Newspapers, media outlets and their audience in Britain have debated for a long time,if this country should still be referred as a Christian nation or not, given the growing diversity and multiculturalism.
For the last 100 years, Britain has been seen as a Christian nation but with time, other religions have also been granted the freedom to practise their beliefs in peace. Over the years, several churches (be it Catholic, Protestant, Methodist or any other groups) have closed and mosques or temples have taken those premises to use. The church's current condition is attributed to the fact that fewer Christians are attending services on an annual basis. It can only mean that the influence of Christians on religion is decreasing. But is this true?
In this context, we need to understand first what it means to be a Christian. Although it is considered essential for a devout Christian to attend church or engage in Sunday prayer regularly, 20 percent of Christians in Britain choose not to. Yet, all of them have the influence and values of Christianity. Even though many Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs do not visit their places of worship regularly they still uphold the values of that culture and religion.
People today are leaning more and more towards science, and this proximity in some manner widens the gap between science and religion. Like this, some people also disagree with the necessity of a specific religion. This does not mean that they are atheists, because they need faith in some supreme element and the Indian Vedas classify this as a high form of faith. Dharma is the Sanskrit word for faith or belief, be it in the direction of any divine substance, deity, or idea. Although my faith and yours may be different, the central point is the supreme element. Right?
It is a matter of personal choice
I think religion is something very personal to one. What I consider as religion, you may view it as atheism and what is agnostic in your eyes might be faith-based for me. Religion is something you cultivate, not something you run from. In that sense, centuries ago, the state religion of Britain was Catholic. Protestantism has been the state religion here since the 15th century and the Old Testament and the New Testament are the main scriptures in Christianity. I don't have a deep knowledge of these scriptures, but I have superficial information. Violence and hostility towards other religions were particularly prevalent in the Old Testament.
Before the Protestant Reformation in Germany, Roman Catholicism was the dominant religion among the various branches of Christianity. Its headquarters were in Rome, and the Pope, who served as the Church's supreme leader, maintained a significant position. I don't want to get too involved in religious arguments, but to the best of my knowledge, the New Testament is more considerate to non-Christians in terms of peace and kindness.
In India, everyone has the freedom to follow their chosen faith. There shouldn't be any hostility or hatred towards other religions. As far as the current situation is concerned, the persecution of minority religions is published in newspapers every few days. Of course, I think the majority of these claims are erroneous or overblown. It is true that Dalits are discriminated against by members of the so-called upper caste. But what else can we do besides feel sorry for these people. I firmly believe that the law must intervene in such situations and social awareness and personal ethics are more essential.
Hindu temples were ruthlessly destroyed by Muslim invaders, especially Aurangzeb, according to historical records. The remains that have been discovered in Muslim shrine basements nowadays also hint in this direction. Even in Islam’s most revered holy text, the Quran, makes it quite plain that no temple belonging to another faith may be destroyed to construct a mosque!
A small number of extremist Muslims once restricted their activities to demolishing Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist sites in India. Additionally, during the Mughal era, the oppression of the heathens was severe.
But to exact revenge decades later by bringing up age old resentments is just wrong.
Britain’s new identity?
This topic is so delicate that I feel the need to make it clear that it is not a matter of supporting one religion or class over another or opposing or condemning a certain group of people. Continually move forward. It was necessary to prevent hostility motivated by religion.
Even though Christianity is dominant in Britain, are other religions respected as well? Each person follows their own religion. Although we don't need to dig out the old crusts, it is also unfair to stir up a debate by ignoring the undeniable fact that emerges as proof.
There are many debates about whether Britain will retain its identity as a Christian nation or not. And I firmly believe that this reputation should continue. Kindness, tolerance, sensitivity, compassion, etc. are valued in contemporary Christianity. This awareness is very welcome. Although Christianity is the official religion of the United Kingdom, leaders of other faiths, including Hindu, Jain, Muslim, Sikh, and Jewish leaders, were invited as distinguished guests to a magnificent event held on the day of King Charles' coronation. Equality of all religions—this is the new identity of Britain, despite being a Christian country.
Despite being a Hindu majority nation, I am convinced that India will prove to be the best place for non-Hindus to live in harmony, peace, and dignity. However, one must remember one hand cannot clap or it takes two to tango!