Belief - Series 6 - Prof John Hull

Joan Bakewell explores areas of belief with artists, thinkers and other public figures. She talks to theologian and academic John Hull about his experience of going blind. Born sighted, John underwent several episodes of temporary blindness before finally losing his sight for good more than 35 years ago. His book, Touching the Rock, movingly recounts his journey into acceptance of blindness and how he faced the new challenges of day-to-day family life. John was born into a conservative Methodist family in Australia. He himself believed he had a vocation to follow in his minister father's footsteps, but a thwarted love affair threw up too many doubts about his own ability to be a minister and his beliefs have developed into a more inclusive and radical brand of Christian faith. Today, having been a leading figure in the debate on religious education in state schools, John now teaches trainee ministers in prophetic ministry.