Article in Stretton Focus, March 2013
The National Census of 2011 revealed its secrets to us in December 2012, and very interesting they were too. Over the last 10 years there has been a loss of 4 million people who call themselves Christian. And at the same time there was an increase in those belonging to minority religions. Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jew all showed some increase: but the greatest increase was in those who described themselves as being of ‘no religion’ at all. What can we make of these facts and figures?
Jonathan Sacks, the former Chief Rabbi, (and fount of much wisdom), saw in these changes a welcome trend. He was not welcoming the overall decline in Christianity, which after all is England’s national religion. He was rather endorsing the new situation where there are minority religions which may have no power, but do have influence.
This he sees as a healthier state of affairs than where religions have the power to enforce belief and conformity. Such has been the case with Christianity, and still is in some countries where one religion is dominant. Religion and power is a dangerous combination which should be left where it belongs, in the dustbin of history.
The Census reflects a more open and tolerant society where people are being more honest about their beliefs. There is a growing number of people who are disillusioned with religion altogether – and nobody should be surprised by that!
Religions should be learning how to use their influence, not to manipulate people into believing what they are told, but in setting people free to discover for themselves the riches of a spiritual life which is as wide and deep as creation itself.
Donald Horsfield
