One may wonder if there is a relationship between Christian heritage and the cultures of English primary speaking nations. Well, there is a well developed relationship between the two abstracts. In fact there are more than enough proofs for the existence of this relationship.
Various aspects of Christianity seem now to be deeply entrenched in almost all the English cultures. One may even mistakenly assume that this aspects are of and themselves inherent of those cultures. However, a careful look at history reveals that these aspects have been heavily borrowed from religion and Christianity is at the fore front.
Many of the English cultures are abundantly endowed with music. Like in any other culture, music in these cultures has evolved over the years. In the last two millennia, monarchs, crusaders, members of the clergy and popular musicians have not only invested in Christian music but have also encouraged their followers to embrace all aspects of Christian music into their daily lives. Often, their influence has always outlived them. It is interesting to note that even the national songs are largely inspired by Christian teachings and doctrines.
In social and national ceremonies, it is rarely unusual to find songs, teachings and practices that reflect Christian ideals being performed. For example, funeral ceremonies, weddings, award giving ceremonies and other festivals, it is common to find phrases and ideals being cited from the bible. Normally, this is done in public and it is considered acceptable in most English speaking societies.
Naming practices in most English speaking cultures reflect Christian influences. For instance, most people are named with names from biblical characters. Even where one is named like a secular character, the first name is referred to us his or her baptismal name. The concept of baptism is of course Christian.
Many English cultures express believe in monogamy and matrimonial purity. They also assert the need to have church weddings even if there are no specific rules requiring one to marry in a church or before a witness who is a member of the clergy. It is also interesting to note that most of marriage laws across these cultures, like for example the grounds up[on which a divorce is due are parallel with the Christian beliefs and values.
National symbols in English speaking nations also appear to have borrowed from Christianity. For example the flag of the United Kingdom has red-cross on a white background draw on it. The cross is a very important figure in Christianity. National anthems of many of these countries have been influenced by Christian beliefs too.
Christianity has left it label in architecture in virtually every English speaking nations. Starting with the mighty cathedrals and monasteries, these architectural designs constitute a very important aspect of most English cultures. They remind the citizens of these countries of their history. They feel proud of what their ancestors did and many other people around the world of the long and eventful Christian reformation.
Christian festivals such as Christmas are considered as public holidays in primary English speaking countries. Christmas music, for example has always been a blend of Christian and secular music and year after year in the United Kingdom, there are competitions to for the best Christmas singer.
There is really no doubt that there indeed exists a powerful relationship between Christian heritage and English cultures. While English cultures have grown and developed from borrowing from Christianity, Christianity has been able to survive for the past two millennia through the aid of these cultures.
References
Bailey, R. W. (1991). Images of English: A cultural history of the language. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.Crystal, D. (2012). English as a global language. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.P.474,Society and Religion in Elizabethan England, Richard L. Greaves ISBN 978-0-8166-1030-3.
