“All I can say is that here was a man who was an absolute genius” (Desmond Morris on Jesus).
Desmond Morris may seem an unusual source of life lessons for Christians. Yet the recently deceased atheist naturalist, best known for his ground-breaking work on human behaviour, held several views that resonate with Christian thinking. Drawing from one of his final interviews, here are five insights worth reflecting on.
- Remain curious
Driven by a seemingly insatiable desire for learning, Morris sought to maintain a “child-like quality of wonder” and a “high level of curiosity”. As a “professional people-watcher” he was constantly trying to understand the world better. His quest for knowledge was fuelled by always trying to answer new questions. For Christians, this kind of curiosity stems from a confidence that all truth is God’s truth. Such curiosity naturally opens the door to a second principle… - Stay open-minded
Fascinated by the origins of behaviour, he strove to follow the evidence where it led. He didn’t see science and religion as opposed, but as trying to do different things. Morris disagreed with the dismissive stance of the new atheists, as he believed “the worst thing that can happen to a scientist is to get a closed mind”. Nurturing an open attitude helps Christians to grow in faith, but it must be guided by a commitment to truth… - Admire Jesus more
He may not have believed in God, but Morris was a “huge admirer” of Jesus for the impact He had on history. He saw Christ as an “extraordinary genius” who had challenged and ultimately helped to transform human behaviour for the better. Living in a violent time, Jesus shifted the culture towards kindness, helpfulness, and sacrifice, which were crucial for the very survival of the human race. For Christians this influence is not just the result of ethical values, but is rooted in the fact that He is God. So admiration falls short of the response Jesus Himself calls for… - Focus on our Founder
Morris was highly critical of how religions had been used to justify violence. It was a “tragedy” how “power-hungry agents” had twisted Christian practices in ways that he thought would have been unrecognisable to Jesus. Many dark episodes in the past had been caused when the church had strayed from the teachings of the Founder of Christianity. When Christianity drifts from Jesus, it loses its credibility and power. This makes the fifth principle especially important… - Stay alert
While valuing routine, Morris believed in trying new things each week, as a way of increasing the chances of a life-transforming event. This reflects his infectious zest for life and optimism for the future, and it is a timely reminder for Christians to be ready for what God is calling us to do. As Paul writes to the Ephesians, “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5v15–16).
Morris was not a Christian, but his openness reflects a mindset that is increasingly common today. In an uncertain world, many are searching for meaning and direction. His ideas are a gift for opening conversations about life’s biggest questions – but they only take us so far. Ultimately, it is the gospel message that is the greatest hope for humanity. No moral code can compete with the offer of salvation from a loving God. Christians don’t simply admire Jesus as a great figure who changed history; we trust Him as the source of truth, hope, and eternal life.
