Believing in Britain: The Spiritual Identity of Britishness - Hardcover

Bradley, Ian

3.17

6 ratings by Goodreads

9781845113261: Believing in Britain: The Spiritual Identity of Britishness

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1845113268 ISBN 13: 9781845113261

Publisher: I.B.Tauris, 2007

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

Why is there such intense interest today in the idea of 'Britishness'? Does it really matter, and what is 'Britishness' anyway? Why does 'being British' seem to be particularly valued by black and Asian Britons? And why are the traditional British values of tolerance, sexual modesty and civic generosity now most highly cherished amongst newcomers? Ian Bradley makes a unique contribution to the debate about British identity. He explains why Liverpool is the most British of UK cities, how a small village off the M6 motorway is arguably Britain's spiritual heart, and what theme parks, airport shops and eating habits tell us about the contemporary national character. It is often claimed that the UK is one of the most secular nations on earth. But the author controversially argues that Britishness - like the overlapping crosses of the 400 year-old Union flag - is better understood in religious terms. British identity encompasses both a resurgent interest in faith, and a tolerant unity in diversity, the diversity of a society which now embodies Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist and many other - including secular - traditions. Bradley's idea of 'Britishness' represents a positive alternative to fundamentalism, narrow nationalism and jingoism.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

Ian Bradley - half-English and half-Scottish, and married to a half-English and half-Irish wife who grew up in Wales - has long rejoiced in the rich hybridity of his British identity. A prolific author, he has written more than 30 books, ranging in subject matter from Celtic Christianity to Gilbert and Sullivan. He is Reader in Practical Theology and Church History at the University of St Andrews.

Review:

""At a time when there are big and important debates raging about pluralism, multiculturalism, and the appropriate place of faith and belief in the public square, Believing in Britain makes a significant contribution to the debate. In raising important questions about nationality, identity and faith Ian Bradley attempts to square some very rounded circles. By no means everyone will agree with the author's conclusions, but they are persistently provocative, interesting and thoughtful."" --The Most Reverend Dr. John Sentamu, Archbishop of York

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.