An Essentially Christian Society.

[Theland]

Witnessing the emotional outpourings on 11/11 and the Christian services in the Abbey, at the Cenotaph, and many others, it is obvious that most people recognise that we live in an essentially Christian society, and it only helps to underpin what is left of our British culture, and bind us together.

But, have I got a valid point?

[sandyRoe]

I think not.

[kvalidir]

No.

[tonyav]

Most people don't see 11/11 as a religious thing imo, Theland.

[Theland]

Well they sang enough hymns, and recited enough prayers to convince me.

[kvalidir]

Those are just the people who went to churches though Theland and which were televised, what about the other 60 million people in the country, do you think none of them remembered non religiously or in a way that encompassed their own non christian religion?

[naomi24]

Yes, we do live in an essentially Christian society, and yes, on days like today it does bind us together.

[tonyav]

Yes I know, Theland. I know this will start you off but if there is a god why does my great uncle Ernest lie in a foreign field ( Danzig Alley cemetery, the Somme) and why his brother my other great uncle lie on the bottom of the North sea along with his crew mates and the destroyer that they were on when it was sunk.

[Theland]

Even a secular humanist can embrace the values I speak of.
I see only benefits, and not threats from it.

[Theland]

Tony, that is our challenge isn't it? Make a better world?

[tonyav]

But did they, Theland. 21 years later another world war broke out.

[Theland]

As a species we ignored the Makers instructions.
Hence more war.

[beso]

The religious make themselves most prominent on these occasions. It doesn't mean we live in "an essentially Christian society".

In fact our society has steadfastly rejected certain abhorrent Christian values, particularly those relating to attitudes about children, women and same sex attracted people.

These Christian values cause division, so no, it isn't religion that binds us together either.

[emmie]

not really, many may say they are Christians but aren't practising, don;t go to church and yet still celebrate Christmas, but that has turned into a non Christian event,

[rowanwitch]

Ritualisation using a familiar structure makes painful events easier to deal with. By using a traditional format the participants are supported and not overwhelmed. Here it is the official religion combined with a long background of a nation good at staging big events. The familiar components unchanged since childhood for many are comforting as well as creating a sense of sharing in the event.

[Old_Geezer]

It's accepted that Christianity is still the official reginion of the UK; but religious tolerance ensures many others thrive too.

I'm unsure how much binding it does nationally. Folk of all denominations can understand sacrifice and remembrance. It probably helps bind those who are Christians. But isn't the cause of others joining in.

[Old_Geezer]

RELIGION

[rowanwitch]

No it's the ritual that does the binding, the Christian bit provides the added familiarity . other countries that do similar things use their belief structure or shared dominant social construct e.g communism or leader cults like North Korea

[woofgang]

no.

[spathiphyllum]

I think it’s
Painfully obvious we have a more christian society than any other religion evident by the christian only holidays (time off work) and the abundance of churches

[rowanwitch]

Is it really the religion itself or the traditions that religion represents. The history of that religion as a major influence on the development of our culture. It's ability to exert social control is fading but it still underpins national events because it predates them and had more influence during difficult times.