I think we all know in the depths of our psyche that immortality without God, is the most appalling fate that can overtake anybody. After one had got over the novelty, what would one do for the rest of eternity? Wagner in his Flying Dutchman had an intimation of this. Even if the earth lasts for another few billion years before life becomes extinct, it is all pointless without God. So the suicide bomber is right to this extent, that death and extinction are infinitely preferable to an eternity without Him. I think dimly and obscurely he grasps that only God can turn eternity into heaven; and any eternity without Him, whether for king or beggar, is sheer and utter hell. Extinction is infinitely to be preferred; but you may not get it.

But the Second World War has taught us equally clearly, that you have to keep the secular world going; it is no good thinking “love solves all problems”, because it doesn’t! You have to steer between Scylla and Charybdis; and if you do not preserve a certain sense of humour, your navigation may not be up to it.