Triple Jeopardy for the West

Book excerpt: Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali considers the impact that aggressive secularism, radical Islamism and multiculturalism are having on the Western world, and particularly Britain. He argues that, because of their rejection of the Judeo-Christian foundations which have shaped so much of the national narrative, these three seemingly diverse pressures are a profound threat to British life. While never denying the deep contribution of varied ethnic, national and religious communities to public life, Bishop Nazir-Ali argues that their stories need to relate to being in Britain and should not be used as an excuse for withdrawal and separation. He suggests that the task of the State should be more than simply balancing the competing interests of different groups, but that it must provide a moral vision for the common good, using the moral and spiritual legacy of Britain's heritage as its foundations. Considering the areas of society, religion, science and politics, this book asserts that it would be foolish and premature to give up on the Christian foundations which may make the achievement of the equality, justice and freedom sought in our society possible.