I was interested to note recent statistics for global faith, including the UK figures here, which indicate 45 million Christians, which is at total odds to reality if gauged by church going.
The discussion as to how you count Christians is not new and I am aware of the complexities; but this is not what interests me. Rather, it is the contrast with India where, if you dig around the web you find discussion as to the number of hidden Christians ie those who for one reason or another prefer to remain known as Hindus in census returns though their belief, and perhaps practice, is Christian.
An example of the reason given for for this is here. I simply give the link as evidence of the discussion.
But my point here is the contrast to the UK, where it is easy to take the name of Christian. The differences would thus be reflected in skewed statistics, the skewing being in opposite directions.
But in the UK the perception In the Christian community is that it is becoming less easy to take the name of Christian. This tends to cause anxiety. I support those who seek - in Christian ways- - to preserve Christian freedoms. But I wonder whether a greater sense of being a minority In the UK would in fact lead to more vibrant faith and witness.
I give thanks for our freedoms in the UK, but we must beware seeing these as 'rights' to be fought for. When was fighting for rights ever a Christian virtue?
It is interesting that in India everyone sets out their stall in the market place. This is true in religious faith as well as the street stalls and the shops of Doveton... What these pictures don't show (except the final one) is the sheer number of signs and posters.
The discussion as to how you count Christians is not new and I am aware of the complexities; but this is not what interests me. Rather, it is the contrast with India where, if you dig around the web you find discussion as to the number of hidden Christians ie those who for one reason or another prefer to remain known as Hindus in census returns though their belief, and perhaps practice, is Christian.
An example of the reason given for for this is here. I simply give the link as evidence of the discussion.
But my point here is the contrast to the UK, where it is easy to take the name of Christian. The differences would thus be reflected in skewed statistics, the skewing being in opposite directions.
But in the UK the perception In the Christian community is that it is becoming less easy to take the name of Christian. This tends to cause anxiety. I support those who seek - in Christian ways- - to preserve Christian freedoms. But I wonder whether a greater sense of being a minority In the UK would in fact lead to more vibrant faith and witness.
I give thanks for our freedoms in the UK, but we must beware seeing these as 'rights' to be fought for. When was fighting for rights ever a Christian virtue?
It is interesting that in India everyone sets out their stall in the market place. This is true in religious faith as well as the street stalls and the shops of Doveton... What these pictures don't show (except the final one) is the sheer number of signs and posters.
Ducks playing in the fountain at last week's wedding. After a discussion we decided they were real, proved later when they had moved.
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