Real diversity means respecting Christianity

Apr 10, 2023 by

Telegraph Editorial:

Faithful people of all creeds need to be able to express their views without fear of marginalisation or ridicule.

Today marks the high point of the Christian calendar, with the resurrection of Jesus exemplifying the Bible’s promise of life after death. Yet for many believers, to express their faith in the public realm, whether on television or in Parliament, is increasingly to be met by opposing incredulity – not just in the Christian story itself, but in the very idea that any religion and any religious opinions can or should have a part to play in shaping the life of our nation.

Shortly before the period of Lent that preceded this weekend’s great celebration, the MP Danny Kruger, a devout Christian, suggested that his faith had been “a disadvantage” in his political career. That is an astonishing statement, given that, as MP for Don Valley Nick Fletcher said in a recent Westminster debate, “so many of the laws and values we now take for granted have their roots firmly in the Christian faith”.

Today indifference – or even scorn – can greet those Christians (and increasingly, practising members of other religions) who allow their beliefs to shape their cultural or political outlook. Kruger has met censure for his views on abortion and on the right to die. But these are among the most sensitive issues that society must tackle. The idea that any lasting path through them can be found without input from all sides, including from people of faith, is misguided. A secular political monoculture, a new post-Christian governing faith, orientated exclusively around the Left-liberal, post-national, increasingly “progressive” mainstream cannot be healthy. Yet it is precisely that which Mr Kruger suggests now prevails.

Read here (£)

(also available on Pressreader)

 

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