Religion has played a big part in society ever since the early days of civilisation. It can be defined as a set of beliefs for people, which are linked to either the cause, the nature or purpose of the universe. These are usually associated with the creation of the universe and everything within it. Religion often comes with devotional and ritual habits, and can be often seen possessing moral ideals concerning governing society (BBC - Religion: Religions, 2014). It has had a great impact on many societies cultures and their governance, and this essay, while pointing out the differences, will seek to concentrate on the role it had in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US). Religion in relation to its perception in society has been
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However, religion has also been associated as a cause of violent fanaticism, abuse and oppression, moral reactionary and even Osama Bin Laden (Voas and Ling, 2010). The UK has been a Christian country for the last 1,400 years. Religion has influenced their laws, education policies, governance and lifestyle in the past. In Britain, religion is considered a complicated subject. After having had a long history of religious, Britain does not really mind its leaderships religion, and whether it be Protestant, Catholic, Jewish or agnostic. However, a strong commitment to a religion creates doubts and worries (Voas and Ling, 2010). According to a survey however, (British Social Attitudes | Natcen Social Research) Christianity is still the highest religion practiced in the United Kingdom at 59.3% with 20% of the population affiliating themselves with the Church of England (Religion Data from The 2011 Census - ONS). Christianity is followed by other religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and others. However, in the United Kingdom, although religion is present in society, half the population doesn 't believe or practice any religion (British Social Attitudes | Natcen Social …show more content…
Secularism, in simple terms is a principle that implies two basic elements: The first, is the separation of the religious institutions from the matters of state. Secondly, is that all of the religions and beliefs are considered and treated equally before the law (Ippei, 2007). Most states imply a secularism state, it makes sure that religious institutions and groups don’t have influence or interfere with matter of the state. It also works the other way around, by ensuring that the state don’t interfere with religious institutions. In the UK, since the state is a Christian state, the affiliated religion with the state is Christianity; as such there are two officially recognized Christian institutions, The Church of England, and the Presbyterian Church of Scotland (Ippei, 2007). The modernization thesis is also important; as it’s the idea that modernization of the countries, Britain and UK in this case, causes problems for religions. Both Britain and the US are examples to the modernization theory and counter example to it (Bruce, 2007). The Modernization theory consists into the transition of a society in this case from the ‘traditional’ values, beliefs and ways to a new one. (P. Moon,
However, religion has also been associated as a cause of violent fanaticism, abuse and oppression, moral reactionary and even Osama Bin Laden (Voas and Ling, 2010). The UK has been a Christian country for the last 1,400 years. Religion has influenced their laws, education policies, governance and lifestyle in the past. In Britain, religion is considered a complicated subject. After having had a long history of religious, Britain does not really mind its leaderships religion, and whether it be Protestant, Catholic, Jewish or agnostic. However, a strong commitment to a religion creates doubts and worries (Voas and Ling, 2010). According to a survey however, (British Social Attitudes | Natcen Social Research) Christianity is still the highest religion practiced in the United Kingdom at 59.3% with 20% of the population affiliating themselves with the Church of England (Religion Data from The 2011 Census - ONS). Christianity is followed by other religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and others. However, in the United Kingdom, although religion is present in society, half the population doesn 't believe or practice any religion (British Social Attitudes | Natcen Social …show more content…
Secularism, in simple terms is a principle that implies two basic elements: The first, is the separation of the religious institutions from the matters of state. Secondly, is that all of the religions and beliefs are considered and treated equally before the law (Ippei, 2007). Most states imply a secularism state, it makes sure that religious institutions and groups don’t have influence or interfere with matter of the state. It also works the other way around, by ensuring that the state don’t interfere with religious institutions. In the UK, since the state is a Christian state, the affiliated religion with the state is Christianity; as such there are two officially recognized Christian institutions, The Church of England, and the Presbyterian Church of Scotland (Ippei, 2007). The modernization thesis is also important; as it’s the idea that modernization of the countries, Britain and UK in this case, causes problems for religions. Both Britain and the US are examples to the modernization theory and counter example to it (Bruce, 2007). The Modernization theory consists into the transition of a society in this case from the ‘traditional’ values, beliefs and ways to a new one. (P. Moon,