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Lesley Pilkington - Do we still need religion?
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Lesley Pilkington

Last on 20 - 26 Feb 2012

Do we still need religion?

 

Government Minister Baroness Warsi has recently claimed that Christian values are fundamental to the stability of our society. And she warns that Christian and other religious symbols and public expressions of faith are under renewed attack by an unholy alliance of militant secularists and aggressive atheists. Yet religious faiths and beliefs of an astonishing variety continue to proliferate in 21st century Britain.

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"I completely support Lesley's thoughts. People forget about God but when all is stripped away and they have nothing and no one powerful enough to help them, they call on God." — Hannah B's comment on Lesley Pilkington's film
"No! We do not need any religion, any time, any place." — Steve T.'s comment on Trevor Moore's film
"Death and misery have been the hallmarks of Christianity for two thousand years... If humanity ever gets free from the shackles of religion they should haul the leaders before a court of human rights" — jim666's comment on Jenny Taylor's film
"As an Evangelical Christian, I happen to agree with Mr Peel's first point - the time of religion controlling the state has long gone, and our society should be a secular one. Fortunately this is already the case and has been for a very long time." — Jon's comment on Jeff Peel's film
"What I and other atheists call for is the complete separation of church from state - therefore no special privileges on the grounds of religion and no religious influence over policy. " — Romerita's comment on Michele Marken's film
"We must respect the wishes of others to believe what they choose to believe, and I cannot support special privilege for Christianity in general society and especially in law - all beliefs should be given equal weighting and value - including those without faith. " — Jon's comment on Andrew McNabb's film
"You made me laugh! And I'm a Christian (originally a Protestant from Northern Ireland) and of course, God has a sense of humour! Try him and see for yourself." — Lorraine's comment on Tim McGarry's film

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Across Europe some acts of faith, such as praying on the streets or wearing a face veil, are discouraged and even criminalised. Should religious worship, clothing and symbols be kept private?

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