Description

‘Allows us to understand the profound, and often profoundly beneficial, impact of Christianity’ Anthony Seldon

‘Superb … Lively and erudite’ The Telegraph

‘Tremendous … The arguments are truly profound’ The Spectator

‘A finely judged and beautifully written account’ Peter Frankopan

Christianity in England is in decline. Congregations are dwindling and ever fewer young people believe. Should we merely shrug our shoulders and accept this as inevitable and even healthy, or is something important being lost?

Bijan Omrani argues that this decline is the most momentous change to occur in English history. He shows how a religion that has been part of our national story for over 1700 years was instrumental in the creation and development of the English nation, its codes of law and morality, and its structures of government and kingship. He demonstrates its profound cultural impact, in areas ranging from architecture and literature to our very landscape and the structure of our everyday life and language. Its influence, he contends, has been enormous, largely benign, and shouldn’t be lightly abandoned.

Ending with a rousing call to retain Christianity, rightly understood, as a way of dealing with both the eternal questions of the human condition, as well as the malaises of modernity, this is an erudite and tender tribute to our Christian history and heritage.

Publisher Review

‘This book will help readers understand English history in a much more rounded way. The author’s fiercely objective approach allows us to understand the profound, and often profoundly beneficial, impact of Christianity on the country for nearly two millennia’ – Anthony Seldon ‘Are we prepared for a post-Christian Britain? The enormous questions this raises about national identity are hardly being discussed, but fortunately Bijan Omrani has made an invaluable contribution to this coming debate, which will be upon us surprisingly soon. As we try to lead good lives according to what Omrani proves are often ultimately Christian creeds and assumptions, this scholarly and engagingly written book asks whether we can achieve that without Christianity itself’ – Lord Andrew Roberts ‘At last someone is standing up for our Church and its amazing contribution, over centuries, to English life’ – Quentin Letts ‘Christianity is the golden thread that stitches together England’s history. Yes, it may be fraying now but, as Bijan Omrani brilliantly explains, it is not yet quite broken – and must be repaired’ – Harry Mount, author and journalist