The Faith of Queen Elizabeth - Dudley Delffs
I could have written this book.
I mean, obviously I didn't. Dudley Delffs did the hard work of putting the thing together. I give him credit for that. I also give him credit for picking an interesting topic, and one that could make a very interesting book for people like me, who are fans of the monarchy (the late Queen Elizabeth II particularly) and interested in the Christian faith.
This is not that book, unfortunately.
The reason I say I could have written this book, is that I feel like any fan of the monarchy (the late Queen Elizabeth II particularly) and interested in the Christian faith could have written this book.
This is because, although pertaining to focus on her Majesty's faith, it is really a themed biography, with most elements simply being stories that one could read in other biographies. The 'faith' aspect simply arises through Delffs' commentary on the things that Elizabeth did. So, we get some anecdotes about Elizabeth serving the Commonwealth, or being generous with her time, or loving her family, and then Delffs will pause the narrative to make a comment about how this reflects an aspect of Elizabeth's faith. It is truly an example of Matthew 7:16 (By their fruit you will know them).
Unfortunately, as an airtight argument it is a little lacking. Sure, Elizabeth may have had a strong faith (by all accounts she did, and I have long admired her for this), but the fact that she is kind to her family or faithful in her duties is by no means proof of this. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) but some non-believers are also kind. It doesn't really prove anything.
Of course, kindness could be evidence of a godly nature, and this would be supported if Delffs had any supporting evidence to back up his claims - an interview with someone who knew the queen well, for example. An interview with Elizabeth would have been the best, but she was known for not granting interviews and very rarely talking about herself (aside from her Christmas messages, which Delffs does quote). Indeed, Delffs does conduct a number of interviews throughout the book, but once again, I feel like I could have conducted very similar interviews.
What makes me say that? Well, Delffs doesn't go to Buckingham Palace and sit down with high-ranking Palace officials, political figures, or even distant cousins of the Queen. Instead (with the exception of one woman who briefly served in the palace as an intern a few decades ago) Delffs interviews people on the street who have never met the Queen, and simply asks them their opinions of her Majesty's faith.
Cutting-edge investigative journalism this ain't.
If it sounds like I'm being overly harsh on this book, its only because I was quite disappointed with it. The cover promised interviews and discussion on the Queen's faith, and although technically this is true, it is still misleading. If only someone had warned me about judging a book by it's cover...
However, it might have done well for Delffs. He, and the book, both have a large number of glowing endorsements within the covers. I can only assume that those endorsers haven't read many other biographies of the Queen.
Sorry.
I think I'll go have a break and write a book about the faith of Ashley Bloomfield. Can probably get some good quotes from my local butcher.
Completed 23 February 2024.
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