Unit 4: The importance of Christian traditions in British society Flashcards
When can elements of Christianity be seen in everyday British life?
- School terms are arranged around the Christian festivals of Christmas and Easter
- The Christian calendar influences other British traditions like Valentine’s Day (a Saint’s day) or Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday)
- The week has 7 days and some people think this may reflect the biblical story of creation.
What are other elements of Christianity in everyday British life?
- Shops have restrictions on the hours they can be open on Sundays, the Christian day of rest
- Large stores can’t be open during Christian festivals like Christmas
- Many popular names came from the Bible such as Daniel, Sarah or Aaron
Give an example of a popular superstition that has Christian origin
The number 13 is considered unlucky because 13 men sat down to the last meal Jesus ate before his death.
What’s the Sunday Assembly? (Case Study)
- Started by Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans
- They both wanted to do something that was like church but totally secular and inclusive of all
- Soon people all over the world wanted to start one
- Now there are 68 Sunday Assembly chapters in 8 different countries
- People sing songs, hear inspiring talks and create community together
What is the largest religion in Britain?
Christianity, making up over half of the population.
Statistic in the 2011 Census for England: 59.4% are Christians in England
What’s different from the 2011 Census for England and the one in 2001?
- The number of Christians had fallen by 12% since 2001
- At the same time, the number of Muslims and people of no religion had increased
What’s the established Church in England?
The Church of England since it is the biggest.
What does establishment mean?
- The Church has strong links with the State like the government and government institutions
- For example the law, education and the military
- Establishment also means that the reigning Monarch is both Head of State and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
Who is the Monarch?
- The Monarch is the Head of State of the UK and 15 other Commonwealth countries.
- The Monarch is also Defender of the Faith and the Supreme Governor of the Church of England
- The faith of which he or she is defender of isn’t Christianity in general, but the Church of England in particular.
Who is the Monarch crowned by?
The Archbishop of Canterbury, who is Primate (first bishop) of the Church of England.
Who is the current Monarch?
Charles III
What is different about the role of the Monarch today?
Charles makes decisions within Parliament, rather than on his own like Henry VIII (8th) did.
What is the role of the Monarch (or Supreme Governor of the COE) today?
- Approves the appointment of senior clerics (archbishops, bishops, deans of cathedrals) on the recommendation of the Prime Minister
- These clerics take an oath of loyalty to the Monarch and may not resign without his/her authority
- Opens new sessions of the General Synod (the Church’s governing body)
- Keeps the vows made at his/her coronation to maintain the Church
Info about the General Synod
- Since 1919, the Synod has had the power to propose laws on any matter concerning the COE.
- These laws are called Measures
- The Measures are taken to both Houses of Parliament to be passed
- Following acceptance of the Measures by both Houses of Parliament, they’re submitted for Royal Assent (agreement by the Monarch) and become law
The Church in Wales
- The Anglican Church in Wales was part of the Church of England since the time of Henry VIII
- However, during the 19th century, Welsh Anglicans and other Protestants felt that the COE was marginalising the Church in Wales
- It was disestablished in 1920
What does marginalised mean?
To treat (a person, group, or concept) as insignificant or peripheral.
The Church in Scotland
- National established Church in Scotland, though it’s Presbyterian, not Anglican
- It is the Scottish Episcopal Church
- Never had any connection with the COE
The Church in Northern Ireland
- The Roman Catholic Church of Ireland is the largest single Christian denomination in Ireland
- There are slightly more Protestants than Catholics in that part of the UK (Northern Ireland)
- The Church of Ireland is the Anglican Church in Northern Ireland
More about the Church in Northern Ireland
- The Church of Ireland became the established Church in Ireland in the 16th century by Henry VIII
- However, in 1870, the UK Parliament passed the Irish Church Act
- This disestablished the Church of Ireland and separates it from the COE
- It also gave the Church independence from the Monarchy and the state
David Cameron quote about Britain being a Christian country
‘I believe that we should reflect on the fact that 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.’
What two parts are Parliament made up of?
- House of Commons
- House of Lords
What does the House of Commons do?
Consists of elected Members of Parliament who help to make laws.
What does the House of Lords do?
Holds the government to account for its actions and its spending, and making laws.
Who do new laws have to be approved by?
House of Commons and House of Lords.
Who are the Lords Temporal?
People who have a title, such as a Duke or Earl.
Who are the Lords Spiritual?
Bishops of the Church of England and they can play a significant role in the governance of this country.
Examples of Christian rites of passage
- Baptism, which celebrates the birth of a baby and welcomes it into the Church
- Marriage
- Funerals
How are Christian rites of passage related to Non-Christians?
- Many Non-Christian couples choose to marry in a church
- Many Non-Christians arrange Christian funerals for deceased relatives
What are examples of Christian services that mark key events in British public life?
- Early in November each year, the National Service of Remembrance is held in London to remember the contributions of service personnel in the two World Wars.
- The service includes Christian prayers and hymns
- Services are also held at war memorials across the country
- Meetings in both Houses of Parliament begin with Christian prayers
Public holidays based on Christian celebrations
- Good Friday remembers the death of Jesus
- Easter Monday is the second day of Easter and it emphasises the importance of Easter Sunday. Workers have a day off work.
- Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus
- Boxing Day is also the Feast of St Stephen, a Christian Saint
- Sunday is traditionally a holiday in celebration of the Christian belief that Jesus’ resurrection took place on a Sunday
What is the law about religious education?
All pupils must be taught religious education and all schools should provide a daily act of worship. Religious education should reflect the fact that the traditions of England are mainly Christian.
Names 2 organisations that are against the principle that religious groups should be able to use public money in schools.
- National Secular Society
- British Humanist Association
What are their arguments against the principle that religious groups should be able to use public money in schools?
- If the Churches want faith schools, they should fund them themselves
- It’s wrong that children shouldn’t be allowed to attend their local school because of their (or their parents’) religious views
- Faith schools select pupils from the wealthiest families and so don’t represent their local communities
Religious groups may argue:
- Since they contribute 10% of the costs of some faith schools, they’re actually paying for public education
- If some religious families are wealthy, this means they pay higher taxes and so contribute more than most people to state education in general, including non-faith schools
- Parents should be able to choose schools for their children that share their own values
