The ultimate wisdom which deals with beginnings remains locked in a seed. There it lies the simplest fact of the universe and at the same time the one which calls faith rather than reason.

I don't think it's any coincidence that I lost my religious faith and 'manned up' in the same year. I was described somewhere as a lapsed Catholic which is funny because I'm not going back! I want to achieve things rather than live life in an animalistic way.

I did not compose my work as one might put on a church vestment... rather it sprung from the truly fervent faith of my heart such as I have felt it since my childhood.

Man is wise and constantly in quest of more wisdom but the ultimate wisdom which deals with beginnings remains locked in a seed. There it lies the simplest fact of the universe and at the same time the one which calls forth faith rather than reason.

The question Americans should ask is not whether a candidate is affiliated with a particular faith but rather whether that candidate's faith makes it more likely he or she will support policies that align with their values.

The conversion of agnostic High Tories to the Anglican church is always rather suspect. It seems too pat and predictable too clearly a matter of politics rather than faith.

My coming to faith did not start with a leap but rather a series of staggers from what seemed like one safe place to another. Like lily pads round and green these places summoned and then held me up while I grew. Each prepared me for the next leaf on which I would land and in this way I moved across the swamp of doubt and fear.

I am one of those who would rather sink with faith than swim without it.

Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather it is a spirit that bears things - with resignations yes but above all with blazing serene hope.

I have never described the time I was in Doctor Who as anything except a kind of ecstatic success but all the rest has been rather a muddle and a disappointment. Compared to Doctor Who it has been an outrageous failure really - it's so boring.