13 October 2025

I have my favourite corners in the bookshops – what’s new in non-fiction, science and smart thinking, poetry, the children’s department and, of course, theology. The last is depressing. The shelf space is diminishing. I found two in Waterstones yesterday despite the fact that the school of theology at St. Andrews is excellent.

Gone are the days when whole sections of the bookshop were devoted not just to religion and spirituality but Christian theology and interests. It is another indication of the marginalisation of Christianity from the public square. Even Aled Jones’  book on ‘Blessings’ had few Biblical quotations!

Garden centres host statuary from Buddhist and Hindu religions but you will be hard pressed to find a cross or an angel which is not a fairy for sale. I did take this up with one garden centre only to discover that they had never thought of Christian statuary for the garden.

In other parts of the world like Nigeria, Iraq and India, Christian churches are being bombed and Christian profession is under threat. Our society has not been diminished to that extent. However, it was interesting to hear the Anglican bishops rage about people in a recent ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protest carrying crosses.

‘The cross is the ultimate sign of sacrifice for the other.’ they said. ‘Jesus calls us to love both our neighbours and our enemies and to welcome the stranger. Any co-opting or corrupting of the Christian faith to exclude others is unacceptable.’

I agree with the sentiments but not the analysis that all those who carried crosses were corrupting the Christian faith. It takes courage to carry a cross publicly. Were some sincere in their Christian faith albeit fearing  its marginalisation? We need to do more to understand them and the fate of Christianity in Britain.