure
Badenoch, known for her outspoken and often controversial views, continues to spark debate both in the UK and internationally. Her comments on faith and her candid recollections of life in Nigeria are likely to generate further discussions about cultural and societal differences between the two countries.
While her transition from belief to agnosticism may surprise some, Badenoch’s emphasis on values over belief highlights her broader outlook on life and society. As she put it, “What matters is what people do with the belief or the lack of it.”
The podcast episode has already gained attention, offering insight into the personal beliefs and experiences of one of the UK’s most prominent political figures.