The Importance Of Christian Traditions In British Society

Question 1

Importance of Christian traditions within society

Answer 1

The traditions and values of Britain derive from Christian beliefs
The teachings of Christianity and the Christian church are deeply embedded in British traditions and culture.
For example:
- school terms arranged around Christmas and Easter
- the week has 7 days
- restrictions on hours shops are allowed to open on sundays
- popular names come from the bible

Question 2

The Church of England as the established church (Not monarch)

Answer 2

• 2011 census showed that Christianity is the largest religion, making up over half of the population
• As the established church in England, it has strong links with the state - the government and government institutions.

“The church is (…) a living active force doing great works across our country” - David Cameron

It’s links with the state only date back to the reformation. Before this, the Catholic Church was under the leadership of the pope.

Question 3

Quotes about Britain being a Christian country

Answer 3

“We are a nation that embraces, welcomes and accepts all faiths and none, but we are still a Christian country” - David Cameron

“It is because of (these) important religious roots and Christian values that Britain has been such a successful home to people of all faiths and none” - David Cameron

Question 4

The Monarch as head of Church of England

Answer 4

Monarch referred to as “Defender of faith” meaning they defend the Church of England.

Monarch is the supreme governor of the Church of England

During their coronation, the monarch is asked to “maintain and preserve inviolably the settlement of the Church of England”

Question 5

The role of the monarch today

Answer 5

As supreme governor of the Church of England, the king/queen :

• approves the appointment of senior clerics, on the recommendation of the PM, who consider a list provided by the church
• opens new sessions of the General Synod (the church’s governing body)
• keep the vow made at their coronation to maintain the church.

Maintaining the church means to :

• “Protect the free practice of faiths all faiths in this country” - the Queen
• “create an environment for other faith communities and indeed people of no faith to live freely” - the Queen

Question 6

The role of the church in other counties

Answer 6

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Question 7

The role of religion in public life

Answer 7

Bishops in the House of Lords :

• their role is to hold the government into account for their actions and its spending and making laws
• not elected

Christian services to mark key events:
- rites of passage are ceremonies that mark milestones in a persons life
These include:
- baptism to celebrate the birth of a baby and welcome it into the church
- Marriage - the coming together of 2 people
- funerals - the lives of the dead are remembered
- meetings in both Houses of Parliament start with Christian prayer

Public holidays:

Question 8

Role of religion in life : CHURCH SCHOOLS

Answer 8

The Church of England was responsible for most of the educational establishments until the state became involved in the 1830s.

A school with religious character has formal links with a faith organisation. Most of these schools are funded by the government

All schools must teach religious education and provide a daily act of worship.

Against church schools

• the church should fund them themselves
• it is wrong that a child should not be able to attend a local school because of their religious views
• faith schools select pupils from the wealthiest families and do not represent their local communities

Religious groups would argue:

• they contribute 10% of the costs of some faith schools, so they are paying for public education
• if some religious families are wealthy,they are paying higher taxes, so they contribute more than most people to state education in general
• parents should be able to choose schools for their children that share their own values