How much do I know about British politics?
This much: |—|
But here’s what I do know:
Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrats’ new leader, has defied political convention with a frank admission that he is an atheist.
During a round of media broadcasts on the morning after his election to the post, he was asked by one interviewer: “Do you believe in God?”
“No,” Mr Clegg answered simply, during an appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Actually, that’s old news — that Clegg is an atheist.
The real news is that Clegg has taken the lead in several polls over the past couple weeks.
As far as I can tell, his atheism is a non-issue.
Razib Khan at Gene Expression is amazed by this:
This is of course in sharp contrast with the United States where all politicians operationally have to avow a religious affiliation, and the higher that a politician ascends up the ladder of achievement the more vocal and thorough the assertions of sincere faith have to become. And yet it is Britain which has an established church, where the head of state is the head of the church, and, religiously oriented schools receive public funding.
I’d love for someone more knowledgeable about this election to shed some light on Clegg and what his victory could mean for non-theists. Will it have any effect at all? I know little about the man’s politics, so please enlighten me.