11 OCT 2026.
Here’s a fascinating contradiction. According to a new British study reported by The Guardian, the people most loudly defending Britain’s Christian identity are frequently the people least interested in practicing Christianity. The cross has become less a religious symbol and more a national flag. Christianity as cultural identity rather than spiritual commitment.
Researchers surveyed 1,765 British adults and identified a group representing 11% of respondents whose attitudes most closely resembled Christian nationalism. An astonishing 81% identified as Christian, yet only 13% attended church weekly. Just 31% prayed weekly.
But here’s the critical distinction. Does defending a nation’s Christian heritage require regular church attendance? Can someone value Christianity’s influence on Western civilization, law, architecture, morality and national identity without believing every theological proposition?
Of course.
And there’s another question. Is opposition to immigration necessarily religious hypocrisy? Or can concerns about demographic and cultural change exist independently of religious observance?
The researchers argue that Christianity is increasingly functioning as a symbol of national identity rather than personal faith. Fair enough. But cultural Christianity is hardly a new invention.
The real question is whether we’re witnessing a religious revival, a cultural backlash, or something entirely different.
And perhaps all three.
Christian nationalism in Britain driven by people who seldom go to church, says report
Research challenges the notion that the growing visibility of crosses and other symbols reflects a revival of Christianity
Hank “Sugarfoot” Garland was a guitar genius whose blistering instrumental “Sugarfoot Rag,” recorded in 1949, helped redefine country guitar playing. His lightning-fast picking, dazzling precision and effortless combination of country, swing and jazz were astonishing for the era. The recording became a million-selling sensation and earned Garland his famous nickname. Long before guitar virtuosity became a spectator sport, Garland was demonstrating what sheer musical brilliance sounded like. Listen carefully. No electronic trickery. No digital manipulation. Just extraordinary talent and breathtaking musicianship.
Hank “Sugarfoot” Garland – Sugarfoot rag
At age 19, Hank Garland recorded his million-selling hit “Sugarfoot rag”, although some attribute the song to Bernie B. Smith Jr., published two years earlier by M.M. Cole/BMI as “Bernie’s reel”. An instrumental version was the opening and closing theme for ABC-TV’s “Ozark jubilee” from 1955-1960.
Long live Lionel! May Christ be with you!
Nat Kennebunk.