Posted on 12/27/2010 3:27:07 PM PST by NYer
Every year, researchers from the British Social Attitudes survey ask a representative sample of British people whether they regard themselves as belonging to any particular religion and, if so, to which one? When the survey first asked these questions in 1985, 63% of the respondents answered that they were Christians, compared with 34% who said they had no religion (the rest belonged to non-Christian religions).
Today, a quarter of a century on, there has been a steady and remarkable turnaround. In the latest 2010 BSA report, published earlier this month, only 42% said they were Christians while 51% now say they have no religion. Admittedly, some other surveys – including the last census – have produced different findings on these issues, usually to the advantage of the religious option. There is also a margin of error in all such exercises. All the same, and particularly since the trends in opinion over time seem well set, it is hard not to feel that this latest finding marks a cultural watershed.
This Christmas, for perhaps the first time ever, Britain is a majority non-religious nation. Most of us have probably seen this moment coming, but it is a substantial event nonetheless. It is undoubtedly a development that would have astonished our ancestors who built a Britain on the basis that we were and would remain a predominantly Protestant people. The victory of secularism would have flabbergasted them almost as much as the pope appearing on the BBC with his Thought for the Day.
The change ought certainly to inspire some national reflection, though there is no need for national breast-beating. After all, the BSA survey finding simply underscores things that have already become obvious.
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
That prediction has been made for 2000 years has consistently be wrong because Christianity is rooted in a relationship with God.
That is why there has been an explosion of growth in Christianity in China, Africa, Russia and South Korea.
Perhaps it was not too much for Lennon to predict that f your neighbor would win out over help your neighbor. Darwinism is today’s credo. Helping your lazy neighbor is encouraging socialism.
I still think citing it as if it's been vindicated is empty-headed.
I still think citing it as if it's been vindicated is empty-headed.
No argument here. I had to check online before responding.
huh? wha? Lenin Einstein? Nah, it was Lenin McCartsky.
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