Re: Onward Christian Soldiers.
 

i feel born again! maybe i should join a religion! suggestions, anyone? har har har

Re: Onward Christian Soldiers.
 

Dear Doug, I know very well the ethnic diversity that goes to make up this country. I actually wrote my one and only letter aged sixteen in 1981, to the Observer about this very issue. It was in answer to someone from the National Front, who the previous week was trying to make the point that the British race was 'pure'.

I'm glad to report that the death threats I received still haven't shut me up.:)

Re: Onward Christian Soldiers.
 

The terms 'British race' and 'pure' cannot be put together - as Britain itself is a result of every single country who's invaded us!! ;the vikings, those normandy blokes who killed our kid harold...the list goes on! (probably!)

spose what im trying to say is that britain is a country built upon cultural diversity, and that we shouldnt exploit 'differences' in culture within our own people...as evidently all these 'different' cultures make up our British culture!:D

Re: Onward Christian Soldiers.
 

Here here woody just a pity the bods at Westminster are throwing a deaf ear about.:(

Re: Onward Christian Soldiers.
 

I can assure you that with the possible and rather tenuous exception of the last 15 years or so, that Britain whilst indeed has had many cultural and religious groups here has been anything but tolerant. To name a few incidents. The Reformation both Catholic and Protestant, the massacre of the Jews of York and else where. Not least the Civil War which saw more bloodshead on religious grounds than either of the precious reformations, and of course last but not least the British Empire. Now do not get me worng I am not ashamed or our past, but I think is is about time people realised Britain's past has been a great many things but tolerant is not one of them!

Re: Onward Christian Soldiers.
 

Re: Onward Christian Soldiers.
 

I think it is fair in this instance to say that you have hit the nail on the head!

Re: Onward Christian Soldiers.
 

Doug you have echoed my point very succinctly. We can no more apologise for the doings of our forbears than fly to the moon unaided. They acted in good faith at the time. The apology does nothing at all.......and the missionaries were under the impression that they were doing good works.
Maybe it was jesus who set the ball rolling by telling the apostles to be 'fishers of men'. Most organised religions are on the lookout for converts.....why should christianity be any different?
I just think it is a bit rich for the Archbishop of Canterbury to be getting into these sad PC issues.

Re: Onward Christian Soldiers.
 

Thank you Margaret. He would certainly be better off tending his flock and ensuring that Christianity and its values are up held in the face of the pressures of the modern world.

Re: Onward Christian Soldiers.
 

Unfotunately for us the church is becocoming more and more involved in politics with an outcome that could make the problems ith race and culture more prefound. Until they butt out and do what they are there to do thesituation as it stands will only get worse. Hisotically when the church and politics mix mix there is all hell let loose and it the innocent common person that looses. It is time for Mr and Mrs Common to stand up and tell them what they think.

Re: Onward Christian Soldiers.
 

Re: Onward Christian Soldiers.
 

I am getting just a bit fed up of folk apologising for our traditions and cultural heritage......because it might upset some incomers......when you question the said incomers......they are not offended at all.
I know we are not a pure race and our culture and traditions have evolved over the centuries......and will probably continue to do so.....if people would only stop trying to influence and manipulate artificially how this happens, we would all be much happier. All this meddling does is to throw racism into bas relief.....which makes it much more of a contentious topic. British people are extremely tolerant of other cultures and religions......and I am talking about NOW.......not centuries ago.

Re: Onward Christian Soldiers.
 

Exactly what sort of repressive regeme do you want. One where no one and no institution may speak there mind. How do you think people would react if they said trade unions or moslems or any other group should keep there mouths shut. We live in a free society where we are free to express our beliefs. Supress one and you will have to supress everyone.

Like any other individual or institution the Church and its members have every right to speak its mind on political issues whether you agree with it or not. If it has an opinion it is entitiled to express it.

As for getting on with what they are supposed to do, well they are. I suggest you actually learn what the church is there for. When you do, you will find it is not just for weddings, baptisms and funerals. It is also there for speaking out against what it considers to be wrong and speaking for what it considers to be right. This will not change nor should it!

This is one of the many tasks given them by its founder. If people do not like it then its too bad.

Re: Onward Christian Soldiers.
 

All religions have their political side and always will but there has to be a balance. Is the govenment opposition in parliment or the pulpit? Not against people speaking up I just believe its best done in neutral surroundings.

Re: Onward Christian Soldiers.
 

I have to disagree! It is more than just a political side. Religion is by its very nature political.

As for the pulpit, the Churches, regardless of denomination have every right to address whatever issue to their congragtions, they have every right to influence there members on whatever subject in whatever fashion they see fit!

Where politics is concerned there can be no neutral ground!