Just curious on how some of you from the United Kingdom feel about the national anthem being religious, or if you even care. I know for a fact that not everyone in the United Kingdom is a Christian, so I'm wondering how non-Christians feel about the national anthem. I've posted the national anthem below if you haven't heard it.

 

The Canadian national anthem also has phrases talking about God, but I being somebody who isn't religious don't really mind all too much. Although I believe church and state should be separate, I don't mind that these two things are together in a national anthem.

I'm not terribly bothered whether it's religious or not. I'm happy knowing that people have belief in this, and others to go along with the patriotism! 

 

Most things these days have a religious meaning in the background, which have mostly become irrelevant to a lot of people (I'm not saying religion is irrelevant), for example many of us enjoy having pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day as I prefer to call it, but many don't associate it with Christianity (Non-Christians).

The common example is Christmas, where there is an ongoing debate over how people celebrate it.

 

It's interesting to see how humans have become over time, shaped by beliefs and ideas. As to what we have today.

I enjoy many Christian effects on society such as Cathedrals, music, events...etc. And I'm happy knowing that. :)

 

I enjoy many Christian effects on society such as Cathedrals, music, events...etc. And I'm happy knowing that. :)

Agreed. 

 

I can agree that religion doesn't have any place in the state, but just looking for ways to hate it seems a little overboard :P

And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust.'

I thinks many anthems contain a reference to almighty. I'm not a too much believer myself, but that doesn't offend me in any way. It's always nice to know someone up there bothers to look after you.

Edited June 20, 201411 yr by Hastings

Honestly doesn't bother me. We live in a country which still has a monarchy and that monarchy has the power to (and can if she so chooses) completely overthrow the entire government with a single phrase. In England we used to be a society heavily influenced by religion (christianity as mentioned) and it was a common belief back then (we're talking pre-1400's) that the monarchy was selected and appointed by god to do his work.

 

So the fact our national anthem references such a culture really, is more about our history than which religion we choose. I for example don't support any religion, but I'll still sing our national anthem when the England rugby team plays in the six nations/ rugby world cup :)

 

Oh and for those curious. If the Queen dies, the anthem is changed to king to suit the heir to the throne. :)

It's tradition. Our foundation was built on Christianity, but society now accepts athiesm because of 20th century progression, showing how tolerant we have become. At the end of the day, it all helps give UK it's character that it's known for, e.g the Royal Family, ceremonies, City of London guilds. I don't see anything wrong with the national anthem, even though I'm not devoutly religious.