What St Augustine would say to Clifford Longley about his Thought for the Day

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3 min read

I was still in bed this morning, half-listening to snatches of the Today programme and contemplating getting up with my usual joie de vivre, when Clifford Longley’s voice on Thought for the Day interrupted my reverie.

Sometimes I agree with Mr Longley’s opinions; more often I don’t. This morning he surprised me by an uncharacteristic blandness; indeed, I find him guilty of platitudes. Starting with photos of David Cameron and his new baby, Longley asked if "joy" was a spiritual or simply human emotion. He then proceeded to challenge the idea that Britain, poised for the forthcoming visit from the Pope, is really a secular society.

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