David Baddiel: The God Desire

This is a conversation and Q&A with comedian, author, screenwriter, television presenter and Jewish activist David Baddiel. We focus on his upcoming book The God Desire (HarperCollins, April 2023). In The God Desire, Baddiel admits that he would love there to be a God - a Superhero Dad who chased off Death - but argues that it is indeed the very intensity of his, and everyone else’s, desire for God to exist that proves his non-existence. This is a philosophical essay that utilises Baddiel’s trademarks of comedy, storytelling and personal asides for a timely new perspective on the most ancient of debates. Baddiel is in conversation with Dr John Troyer, Associate Professor at the Centre for Death and Society, Bath University.
Praise for The God Desire:
"A hugely heartfelt, funny, kind, fascinating, human and clever book by an author who - like so many of us - can neither believe nor leave religion entirely alone. Puts its finger on a major dilemma of our time and provides solace, comfort and very helpful new perspectives." ALAIN DE BOTTON
"Another one-sitting wonder. I love that David Baddiel takes a philosophical approach but avoids getting ensnared in too much eschatology and the dark metaphysical arts, instead swinging a superb logical light over this whole subject. He deploys it to make his own arguments honest as well as to reveal the weaknesses in the arguments of others. It’s magnificent. Breath-taking. And shockingly rare. I’m already desperate for the Third Pillar in the Temple of Baddiel." STEPHEN FRY
This originally aired as part of the Good Grief Festival mini-fest on Hope + Meaning on March 25 2023.

[@siobhanstrauss8492]

If you need another cat David , I’m here for you Jimmy the cat will love you to the end of time 😻

[@mitchhills4747]

Most people would like there to be a God and some people actually do find him. It's not all about logic and it's a spiritual thing. It's about personal experience; the soul. If you have been touched by God you will know it. Keep searching.

[@michaelportaloo1981]

Something from nothing being mathematically possible is a non sequitur. Mathematics couldn’t exist within nothingness.