Is Britain really a Christian country?

‘A handful of middle-class atheists who think that reading half a chapter of The Selfish Gene at university has turned them into zeitgeist-surfing cultural radicals.’ A witty label, coinedby (Christian) Giles Fraser in a recent Guardian piece decrying Eric Pickles’ use of Christianity as a form of ‘state triumphalism’, that must be appreciated even by those who are its intended bearers. Arguing the case of secularism in the UK is not only to attach oneself to a movement with an unfortunate reputation for complacency and arrogance, but also sometimes feels like pushing at an open door. No one is proposing that British schools teach the non-existent ‘controversy’ over evolution, and it is true that religion does not dominate public discourse in this country as it does in others.

However, when the Prime Minister sees fit to reveal to us the ‘healing power’ of his own faith, and, writing in a religious publication, suggests that Britain as a ‘Christian country’ becomes more ‘evangelical’ about its (his) religion, that door’s hinges cry out for oiling. 65% of respondents to the 2011 census identified themselves as not being religious. ‘Christian’ is a label only applicable to Britain when reflecting on our history. And whilst it would be regrettable for anybody to lose sight of the unparalleled importance of Christianity in our heritage, faith has, regardless of whether one views this situation happily or not, never been less integral to our society.

Aside from the worrying growth of faith schools and the laughable (if embarrassing) relic of the 26 Anglican bishops in the House of Lords, Britain basically is a secular country

David Cameron mentioned how he is frequently told by Jews or Muslims that it is easier for them to pursue their faith in Britain ‘than in a secular country’, and ascribes this somehow to the tolerance which Christianity apparently compels its adherents to display. One must congratulate him for acknowledging freedom of religion as a virtue, but it seems rather unfortunate that he has come to this opinion only in order to comply with a decree from the divine. In truth it is only secularism that can guarantee freedom of worship, because it treats all faiths equally. Aside from the worrying growth of faith schools and the laughable (if embarrassing) relic of the 26 Anglican bishops in the House of Lords, Britain basically is a secular country, and credit for the tolerance of all religions in a secular climate may not be stolen by David Cameron for the Church.

In this same article the Prime Minister welcomed ‘the efforts of all those who help to feed, clothe, and house the poorest in our society.’ Forgetting that his crushing austerity measures are the reason the poorest in our society increasingly need help to feed, clothe and house themselves, this remark was made apparently without a hint of irony. In future he would do well to be a little less Christian and a little more Christ-like.

Bearing a Cross-roads by Reece Goodall

[divider] flikr.com/felicityatkinson

[divider] flikr.com/number10