There was a story in the Daily Mail newspaper today about the Reverend Graeme Anderson who complained to the BBC about blasphemous comments presenter Jeremy Clarkson made during an episode of Top Gear. The BBC responded to his objections with derision by claiming that "there is no consensus about words that are acceptable." This is complete nonsense and proof that Christianity is institutionally discriminated against in the UK and treated with contempt. Freedom of expression, as defined by the Human Rights Act, carries with it responsibility for the protection of the reputation and rights of others. The Human Rights Acts stipulates: "The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law...". In other words Freedom of expression exists within the framework of the Law. Currently British Law contains a Blasphemy Act, which the BBC website reports was amended in 1838 to protect the "tenets and beliefs of the Church of England". The Sixth Article of the Church of England states: "Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation...In the name of the Holy Scripture we do understand those canonical Books of the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church." The Third Commandment found in the book of Exodus chapter 20:7 says: "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." Yet the Blasphemy Law is violated without reproach and the Human Rights Act is even used to protect blasphemy in this country despite the fact that it is contrary to the regulations of the Act and the Law.
Moreover, other forms of discrimination are prosecuted and intolerated in this country. No-one condones racism, sexism, homophobia or Islamophobia with intent to cause religious or racial violence. There are numerous examples in the media where other forms of discrimination and 'isms' have been condemned. In January 2011 Football pundit Andy Grey was sacked from Sky Sports for sexist comments made about a lineswoman. In February 2011 a Pentecostal Christian couple lost their court case to remain in custody of their foster children after claiming they were discriminated against. The couple, Eunice and Owen Johns had their right to foster taken away on the grounds that they taught their foster children that homosexuality is morally wrong. Lord Justice Munby and Justice Beatson claimed the lawyer's claims were "a travesty of reality" and despite arguing that they were not asserting Christians or other religious adherents were unfit to foster children they did reinforce the secular nature of British society: "We live in this country in a democratic and pluralistic society, in a secular state not a theocracy." (source guardian.co.uk) I do not condone homophobia and do not believe homosexuals should be discriminated against because of their sexuality, rather I am citing this story as an example of how this nation does not tolerate homophobia. Sadly Christian rights in this country are trumped by secular rights every time. Increasingly in this country Christians are ridiculed and mocked for standing up for their faith as bigoted, prejudiced, anachronistic and foolishly out-dated.
The tragic irony to this prevailing attitude is that this country was built and founded on Christian values, the very values that British Law, society and the media now reject and feel at liberty to disrespect. Humanism as defined by the British Humanist Association: "trusts to the scientific method when it comes to understanding how the universe works and rejects the idea of the supernatural (and - a humanist - is therefore an atheist or agnostic)". It goes on to say that a humanist: "makes their ethical decisions based on reason, empathy, and a concern for human beings and other sentient animals". Secular, democratic law is based on a humanistic world view and implies that science and reason are the only sources of truth and morality. Yet this is contrary (and completely unjustifiable) to the history of Christian Britain in which Christian clergymen, philanthropists and politicians have campaigned for the betterment, improvement and protection of human life in all its forms. Christians such as William Wilberforce who campaigned for the abolition of slavery, Seebohm Rowntree who worked with Charles Booth in influencing government views on poverty through their poverty line map of London, George Dawson who created the 'Civic Gospel' of social activism and Thomas Barnardo who founded Barndardos children's charity. The legacy of these great men is being forgotten or at least their Christian faith and values are being overlooked in this country's ongoing desire to divorce itself from its Christian heritage.
How a civilized, democratic nation that strives for equality and the advancement of human rights could tolerate such ignorance towards a spiritual leader as beloved and followed as Jesus Christ is astonishing. Jesus' teaching on the Sermon on the Mount is one of the most famous writings in human history and has profoundly influenced Western Civilization. Other religious figures are revered and protected from the barbs and mockery of the media and yet Jesus is constantly caricatured, ridiculed and blasphemed. This is a travesty of decency and justice. Why is Christianity held in such disdain by society? I believe this is evidence of the spirit of anti-Christ found in the New Testament. Secular Britain in this post-enlightenment, post-modern age has apostatized its Christian faith and has committed idolatry with the idols of science and secularism.
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