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Created page with "File:Union jack.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|A Eurobarometer poll in 2010 reported that 37% of UK citizens "believed there is a God", 33% believe there is "some sort of spirit..."
[[File:Union jack.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|A Eurobarometer poll in 2010 reported that 37% of UK citizens "believed there is a God", 33% believe there is "some sort of spirit or life force" and 25% answered "I don't believe there is any sort of spirit, God or life force".<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf Special Eurobarometer, biotechnology, p. 204"]. Fieldwork: Jan-Feb 2010.</ref> ]]
A Eurobarometer poll in 2010 reported that 37% of UK citizens "believed there is a God", 33% believe there is "some sort of spirit or life force" and 25% answered "I don't believe there is any sort of spirit, God or life force".<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf Special Eurobarometer, biotechnology, p. 204"]. Fieldwork: Jan-Feb 2010.</ref>
In 2014, ''The Telegraph'' reported: "The [[Britain|British]] are among the most sceptical in the world about religion, a global study has found. Just over a third of people in the UK believe religion has a positive role to play in our daily lives, compared to a global average of 59 per cent."<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10771044/UK-among-most-sceptical-in-world-about-religion.html UK among most sceptical in world about religion], ''The Telegraph'', 2014</ref>
[[United Kingdom|Britain]] has had a significant influence on [[global atheism]] through its promotion of the [[atheism|atheistic]] ideology of [[evolution]].
In the beginning portion of the 21st century, various members of Britain's atheists/agnostics, for example [[Richard Dawkins]], have engaged in aggressive atheism evangelism efforts. In addition, the late [[Christopher Hitchens]] was born in Britain and emigrated to the United States in 1981 was a high-profile atheist. However, the movement they lead, [[New Atheism]], has significantly waned and is now essentially dead (see: [[New Atheism#Decline of New Atheism|Decline of New Atheism]]).
== Desecularization and Britain ==
''See also:'' [[UK and secularism]] and [[European desecularization in the 21st century]] and [[Acceleration of 21st century desecularization]]
In December 2018, ''The Times'' indicated: "The number of atheists in Britain has fallen in the past year, according to a survey suggesting that more people are attending church, albeit irregularly."<ref>[https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/atheism-is-down-as-uk-gets-spiritual-z00nxczn7 Atheism is down as UK gets spiritual], ''The Times'', December 2018</ref>
''The Guardian'' published an article in 2017 entitled ''Nearly 50% are of [[Nones|no religion]] – but has [[UK]] hit ‘peak secular’?'' which declared:
{{Cquote|But, Bullivant told the Observer that the “growth of no religion may have stalled”. After consistent decline, in the past few years the proportion of [[nones]] appears to have stabilised. “Younger people tend to be more non-religious, so you’d expect it to keep going – but it hasn’t. The steady growth of non-Christian religions is a contributing factor, but I wonder if everyone who is going to give up their Anglican affiliation has done so by now? We’ve seen a vast shedding of nominal Christianity, and perhaps it’s now down to its hardcore.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/13/uk-losing-faith-religion-young-reject-parents-beliefs ''Nearly 50% are of no religion – but has UK hit ‘peak secular’?''], ''The Guardian'', 2017</ref>}}
In the [[United States]], the vast majority of individuals who are "[[Nones]]"/"no religion" (people who are not part of organized religion) believe in the existence of God. Fewer than 15% of the "nones" consider themselves [[Atheism|atheists]].<ref>[http://www.pressdemocrat.com/csp/mediapool/sites/PressDemocrat/News/story.csp?cid=2501462&sid=555&fid=181 Meet the 'Nones:' Spiritual but not religious]</ref>
''Conatus News'' reported in 2017:
{{cquote| Church of England worshippers increase 0.8 per cent since 2009. The number of non-religious people falls from 50.65% to 48.6%
Rise in Church of England worshippers likely due to resurgence in patriotism and pride in Christianity, a report has found
According to a new report, for every person brought up in a non-religious household who becomes a churchgoer, 26 people raised as Christians now identify as non-believers.
The study, which is based on an analysis of the British Social Attitudes Survey and the European Social Survey, reported that the proportion of non-religious in the UK hit a high of 50.6 per cent in 2009. However, it has been decreasing ever since and hit 48.6 per cent in 2015.
However, the proportion of those who identify as Church of England worshippers has seen a slight increased from 16.3 per cent in 2009 to 17.1 per cent in 2015.<ref>[https://conatusnews.com/british-religious-study-anglicans/ British Patriotism Sees Number of Anglicans Rise and the Non-Religious Fall], '''Conatus News''' , 2017</ref>}}
The 2019 journal article ''When will European Muslim population be majority and in which country?'' published in ''PSU Research Review'' indicates: "Among three scenarios, the most likely mid-point migration scenario identifies 13 countries where the Muslim population will be majority between years 2085 and 2215: Cyprus (in year 2085), Sweden (2125), France (2135), Greece (2135), Belgium (2140), Bulgaria (2140), Italy (2175), Luxembourg (2175), the UK (2180), Slovenia (2190), Switzerland (2195), Ireland (2200) and Lithuania (2215). The 17 remaining countries will never reach majority in the next 200 years".<ref>[https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/PRR-12-2018-0034/full/html When will European Muslim population be majority and in which country?], Pierre Rostan, Alexandra Rostan, PSU Research Review, ISSN: 2399-1747, Open Access. Article publication date: 28 August 2019 Reprints & Permissions, Issue publication date: 28 August 2019</ref>
== The British New Atheist Richard Dawkins reluctance to debate ==
''See also:'' [[Richard Dawkins and debate]] and [[Atheism debates]] and [[Christian apologetics|Evidence for Christianity]]
[[File:Richard Dawkins - March 2005.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|251px|right|Richard Dawkins declared "[[Christianity]] may actually be our best defence against aberrant forms of religion that threaten the world".<ref name="christiantoday.com">[http://www.christiantoday.com/article/richard.dawkins.says.christianity.is.worlds.best.defence.against.radical.islam/76416.htm Richard Dawkins says Christianity is world's best defence against radical Islam], Christianity Today, January 2016</ref><ref name="breitbart.com">[https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2016/01/12/professional-atheist-dawkins-says-christianity-bulwark-against-something-worse/ Professional Atheist Dawkins Says Christianity ‘Bulwark Against Something Worse’], by Thomas D. Williams, Ph.D, ''Breitbart News Network'', Jan 12, 2016</ref> See also: [[Richard Dawkins and Islamophobia accusations|Richard Dawkins and Islam]] ]]
[[Richard Dawkins]] is a [[New Atheism|new atheist]] and [[agnosticism|agnostic]] (See: [[Richard Dawkins and agnosticism]]).
Richard Dawkins has established a reputation [[Richard Dawkins and debate|for avoiding debates with his strongest opponents]]. On May 14, 2011, the [[Great Britain|British]] newspaper ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' published a news story entitled ''Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God''.<ref>*Ross, Tim (May 14, 2011). [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html "[[Richard Dawkins]] accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God"]. The Daily Telegraph website. Retrieved July 25, 2014. See [[Daily Telegraph]]</ref>
As noted above, in ''The Daily Telegraph'' article Dr. [[Daniel Came]], a member of the Faculty of [[Philosophy]] at Oxford University, was quoted as writing to fellow atheist Richard Dawkins concerning his refusal to debate Dr. [[William Lane Craig]]: "The absence of a debate with the foremost [[Christian apologetics|apologist]] for [[Christianity|Christian]] [[theism]] is a glaring omission on your [[Curriculum vitae|CV]] and is of course apt to be interpreted as cowardice on your part."<ref>*Ross, Tim (May 14, 2011). [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html "[[Richard Dawkins]] accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God"]. The Daily Telegraph website. Retrieved July 25, 2014. See [[Daily Telegraph]]</ref>
In October 2011, Dr. Craig went to England and the Daily Telegraph declared that Dawkins is either a fool or a coward for his refusal to debate William Lane Craig plus declared that Dawkins is a "proud man" and a "coward" who puts on an "illiterate, angry schtick" for the public.<ref>[http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/timstanley/100112626/richard-dawkins-is-either-a-fool-or-a-coward-for-refusing-to-debate-william-lane-craig/ Richard Dawkins is either a fool or a coward for refusing to debate William Lane Craig - October 21, 2011 - ''The Daily Telegraph'']</ref> In addition, Christian apologist [[True Free Thinker|Ken Ammi]] called Dawkins a "cowardly clown" because Dawkins and other prominent atheists refused to debate [[Creation Ministries International]] at the 2010 Global Atheist Convention.<ref>[http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown Richard Dawkins, the Cowardly Clown]</ref>
As far as Dawkins and his comfort level around professional philosophers, the atheist philosopher Massimo Pigliucci wrote:
{{Cquote|Interestingly, over lunch during one of those days, I experienced Dawkins in what is a rather uncharacteristically humble mood: he confided at our table that he felt a bit intimidated, being surrounded by so many professional philosophers (he wasn’t talking about me, I assure you, but more likely of [[Daniel Dennett|Dan Dennett]] and Alex Rosenberg, among others). It was interesting to see that rather unexpected (from his public appearances) side of him.<ref>[https://platofootnote.wordpress.com/2016/02/01/richard-dawkins/ Richard Dawkins] by Massimo Pigliucci</ref>}}
Below are some resources relating to Dawkins refusal to debate various debate opponents:
*[[Richard Dawkins' public refusal to debate creationists]]
*[[Richard Dawkins and William Lane Craig]]
*[[Richard Dawkins and Dinesh D'Souza]]
*[[Richard Dawkins and Rabbi Shmuley Boteach]] (Denied debating him after losing video taped debate, refuses to debate another time)
In addition, respected biochemist and [[intelligent design]] researcher Dr [[Michael Behe]] has openly challenged prominent [[evolutionist]]s and proponents of [[Darwinism]] to debate him regarding the many failings of [[evolutionism]], yet Richard Dawkins - one of the most outspoken [[Darwinist]]s today - has declined all such invitations. Dawkins has also refused to debate prominent creationist and evangelist [[Ray Comfort]].
== British Humanist Association's withdrawal out of agreed upon debate with the Christian apologist William Lane Craig ==
[[File:Sam Harris-2010.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|[[Sam Harris]] once described [[William Lane Craig]] as “the one Christian apologist who has put the fear of [[God]] into many of my fellow atheists”.<ref name="ReferenceB">http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/19/christian-pastor-atheists-debates</ref> ]]
''See also:'' [[Atheism and Debate]] and [[Atheism and cowardice]]
[[Humanists UK]] is a society of British [[Humanism|humanists]] whose origins go back to 1896 (The society is the result of various humanist groups merging).<ref>[https://humanists.uk/about/our-history-since-1896/ Humanists UK - History]</ref> Humanists UK was previously called the British Humanist Association.<ref>[https://humanists.uk/about/our-history-since-1896/ Humanists UK - History]</ref>
In August 19, 2011, [[Fox News]] reported:
{{cquote|American Evangelical theologian [[William Lane Craig]] is ready to debate the rationality of faith during his U.K tour this fall, but it appears that some atheist philosophers are running shy of the challenge.
This month president of the British Humanist Association, [[Polly Toynbee]], pulled out of an agreed debate at London’s Westminster Central Hall in October, saying she “hadn’t realized the nature of Mr. Lane Craig’s debating style.”
Lane Craig, who is a professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, Calif., and author of 30 books and hundreds of scholarly articles, is no stranger to the art of debate and has taken on some of the great orators, such as famous atheists [[Christopher Hitchens]] and [[Sam Harris]]. Harris once described Craig as “the one Christian apologist who has put the fear of God into many of my fellow atheists”.
Responding to Toynbee’s cancellation, Lane Craig commented: "These folks (atheists) can be very brave when they are alone at the podium and there's no one there to challenge them. But one of the great things about these debates is that, it allows both sides to be heard on a level playing field, and for the students in the audience to make up their own minds about where they think the truth lies."<ref name="ReferenceB">http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/19/christian-pastor-atheists-debates</ref>}}
On August 19, 2011, the leading British Anglican weekly newspaper the ''Church Times'' wrote:
{{cquote|The director of Professor Craig’s tour, Peter May, said: “If Craig is ‘wrong about everything else in the universe’ and his arguments for the existence of God are so easy to refute, it is hard to see why the leading atheist voices in the country are running shy of having a debate with him.
“Rather than hurling [[Ad hominem|ad hominem]] attacks on Craig from their bunkers, it would be good to see these figures come forward to rationally defend the atheism they publicly espouse.”<ref>http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=116718</ref>}}
== Cowardly, irreligious British vs. British, Muslim terrorists and British, Muslim groomer gangs ==
See: [[British irreligion, libertinism, undisciplined behavior, lack of mental toughness and cowardice#Cowardly, irreligious British vs. British, Muslim terrorists and British, Muslim groomer gangs|Cowardly, irreligious British vs. British, Muslim terrorists and British, Muslim groomer gangs]]
== 10 signs pointing towards a decline of British atheism in the 21st century ==
''See also:'' [[Essay: Attention British, militant atheists! Brace yourself for the mighty, religious wave that is coming]]
[[File:Powerful-wave.jpg|thumbnail|351px|A mighty wave of religiosity is heading towards the UK.
<br />
<br />
For more information, please see: [[Essay: Attention British, militant atheists! Brace yourself for the mighty, religious wave that is coming]] ]]
Recently, there have been a number of signs that in the 21st century British atheism will experience a dramatic decline as far as being an influential ideology:
'''1.''' Britain's ''Financial Times'' published an article in 2018 with the title/subtitle of: "The return of religion. Among atheists as well as believers, strident secularism is giving way to a renewed sense of faith’s hold."<ref>FT.com Friday, 30 March 2018</ref> See also: [[Atheists and the endurance of religion]] and [[Decline of militant atheism in the West]]
'''2.''' British academic and religious/political demography expert [[Eric Kaufmann]] declaring that the future of the [[Western World]] and the world at large belongs to religious conservatives due to religious conservative immigration to the West and the higher birth rates of religious conservatives (and the sub-replacement level of births of the irreligious).<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?: Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century by Eric Kaufmann, Belfer Center, Harvard University/Birkbeck College, University of London]</ref><ref>[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/2011/05/eric-kaufmann-shall-religious-inherit.html Eric Kaufmann: Shall The Religious Inherit The Earth?]</ref><ref>[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/search/label/atheist%20demographics Eric Kaufmann's Atheist Demographic series]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwmgFZsgSo0 Eric Kaufmann: Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?, Australian Broadcasting Corporation]</ref> See also: [[Desecularization]]
Most atheists in the [[United Kingdom]] (UK) are white. In the UK, by the year 2050, 30 percent of the population is expected to be non-white.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/10809481/Non-white-people-almost-30-per-cent-of-population-by-2050.html Non-white people almost 30 per cent of population by 2050], By James Kirkup, Political Editor, ''The Telegraph,'' May 5, 2014</ref> Atheists in the [[Western World]] have historically not engaged in evangelism of racial minorities in their countries (see: [[Western atheism and race]]). ''[[Yale University|Yale]] Daily News'' reported in an article entitled ''White Europeans: An endangered species?'' that "Without a major shift in the current fertility trends, industrialized Europe will see its native population decline by about three-fourths over the 21st century."<ref>[http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2008/02/27/white-europeans-an-endangered-species/ ''White Europeans: An endangered species?''] By Trevor Wagener, ''Yale Daily News'', February 27, 2008</ref> See also: [[Global atheism|Decline of global atheism]] and [[Global Christianity]]
'''3.''' British [[evolution]]ist [[Richard Dawkins]], who formerly championed [[militant atheism]] and was previously Britain's most prominent atheist, emphatically and repeatedly denying he was ever an atheist to [[Rowan Williams]] who at the time was the Bishop of Canterbury (See: [[Richard Dawkins and agnosticism]]). A likely reason why Dawkins disavowed ever being an atheist, despite championing militant atheism in the past, is that he cannot prove that [[God]] does not exist. In addition, many [[theism|theists]] have very negative views of atheists ([[Views on atheists]]).
Furthermore, Richard Dawkins lost a considerable amount of influence due to some statements that offended many women atheists (see: [[Elevatorgate]] and [[Richard Dawkins and women]] and [[Richard Dawkins' loss of influence]]).
'''4.''' [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical Christianity]] is growing in England and increasingly challenging the more [[liberal]] [[Anglican Church]].<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/03/biblical-christianity-is-rising-in-uk.html Biblical Christianity is rising in the UK]</ref>
'''5.''' The Muslim population is growing in Britain and may become a majority in the 21 century. The 2019 journal article ''When will European Muslim population be majority and in which country?'' published in ''PSU Research Review'' indicates: "Among three scenarios, the most likely mid-point migration scenario identifies 13 countries where the Muslim population will be majority between years 2085 and 2215: Cyprus (in year 2085), Sweden (2125), France (2135), Greece (2135), Belgium (2140), Bulgaria (2140), Italy (2175), Luxembourg (2175), the UK (2180), Slovenia (2190), Switzerland (2195), Ireland (2200) and Lithuania (2215). The 17 remaining countries will never reach majority in the next 200 years".<ref>[https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/PRR-12-2018-0034/full/html When will European Muslim population be majority and in which country?], Pierre Rostan, Alexandra Rostan, PSU Research Review, ISSN: 2399-1747, Open Access. Article publication date: 28 August 2019 Reprints & Permissions, Issue publication date: 28 August 2019</ref>
[[File:Richard Dawkins at Royal Dublin Society Concert Hall.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|260px|right|The British [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] ]]
'''6.''' The British Humanist Society and Richard Dawkins backing down from debate offers from the [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] [[William Lane Craig]]. The [[Oxford University]] atheist [[Daniel Came]] told Richard Dawkins that his refusal to debate Craig was bound to be seen by many as an act of cowardice. See: [[Atheism and cowardice]]
'''7.''' Worldwide [[young earth creationism]] is seeing dramatic growth (see: [[Global creationism]]).<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/06/down-with-evolutionary-belief-down-with.html Global creationism]</ref> Eric Kaufmann told a secular audience in [[Australia]]: "The trends that are happening worldwide inevitably in an age of globalization are going to affect us."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NtvDErEmBY Shall the religious inherit the earth - Festival of Dangerous Ideas - Eric Kaufmann]</ref>
'''8.''' British atheist Rory Fenton, who is the president of the National Federation of Atheist, Humanist and Secular Student Societies (AHS) declaring in 2014:<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/rory-fenton/atheism-students_b_5434739.html?utm_hp_ref=uk Atheist students must fight back]</ref>
- "For non-religious students on [university] campuses across the UK, 2013-14 has been the most challenging year to date, with criticism of religion censored and religious rules enforced in lecture theatres."
- "At their Freshers' Fayre in October, our members at LSE [London School of Economics] wore t-shirts featuring the satirical Jesus and Mo webcomic...At the request of their own students' union, the body surely set up to defend student rights, the university sent 10 security guards to surround the two students and their offending cotton, demanding that they remove the t-shirts or be removed themselves."
- "...at London South Bank University our members were told they could not invite speakers who criticised religion at all, or even engage religious societies in debates, putting joining the South Bank Atheist Society on a par with joining the [[BNP]]. This February the same university banned images of the [[Flying Spaghetti Monster]], a satirical deity in which nobody believes, on the grounds that they were "religiously offensive".
Much of the muzzling of atheists on British campuses is due to campus administrators and/or student leaders not wanting to upset [[Islam]]ic militants on British universities/colleges.<ref>[http://coelsblog.wordpress.com/2013/10/11/why-are-british-student-unions-imposing-islamic-rules/ Why are British Student Unions imposing Islamic rules?]</ref>
'''9.''' Economic adversity has an inverse relationship to atheism as many people turn to God in times of trouble.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/07/does-atheism-thrive-on-economic.html Does atheism thrive on economic prosperity? Does religion prosper when people are desperate and ignorant?]</ref> On the other hand, [[pentecostalism|pentecostal]] and [[Holiness Movement|holiness]] Christian churches have historically increased during tough economic times.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/12/social-unrest-in-europe-and-its-effect.html Social unrest in Europe altering its religious landscape]</ref><ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/03/why-literal-reading-of-genesis-account.html Why a literal reading of the Genesis is surging in the world. Why a a literal reading of the Genesis will increase in the Western World]</ref> In 2011, the UK had a 406% external debt to gross national product (GNP) ratio which was equivalent to $160,158 of debt [[per capita|per person]].<ref>[http://databank.worldbank.org/data/home.aspx World Bank - World Databank]</ref> Such a large amount of external debt certainly could cause future problems for the UK economy.
'''10.''' [[Scientism]]/[[materialism]] currently has very limited appeal in the UK. In October 2013,'' The New Statesman'' reported: "A mere 13% - and only a quarter of the non-religious - agreed with the statement that "humans are purely material beings with no spiritual element".<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2013/10/blow-new-atheism-britain-losing-its-religion-and-becoming-spiritual-instead A blow to the New Atheism? Britain is losing its religion - and becoming "spiritual" instead]</ref>
== BBC, atheism and anti-Christian bias ==
''See also:'' [[Atheism and the media]]
''The Daily Mail'' reported about Britain's influential broadcaster the BBC:
{{cquote|The BBC employs more atheists and non-believers than Christians, an internal ‘diversity’ survey has found.
The new research has been seized on by critics who accuse the Corporation of bias against Christianity and marginalising the faith in its output.
The survey found that just 22.5 per cent of all staff professed to be Christians.<ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2069649/Christians-minority-biased-BBC.html Christians a minority at 'biased' BBC where staff are more likely to be atheists or non-believers]</ref>}}
== Happiness: British non-religious vs. British religious ==
See: [[Atheism and happiness#Happiness: British non-religious vs. British religious|Happiness: British non-religious vs. British religious]]
== British irreligion, libertinism, undisciplined behavior, lack of mental toughness and cowardice ==
See: [[British irreligion, libertinism, undisciplined behavior, lack of mental toughness and cowardice]]
== See also ==
*[[Atheism in the Anglosphere]]
*[[Desecularization and aging populations]]
*[[Polly Toynbee]]
*[[Britain and morality]]
*[[Irreligious Britain and low social mobility]]
*[[Secular Europe|Growth of evangelical Protestantism in Europe]]
*[[Irreligion in Australia]]
*[[Irreligion in New Zealand]]
Essay:
*[[Essay: Attention British, militant atheists! Brace yourself for the mighty, religious wave that is coming|Attention British, militant atheists! Brace yourself for the mighty, religious wave that is coming]]
== External links ==
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-barrage-of-anti-atheism-material.html British atheism is crumbling. British Evangelical Christianity is on the rise]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/08/a-thermonuclear-bomb-of-religiosity-has.html A thermonuclear bomb of Christianity has hit the region formerly known as "godless Britain"]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/08/google-trends-interest-in-uk-atheism-is.html Google UK: Interest in atheism is dropping like a rock. Google trend data for the UK]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/08/1-million-more-reasons-why-british.html 1 million more reasons why British atheism is doomed]
*[http://www.spiked-online.com/newsite/article/the-british-states-war-on-religion/17049#.VZV0aTN3NB8 The British state’s silent war on religion] by Frank Furedi (Sociologist and commentator), ''Spiked'', June 9, 2015
*[http://www.the-american-interest.com/2013/12/18/pentecostalism-invades-lambeth-palace/ Pentecostalism Invades Lambeth Palace] by [[Peter L. Berger]], ''The American Interest'', December 18, 2013
*[http://www.virtueonline.org/uk-rise-evangelicalism-shaking-established-church#.T13NNnmspHA The Church of England: Hot and bothered - The rise of evangelicalism is shaking up the established church], ''The Economist'', March 10, 2012
*[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/03/biblical-christianity-is-rising-in-uk.html Evangelical Christianity is rising in the UK. Demographic data points to upcoming reversal of secularism in the UK. No English speaking country will be safe for Darwinism], March 12, 2012
*[http://www.uncommondescent.com/intelligent-design/prominent-brit-atheist-polly-toynbee-pulls-out-of-debate-with-william-lane-craig/ Prominent Brit atheist Polly Toynbee pulls out of debate with apologist William Lane Craig], Uncommon Descent, August 14, 2011
* [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God], ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'', May 14, 2011
*[http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2009/12/16/atheist-ads-and-evangelical-christians/ Children who front Richard Dawkins' atheist ads are evangelicals], by [[Ken Ham]], December 16, 2009
*[http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/atheist_s_bizarre_bid_to_convert_christian_1_190320 Atheist's bizarre bid to convert Christian] by Richard Smith, ''The East Anglican Daily Times'', September 12, 2008
== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}
[[Category:Atheism]]
A Eurobarometer poll in 2010 reported that 37% of UK citizens "believed there is a God", 33% believe there is "some sort of spirit or life force" and 25% answered "I don't believe there is any sort of spirit, God or life force".<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf Special Eurobarometer, biotechnology, p. 204"]. Fieldwork: Jan-Feb 2010.</ref>
In 2014, ''The Telegraph'' reported: "The [[Britain|British]] are among the most sceptical in the world about religion, a global study has found. Just over a third of people in the UK believe religion has a positive role to play in our daily lives, compared to a global average of 59 per cent."<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10771044/UK-among-most-sceptical-in-world-about-religion.html UK among most sceptical in world about religion], ''The Telegraph'', 2014</ref>
[[United Kingdom|Britain]] has had a significant influence on [[global atheism]] through its promotion of the [[atheism|atheistic]] ideology of [[evolution]].
In the beginning portion of the 21st century, various members of Britain's atheists/agnostics, for example [[Richard Dawkins]], have engaged in aggressive atheism evangelism efforts. In addition, the late [[Christopher Hitchens]] was born in Britain and emigrated to the United States in 1981 was a high-profile atheist. However, the movement they lead, [[New Atheism]], has significantly waned and is now essentially dead (see: [[New Atheism#Decline of New Atheism|Decline of New Atheism]]).
== Desecularization and Britain ==
''See also:'' [[UK and secularism]] and [[European desecularization in the 21st century]] and [[Acceleration of 21st century desecularization]]
In December 2018, ''The Times'' indicated: "The number of atheists in Britain has fallen in the past year, according to a survey suggesting that more people are attending church, albeit irregularly."<ref>[https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/atheism-is-down-as-uk-gets-spiritual-z00nxczn7 Atheism is down as UK gets spiritual], ''The Times'', December 2018</ref>
''The Guardian'' published an article in 2017 entitled ''Nearly 50% are of [[Nones|no religion]] – but has [[UK]] hit ‘peak secular’?'' which declared:
{{Cquote|But, Bullivant told the Observer that the “growth of no religion may have stalled”. After consistent decline, in the past few years the proportion of [[nones]] appears to have stabilised. “Younger people tend to be more non-religious, so you’d expect it to keep going – but it hasn’t. The steady growth of non-Christian religions is a contributing factor, but I wonder if everyone who is going to give up their Anglican affiliation has done so by now? We’ve seen a vast shedding of nominal Christianity, and perhaps it’s now down to its hardcore.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/13/uk-losing-faith-religion-young-reject-parents-beliefs ''Nearly 50% are of no religion – but has UK hit ‘peak secular’?''], ''The Guardian'', 2017</ref>}}
In the [[United States]], the vast majority of individuals who are "[[Nones]]"/"no religion" (people who are not part of organized religion) believe in the existence of God. Fewer than 15% of the "nones" consider themselves [[Atheism|atheists]].<ref>[http://www.pressdemocrat.com/csp/mediapool/sites/PressDemocrat/News/story.csp?cid=2501462&sid=555&fid=181 Meet the 'Nones:' Spiritual but not religious]</ref>
''Conatus News'' reported in 2017:
{{cquote| Church of England worshippers increase 0.8 per cent since 2009. The number of non-religious people falls from 50.65% to 48.6%
Rise in Church of England worshippers likely due to resurgence in patriotism and pride in Christianity, a report has found
According to a new report, for every person brought up in a non-religious household who becomes a churchgoer, 26 people raised as Christians now identify as non-believers.
The study, which is based on an analysis of the British Social Attitudes Survey and the European Social Survey, reported that the proportion of non-religious in the UK hit a high of 50.6 per cent in 2009. However, it has been decreasing ever since and hit 48.6 per cent in 2015.
However, the proportion of those who identify as Church of England worshippers has seen a slight increased from 16.3 per cent in 2009 to 17.1 per cent in 2015.<ref>[https://conatusnews.com/british-religious-study-anglicans/ British Patriotism Sees Number of Anglicans Rise and the Non-Religious Fall], '''Conatus News''' , 2017</ref>}}
The 2019 journal article ''When will European Muslim population be majority and in which country?'' published in ''PSU Research Review'' indicates: "Among three scenarios, the most likely mid-point migration scenario identifies 13 countries where the Muslim population will be majority between years 2085 and 2215: Cyprus (in year 2085), Sweden (2125), France (2135), Greece (2135), Belgium (2140), Bulgaria (2140), Italy (2175), Luxembourg (2175), the UK (2180), Slovenia (2190), Switzerland (2195), Ireland (2200) and Lithuania (2215). The 17 remaining countries will never reach majority in the next 200 years".<ref>[https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/PRR-12-2018-0034/full/html When will European Muslim population be majority and in which country?], Pierre Rostan, Alexandra Rostan, PSU Research Review, ISSN: 2399-1747, Open Access. Article publication date: 28 August 2019 Reprints & Permissions, Issue publication date: 28 August 2019</ref>
== The British New Atheist Richard Dawkins reluctance to debate ==
''See also:'' [[Richard Dawkins and debate]] and [[Atheism debates]] and [[Christian apologetics|Evidence for Christianity]]
[[File:Richard Dawkins - March 2005.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|251px|right|Richard Dawkins declared "[[Christianity]] may actually be our best defence against aberrant forms of religion that threaten the world".<ref name="christiantoday.com">[http://www.christiantoday.com/article/richard.dawkins.says.christianity.is.worlds.best.defence.against.radical.islam/76416.htm Richard Dawkins says Christianity is world's best defence against radical Islam], Christianity Today, January 2016</ref><ref name="breitbart.com">[https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2016/01/12/professional-atheist-dawkins-says-christianity-bulwark-against-something-worse/ Professional Atheist Dawkins Says Christianity ‘Bulwark Against Something Worse’], by Thomas D. Williams, Ph.D, ''Breitbart News Network'', Jan 12, 2016</ref> See also: [[Richard Dawkins and Islamophobia accusations|Richard Dawkins and Islam]] ]]
[[Richard Dawkins]] is a [[New Atheism|new atheist]] and [[agnosticism|agnostic]] (See: [[Richard Dawkins and agnosticism]]).
Richard Dawkins has established a reputation [[Richard Dawkins and debate|for avoiding debates with his strongest opponents]]. On May 14, 2011, the [[Great Britain|British]] newspaper ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' published a news story entitled ''Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God''.<ref>*Ross, Tim (May 14, 2011). [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html "[[Richard Dawkins]] accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God"]. The Daily Telegraph website. Retrieved July 25, 2014. See [[Daily Telegraph]]</ref>
As noted above, in ''The Daily Telegraph'' article Dr. [[Daniel Came]], a member of the Faculty of [[Philosophy]] at Oxford University, was quoted as writing to fellow atheist Richard Dawkins concerning his refusal to debate Dr. [[William Lane Craig]]: "The absence of a debate with the foremost [[Christian apologetics|apologist]] for [[Christianity|Christian]] [[theism]] is a glaring omission on your [[Curriculum vitae|CV]] and is of course apt to be interpreted as cowardice on your part."<ref>*Ross, Tim (May 14, 2011). [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html "[[Richard Dawkins]] accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God"]. The Daily Telegraph website. Retrieved July 25, 2014. See [[Daily Telegraph]]</ref>
In October 2011, Dr. Craig went to England and the Daily Telegraph declared that Dawkins is either a fool or a coward for his refusal to debate William Lane Craig plus declared that Dawkins is a "proud man" and a "coward" who puts on an "illiterate, angry schtick" for the public.<ref>[http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/timstanley/100112626/richard-dawkins-is-either-a-fool-or-a-coward-for-refusing-to-debate-william-lane-craig/ Richard Dawkins is either a fool or a coward for refusing to debate William Lane Craig - October 21, 2011 - ''The Daily Telegraph'']</ref> In addition, Christian apologist [[True Free Thinker|Ken Ammi]] called Dawkins a "cowardly clown" because Dawkins and other prominent atheists refused to debate [[Creation Ministries International]] at the 2010 Global Atheist Convention.<ref>[http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown Richard Dawkins, the Cowardly Clown]</ref>
As far as Dawkins and his comfort level around professional philosophers, the atheist philosopher Massimo Pigliucci wrote:
{{Cquote|Interestingly, over lunch during one of those days, I experienced Dawkins in what is a rather uncharacteristically humble mood: he confided at our table that he felt a bit intimidated, being surrounded by so many professional philosophers (he wasn’t talking about me, I assure you, but more likely of [[Daniel Dennett|Dan Dennett]] and Alex Rosenberg, among others). It was interesting to see that rather unexpected (from his public appearances) side of him.<ref>[https://platofootnote.wordpress.com/2016/02/01/richard-dawkins/ Richard Dawkins] by Massimo Pigliucci</ref>}}
Below are some resources relating to Dawkins refusal to debate various debate opponents:
*[[Richard Dawkins' public refusal to debate creationists]]
*[[Richard Dawkins and William Lane Craig]]
*[[Richard Dawkins and Dinesh D'Souza]]
*[[Richard Dawkins and Rabbi Shmuley Boteach]] (Denied debating him after losing video taped debate, refuses to debate another time)
In addition, respected biochemist and [[intelligent design]] researcher Dr [[Michael Behe]] has openly challenged prominent [[evolutionist]]s and proponents of [[Darwinism]] to debate him regarding the many failings of [[evolutionism]], yet Richard Dawkins - one of the most outspoken [[Darwinist]]s today - has declined all such invitations. Dawkins has also refused to debate prominent creationist and evangelist [[Ray Comfort]].
== British Humanist Association's withdrawal out of agreed upon debate with the Christian apologist William Lane Craig ==
[[File:Sam Harris-2010.jpg|thumbnail|250px|right|[[Sam Harris]] once described [[William Lane Craig]] as “the one Christian apologist who has put the fear of [[God]] into many of my fellow atheists”.<ref name="ReferenceB">http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/19/christian-pastor-atheists-debates</ref> ]]
''See also:'' [[Atheism and Debate]] and [[Atheism and cowardice]]
[[Humanists UK]] is a society of British [[Humanism|humanists]] whose origins go back to 1896 (The society is the result of various humanist groups merging).<ref>[https://humanists.uk/about/our-history-since-1896/ Humanists UK - History]</ref> Humanists UK was previously called the British Humanist Association.<ref>[https://humanists.uk/about/our-history-since-1896/ Humanists UK - History]</ref>
In August 19, 2011, [[Fox News]] reported:
{{cquote|American Evangelical theologian [[William Lane Craig]] is ready to debate the rationality of faith during his U.K tour this fall, but it appears that some atheist philosophers are running shy of the challenge.
This month president of the British Humanist Association, [[Polly Toynbee]], pulled out of an agreed debate at London’s Westminster Central Hall in October, saying she “hadn’t realized the nature of Mr. Lane Craig’s debating style.”
Lane Craig, who is a professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, Calif., and author of 30 books and hundreds of scholarly articles, is no stranger to the art of debate and has taken on some of the great orators, such as famous atheists [[Christopher Hitchens]] and [[Sam Harris]]. Harris once described Craig as “the one Christian apologist who has put the fear of God into many of my fellow atheists”.
Responding to Toynbee’s cancellation, Lane Craig commented: "These folks (atheists) can be very brave when they are alone at the podium and there's no one there to challenge them. But one of the great things about these debates is that, it allows both sides to be heard on a level playing field, and for the students in the audience to make up their own minds about where they think the truth lies."<ref name="ReferenceB">http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/19/christian-pastor-atheists-debates</ref>}}
On August 19, 2011, the leading British Anglican weekly newspaper the ''Church Times'' wrote:
{{cquote|The director of Professor Craig’s tour, Peter May, said: “If Craig is ‘wrong about everything else in the universe’ and his arguments for the existence of God are so easy to refute, it is hard to see why the leading atheist voices in the country are running shy of having a debate with him.
“Rather than hurling [[Ad hominem|ad hominem]] attacks on Craig from their bunkers, it would be good to see these figures come forward to rationally defend the atheism they publicly espouse.”<ref>http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=116718</ref>}}
== Cowardly, irreligious British vs. British, Muslim terrorists and British, Muslim groomer gangs ==
See: [[British irreligion, libertinism, undisciplined behavior, lack of mental toughness and cowardice#Cowardly, irreligious British vs. British, Muslim terrorists and British, Muslim groomer gangs|Cowardly, irreligious British vs. British, Muslim terrorists and British, Muslim groomer gangs]]
== 10 signs pointing towards a decline of British atheism in the 21st century ==
''See also:'' [[Essay: Attention British, militant atheists! Brace yourself for the mighty, religious wave that is coming]]
[[File:Powerful-wave.jpg|thumbnail|351px|A mighty wave of religiosity is heading towards the UK.
<br />
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For more information, please see: [[Essay: Attention British, militant atheists! Brace yourself for the mighty, religious wave that is coming]] ]]
Recently, there have been a number of signs that in the 21st century British atheism will experience a dramatic decline as far as being an influential ideology:
'''1.''' Britain's ''Financial Times'' published an article in 2018 with the title/subtitle of: "The return of religion. Among atheists as well as believers, strident secularism is giving way to a renewed sense of faith’s hold."<ref>FT.com Friday, 30 March 2018</ref> See also: [[Atheists and the endurance of religion]] and [[Decline of militant atheism in the West]]
'''2.''' British academic and religious/political demography expert [[Eric Kaufmann]] declaring that the future of the [[Western World]] and the world at large belongs to religious conservatives due to religious conservative immigration to the West and the higher birth rates of religious conservatives (and the sub-replacement level of births of the irreligious).<ref>[http://www.sneps.net/RD/uploads/1-Shall%20the%20Religious%20Inherit%20the%20Earth.pdf Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?: Demography and Politics in the Twenty-First Century by Eric Kaufmann, Belfer Center, Harvard University/Birkbeck College, University of London]</ref><ref>[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/2011/05/eric-kaufmann-shall-religious-inherit.html Eric Kaufmann: Shall The Religious Inherit The Earth?]</ref><ref>[http://kitmantv.blogspot.com/search/label/atheist%20demographics Eric Kaufmann's Atheist Demographic series]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwmgFZsgSo0 Eric Kaufmann: Shall the Religious Inherit the Earth?, Australian Broadcasting Corporation]</ref> See also: [[Desecularization]]
Most atheists in the [[United Kingdom]] (UK) are white. In the UK, by the year 2050, 30 percent of the population is expected to be non-white.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/10809481/Non-white-people-almost-30-per-cent-of-population-by-2050.html Non-white people almost 30 per cent of population by 2050], By James Kirkup, Political Editor, ''The Telegraph,'' May 5, 2014</ref> Atheists in the [[Western World]] have historically not engaged in evangelism of racial minorities in their countries (see: [[Western atheism and race]]). ''[[Yale University|Yale]] Daily News'' reported in an article entitled ''White Europeans: An endangered species?'' that "Without a major shift in the current fertility trends, industrialized Europe will see its native population decline by about three-fourths over the 21st century."<ref>[http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2008/02/27/white-europeans-an-endangered-species/ ''White Europeans: An endangered species?''] By Trevor Wagener, ''Yale Daily News'', February 27, 2008</ref> See also: [[Global atheism|Decline of global atheism]] and [[Global Christianity]]
'''3.''' British [[evolution]]ist [[Richard Dawkins]], who formerly championed [[militant atheism]] and was previously Britain's most prominent atheist, emphatically and repeatedly denying he was ever an atheist to [[Rowan Williams]] who at the time was the Bishop of Canterbury (See: [[Richard Dawkins and agnosticism]]). A likely reason why Dawkins disavowed ever being an atheist, despite championing militant atheism in the past, is that he cannot prove that [[God]] does not exist. In addition, many [[theism|theists]] have very negative views of atheists ([[Views on atheists]]).
Furthermore, Richard Dawkins lost a considerable amount of influence due to some statements that offended many women atheists (see: [[Elevatorgate]] and [[Richard Dawkins and women]] and [[Richard Dawkins' loss of influence]]).
'''4.''' [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical Christianity]] is growing in England and increasingly challenging the more [[liberal]] [[Anglican Church]].<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/03/biblical-christianity-is-rising-in-uk.html Biblical Christianity is rising in the UK]</ref>
'''5.''' The Muslim population is growing in Britain and may become a majority in the 21 century. The 2019 journal article ''When will European Muslim population be majority and in which country?'' published in ''PSU Research Review'' indicates: "Among three scenarios, the most likely mid-point migration scenario identifies 13 countries where the Muslim population will be majority between years 2085 and 2215: Cyprus (in year 2085), Sweden (2125), France (2135), Greece (2135), Belgium (2140), Bulgaria (2140), Italy (2175), Luxembourg (2175), the UK (2180), Slovenia (2190), Switzerland (2195), Ireland (2200) and Lithuania (2215). The 17 remaining countries will never reach majority in the next 200 years".<ref>[https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/PRR-12-2018-0034/full/html When will European Muslim population be majority and in which country?], Pierre Rostan, Alexandra Rostan, PSU Research Review, ISSN: 2399-1747, Open Access. Article publication date: 28 August 2019 Reprints & Permissions, Issue publication date: 28 August 2019</ref>
[[File:Richard Dawkins at Royal Dublin Society Concert Hall.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|260px|right|The British [[New Atheism|new atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] ]]
'''6.''' The British Humanist Society and Richard Dawkins backing down from debate offers from the [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] [[William Lane Craig]]. The [[Oxford University]] atheist [[Daniel Came]] told Richard Dawkins that his refusal to debate Craig was bound to be seen by many as an act of cowardice. See: [[Atheism and cowardice]]
'''7.''' Worldwide [[young earth creationism]] is seeing dramatic growth (see: [[Global creationism]]).<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/06/down-with-evolutionary-belief-down-with.html Global creationism]</ref> Eric Kaufmann told a secular audience in [[Australia]]: "The trends that are happening worldwide inevitably in an age of globalization are going to affect us."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NtvDErEmBY Shall the religious inherit the earth - Festival of Dangerous Ideas - Eric Kaufmann]</ref>
'''8.''' British atheist Rory Fenton, who is the president of the National Federation of Atheist, Humanist and Secular Student Societies (AHS) declaring in 2014:<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/rory-fenton/atheism-students_b_5434739.html?utm_hp_ref=uk Atheist students must fight back]</ref>
- "For non-religious students on [university] campuses across the UK, 2013-14 has been the most challenging year to date, with criticism of religion censored and religious rules enforced in lecture theatres."
- "At their Freshers' Fayre in October, our members at LSE [London School of Economics] wore t-shirts featuring the satirical Jesus and Mo webcomic...At the request of their own students' union, the body surely set up to defend student rights, the university sent 10 security guards to surround the two students and their offending cotton, demanding that they remove the t-shirts or be removed themselves."
- "...at London South Bank University our members were told they could not invite speakers who criticised religion at all, or even engage religious societies in debates, putting joining the South Bank Atheist Society on a par with joining the [[BNP]]. This February the same university banned images of the [[Flying Spaghetti Monster]], a satirical deity in which nobody believes, on the grounds that they were "religiously offensive".
Much of the muzzling of atheists on British campuses is due to campus administrators and/or student leaders not wanting to upset [[Islam]]ic militants on British universities/colleges.<ref>[http://coelsblog.wordpress.com/2013/10/11/why-are-british-student-unions-imposing-islamic-rules/ Why are British Student Unions imposing Islamic rules?]</ref>
'''9.''' Economic adversity has an inverse relationship to atheism as many people turn to God in times of trouble.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/07/does-atheism-thrive-on-economic.html Does atheism thrive on economic prosperity? Does religion prosper when people are desperate and ignorant?]</ref> On the other hand, [[pentecostalism|pentecostal]] and [[Holiness Movement|holiness]] Christian churches have historically increased during tough economic times.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/12/social-unrest-in-europe-and-its-effect.html Social unrest in Europe altering its religious landscape]</ref><ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2013/03/why-literal-reading-of-genesis-account.html Why a literal reading of the Genesis is surging in the world. Why a a literal reading of the Genesis will increase in the Western World]</ref> In 2011, the UK had a 406% external debt to gross national product (GNP) ratio which was equivalent to $160,158 of debt [[per capita|per person]].<ref>[http://databank.worldbank.org/data/home.aspx World Bank - World Databank]</ref> Such a large amount of external debt certainly could cause future problems for the UK economy.
'''10.''' [[Scientism]]/[[materialism]] currently has very limited appeal in the UK. In October 2013,'' The New Statesman'' reported: "A mere 13% - and only a quarter of the non-religious - agreed with the statement that "humans are purely material beings with no spiritual element".<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2013/10/blow-new-atheism-britain-losing-its-religion-and-becoming-spiritual-instead A blow to the New Atheism? Britain is losing its religion - and becoming "spiritual" instead]</ref>
== BBC, atheism and anti-Christian bias ==
''See also:'' [[Atheism and the media]]
''The Daily Mail'' reported about Britain's influential broadcaster the BBC:
{{cquote|The BBC employs more atheists and non-believers than Christians, an internal ‘diversity’ survey has found.
The new research has been seized on by critics who accuse the Corporation of bias against Christianity and marginalising the faith in its output.
The survey found that just 22.5 per cent of all staff professed to be Christians.<ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2069649/Christians-minority-biased-BBC.html Christians a minority at 'biased' BBC where staff are more likely to be atheists or non-believers]</ref>}}
== Happiness: British non-religious vs. British religious ==
See: [[Atheism and happiness#Happiness: British non-religious vs. British religious|Happiness: British non-religious vs. British religious]]
== British irreligion, libertinism, undisciplined behavior, lack of mental toughness and cowardice ==
See: [[British irreligion, libertinism, undisciplined behavior, lack of mental toughness and cowardice]]
== See also ==
*[[Atheism in the Anglosphere]]
*[[Desecularization and aging populations]]
*[[Polly Toynbee]]
*[[Britain and morality]]
*[[Irreligious Britain and low social mobility]]
*[[Secular Europe|Growth of evangelical Protestantism in Europe]]
*[[Irreligion in Australia]]
*[[Irreligion in New Zealand]]
Essay:
*[[Essay: Attention British, militant atheists! Brace yourself for the mighty, religious wave that is coming|Attention British, militant atheists! Brace yourself for the mighty, religious wave that is coming]]
== External links ==
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-barrage-of-anti-atheism-material.html British atheism is crumbling. British Evangelical Christianity is on the rise]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/08/a-thermonuclear-bomb-of-religiosity-has.html A thermonuclear bomb of Christianity has hit the region formerly known as "godless Britain"]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/08/google-trends-interest-in-uk-atheism-is.html Google UK: Interest in atheism is dropping like a rock. Google trend data for the UK]
*[http://examiningatheism.blogspot.com/2016/08/1-million-more-reasons-why-british.html 1 million more reasons why British atheism is doomed]
*[http://www.spiked-online.com/newsite/article/the-british-states-war-on-religion/17049#.VZV0aTN3NB8 The British state’s silent war on religion] by Frank Furedi (Sociologist and commentator), ''Spiked'', June 9, 2015
*[http://www.the-american-interest.com/2013/12/18/pentecostalism-invades-lambeth-palace/ Pentecostalism Invades Lambeth Palace] by [[Peter L. Berger]], ''The American Interest'', December 18, 2013
*[http://www.virtueonline.org/uk-rise-evangelicalism-shaking-established-church#.T13NNnmspHA The Church of England: Hot and bothered - The rise of evangelicalism is shaking up the established church], ''The Economist'', March 10, 2012
*[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/03/biblical-christianity-is-rising-in-uk.html Evangelical Christianity is rising in the UK. Demographic data points to upcoming reversal of secularism in the UK. No English speaking country will be safe for Darwinism], March 12, 2012
*[http://www.uncommondescent.com/intelligent-design/prominent-brit-atheist-polly-toynbee-pulls-out-of-debate-with-william-lane-craig/ Prominent Brit atheist Polly Toynbee pulls out of debate with apologist William Lane Craig], Uncommon Descent, August 14, 2011
* [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God], ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'', May 14, 2011
*[http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2009/12/16/atheist-ads-and-evangelical-christians/ Children who front Richard Dawkins' atheist ads are evangelicals], by [[Ken Ham]], December 16, 2009
*[http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/atheist_s_bizarre_bid_to_convert_christian_1_190320 Atheist's bizarre bid to convert Christian] by Richard Smith, ''The East Anglican Daily Times'', September 12, 2008
== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}
[[Category:Atheism]]