

God is an Englishman - Bijan Omrani | Maiden Mother Matriarch Episode 152
Jul 6, 2025
Bijan Omrani is a historian and classicist from the University of Exeter, renowned for his book 'God is an Englishman: How Christianity Created England.' He dives into the transformative impact of Christianity on England's identity and culture. Bijan discusses the fascinating transition from paganism to Christianity and how this shaped early Britain. He also explores why Christianity thrived globally, its appeal among diverse communities, and the significant role of English Bible translations in forging a unique national identity.
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Christianity Shaped England
- Christianity has deeply shaped English society over 1400 years, influencing culture, law, language, and identity.
- Its continuous presence means we often overlook its role in creating the nation and moral framework.
Only Christian Britain Is Known
- Pre-Christian Britain had no indigenous written accounts, so our knowledge solely depends on Christian records and archaeology.
- Modern perceptions of Britain are almost entirely shaped by its Christian history and culture.
Monks Preserved Pagan Culture
- Christian monks preserved pagan texts because they saw a providential value in Anglo-Saxon culture.
- Christianity paradoxically ensured the survival of some pagan heritage through its scholarly efforts.