17th June 2008
“Even in Poland, the one eastern bloc nation in which religion played an important role in overturning atheistic communism, just one third consider religion to be very important in their lives, and faith is declining towards the old European norm. It turns out that the 'new' Europe is not turning out particularly godly.”
G. Paul & P. Zuckerman
June 17th, 2008 at 18:19
This really is good news. But, how is it that over the last few years, here in the UK, we seem to be constantly pestered by faiths demanding attention and privilege? We have archbishops and theologians regularly complaining about the secularization of the state and politicians on all sides sucking up to a vociferous religious lobby. I do not recollect that they were quite this much of a nuisance during the previous thirty years.
June 17th, 2008 at 19:44
It probably results from religious leaders’ dismay over their declining influence. Hence also their increasing interest in faith schools – if churches are soon to be empty they’ll need a new role for themselves. What better than a captive audience 🙁
June 17th, 2008 at 20:45
How very cynical of you, Hypatia. Surely you are are not saying that the churches wish to indoctrinate children with supernatural and superstitious twaddle to ensure their own survival.
June 17th, 2008 at 21:44
Actually, I think the above quote from John was included in a lost appendix of the Nicene Creed…..