That’s a fair enough argument, but I dont think that is what Rowan Williams is getting at. There are people who think that a cross is just a nice bit of jewellery. There are people who think that “going through the motions” of Christian ritual, including wearing a cross, somehow make you a Christian. There are people who, even subconsciously, make the symbol more important than what it represents. And that nominalism is what he is criticising. And rightly so too.
There are people who think that “going through the motions” of Christian ritual, including wearing a cross, somehow make you a Christian.
I see your point too. I had the misfortune of living with a very abousive and very religious couple for several years. When they wear religious articles they are only fooling themselves and everyone else for that matter. They will be dealt with....by a higher power than Rowan Williams. It is not up to him to decide who believes enough, it is Gods.