Oh Come, All Ye Faithful: religion, politics and values
Dec 7, 2023
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Exploring the decline of organized religion in the UK and its impact on policy-making. Discussion on the global decline of religion, the integration of religion and politics in Northern Ireland and England, and the significance of Christmas in modern society. Exciting news shared about the podcast's future and upcoming series 2.
Religious affiliation and attendance in the UK have declined, but belief in an afterlife remains relatively unchanged since the 1980s.
While religious affiliation has decreased, the spirit of charitable giving during Christmas continues to be observed and practiced by many in society.
Deep dives
Religion in the UK: A Nation of Atheists
A recent survey shows that the majority of people in the UK do not identify with any religion and do not attend religious worship. In the 1980s, around 51% of people never went to a place of worship, compared to two-thirds now. The decline in religious affiliation and attendance has been seen for a long time, with even more recent surveys showing a decline in church attendance. However, belief in an afterlife has remained relatively unchanged since the 1980s. There is also a difference in attitudes towards same-sex relationships and abortion between those with religious and non-religious identities, with the former generally being more conservative. Catholic and Anglican schools remain a significant part of the education system, but there have been debates and controversies surrounding faith-based education and its regulation. The link between religion and politics also exists, with some religious groups having affiliations with specific political parties. Overall, while religious affiliation and attendance have declined, religion still plays a role in society, albeit in a more diverse and tolerant environment.
The Role of Charity and Christmas
While religious affiliation has declined in the UK, the value of charitable giving during Christmas remains significant. Christmas is seen as a time to give to charity, with individuals receiving numerous charitable donation requests during this period. The act of helping those who are less fortunate and in need is seen as an important cultural value, aligned with the teachings of many religions. Despite decreased religious affiliation, the spirit of charitable giving during Christmas continues to be observed and practiced by many in society.
Debates around Faith Schools and Religious Policy
Faith schools, particularly Church of England and Catholic schools, remain a significant part of the education system in the UK, covering around 37% of schools. These schools are often seen as having better academic and disciplinary outcomes, leading to high demand and controversy surrounding religious selection in admissions. The question of the integration of religion and politics is also reflected in faith schools, as they have more freedom in aspects of religious education and moral education. However, debates around faith schools have arisen due to concerns about religious segregation and the role of religion in education. The issue of religious supplementary schools, particularly focused on the Muslim community, has also been a point of contention, with calls for regulation and inspection to ensure quality and safeguarding.
Changes in Attitudes towards Gender Roles
Attitudes towards gender roles, particularly the role of women, have undergone significant change alongside the decline in religious affiliation. While overall societal attitudes have shifted towards greater gender equality, there are still differing views among religious groups. For example, some Christians and Muslims are more likely to hold more traditional views on gender roles, with some believing that women should primarily stay at home. However, societal changes and the influence of secular values have led to a decline in adherence to traditional gender roles, even within religious communities.
Two thirds of us never go to a place of worship. Support for organised religion in the UK is in steep decline among most groups in the UK. Yet most of us will celebrate Christmas in a few weeks. So what’s going on? John Curtice and Rachel Wolf discuss whether the UK is now a secular country and the role that faith still plays when it comes to certain policies, for instance education.
