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Scruton is peddling the widespread and completely bollocks idea that Western democracy and human rights ideals are a) unique and b) founded on Christianity. Bullshit. Western countries became more tolerant and democratic in direct proportion to the weakening influence of Christianity. The philosphical principles which pushed back religion and placed focus on individual rights and the power of a secular society came from many different sources around the world and across history. Most Christian churches have opposed social progress every single step of the way.
When the UK was a genuinely Christian country, we were burning and torturing heretics. It's only very recently (in historical terms) that the Church of England retreated from demonising scientists and philosophers and retreated to become the shit social club it is now.
itsbruce-
Not entirely sure I agree.
William Temple was an important player in the foundation of the welfare state and Wilberforce's attitude to slavery was directly motivated by a faith based on equality and freedom...Where Christianity and politics gets messy is when personal morality gets confused with policy making. Sadly, this seems to be the reason that followers of a religion that preaches tolerance equality and liberty end up with such a poor voting record
Rik_Van_Looy
If you're interested in a well argued counter to your view* then give this a listen :
A Point of View - The Religion of Rights - @bbcradio4 http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b092gkks
Definitely not where I'd usually sit. But I'm trying harder to take on board differing views. The 100mph nutters that make up the right and inarticulate angry rants of *c*onservatives make it hard, so it's always good when you come across something more normal.
*or at least what I assume your views are