(Tiểu luận) topic religion

BRITISH CULTURE
THUONG MAI UNIVERSITY
ENGLISH FACULTY
----------

TOPIC:

RELIGION

Teacher: Đặng Thị Khánh Hà M.A
Class code: 231ENTI041102
Implementation group: Group 6


MEMBER LIST OF GROUP 6

Name

Task

Evaluation

Hà Qúy Phương

Introduction

Complete the task on time, great

(leader)

An overview and

performance.

genaral picture
Conclusion+PPT
Lê Thị Trang

Phan Hà Trang

Compare with

Complete the task on time, great

Vietnam + PPT

performance.

Catholicism + PPT

Complete the task on time, great
performance.

Hoàng Đức Vinh

Other religions,

Complete the task on time, great

churches, and

performance.

religious movements
+PPT
Vũ Hoàng Ngọc
Hà

Anglicanism + PPT

Complete the task on time, great
performance.


TABLE OF CONTENT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.........................................................................................1
I. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................2
II.

MAIN OF CONTENT....................................................................................3

1. An overview and general picture................................................................3
2. Religion and politics in Britain...................................................................4
2.1. Politics..............................................................................................................4
2.2.Religion.............................................................................................................5
a. Anglicanism........................................................................................................5
b. Catholicism.........................................................................................................7
c. Other religions, churches, and religious movements.....................................11

3. Compare with Vietnam.............................................................................12
III. CONCLUSION.............................................................................................15

IV.

QUESTIONNAIRE........................................................................................16


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Firstly, we would like to send our sincere thanks to all our teachers at English
Faculty of Thuong Mai University who have created favorable conditions for us and
provided us references to study this course. Secondly, we wish to express gratitude to our
instructor – M.A. Đặng Thị Khánh Hà, the English teacher of English Faculty, who has
always been willing to give us valuable advice and suggestions in order that we can
complete this course successfully. Despite many efforts, the report cannot avoid
shortcomings due to our limited knowledge and experience. We would like to receive
guidance as well as suggestions from teachers and partners for better research.


I.

INTRODUCTION

The purposes of the practice of a religion are to achieve the goals of salvation for oneself
and others, and (if there is a God) to render due worship and obedience to God. Different
religions have different understandings of salvation and God. It is rational for someone to
pursue these goals by following a religious way (the practices commended by some
religion, e.g., Buddhism or Christianity), in so far as they judge that it would be greatly
worthwhile to achieve those goals and in so far as they judge that it is to some degree
probable that they will attain them by following the way of that religion. They will judge
that in so far as they judge the creed of that religion to be to some degree probable (not
necessarily more probable than not).

II.

MAIN OF CONTENT


1. An overview and general picture
In the twenty-first century, the vast majority of people in Britain do not regularly attend
religious services. Many do so only a few times in their lives. In centuries past, the
everyday language of most British people was enriched by their knowledge of the Bible
and the English Book of Common Prayer. But established kinds of Christianity have an
old-fashioned feel about them in modern Britain. It is perhaps indicative that the most
familiar English translation of the Bible, known as the King James Bible, was written in
the early seventeenth century. No later translation has achieved similar status.
It therefore seems that most people in Britain cannot strictly be described as religious.
However, this does not mean that they have no religious beliefs or inclinations. According
to surveys, at least three-quarters of the population believe in some sort of general spirit
or life force. And between a third and a half believe in concepts such as life after death,
heaven and hell and that half or more of the population believe in astrology,
parapsychology, ghosts and clairvoyance.
In the 2001 national census, almost three in every four people in Britain described
themselves as Christian. But in surveys of attitudes, barely more than half describe
themselves as such. And less than ten per cent actually attend Christian services. There
are big differences, it seems, between identifying yourself as a Christian in an official
context, how you really see yourself in relation to Christianity, and whether you actually
practice it. Perhaps this approach explains why few people object to the fact that the
Queen is queen ‘by the grace of God’, or the fact that she, like all previous British
monarchs, was crowned by a religious figure (the Archbishop of Canterbury) in a church
(Westminster Abbey) and that the British national anthem (God Save the Queen) invokes
God’s help in protecting her.
The overall picture with respect to religion in Britain is rather similar to that towards the

monarchy. Just as there is no serious republican movement in the country, so there is no
widespread anti-clericalism. And just as there is no royalist movement either, so most
people are not active participants in organized religion, but they seem to be glad it is
there!


Document continues below
Discover more
from: Culture
Bristish
Trường Đại học…
7 documents

Go to course

4

16

23

35

24

Group 3 British
attitudes List of…
Bristish
Culture

100% (1)

British culture Monarchy - Nhóm 4
Bristish
Culture

None

British attitudes Nhóm 3 -…
Bristish
Culture

None

Group 8 - British
Culture
Bristish
Culture

None

Authentic (40 đề) đề chẵn
Bristish
Culture

None


Văn hóa Anh so sánh
5

(cột dọc)

However, the picture painted above does not mean that religion
is a dead issue in British
Bristish

None

Culture
public life. There are many ways in which religion and politics
impinge on each other,
perhaps more than there were half a century ago.

2. Religion and politics in Britain
2.1. Politics
In modern Britain, freedom of religious belief and worship and also the freedom to be
a non-believer are taken for granted. Professing disbelief in God or any religion is not
regarded as taboo. The notable exception of Northern Ireland, a person’s religion has
almost no political significance. There are no important “Christian” or anti-clerical
political parties and there is no recognizable political pressure group in the country that is
based on a particular religious ideology. To describe oneself as “Catholic” or “Church of
England”, “Methodist” or any other recognized label is to indicate one’s personal beliefs
but not the way one votes.
The religious conflicts of the past and religion's close relationship with politics have
left only a few traces in modern times, and the most important of these are institutional
rather than political.
In fact:
- By the law, the monarch can’t be a Catholic
- 26 senior bishops in Church of England are members of the House of Lords where they

are known as the "Lords Spiritual"
- The government has the right of veto on the choice of these bishops
- The ultimate authority for this same church is the British Parliament
Despite the atmosphere of tolerance and the separation of religion and politics,
Britain has the last two cases in Europe of "established" churches which are Church of
Scotland and Church of England. The monarch is the official head of both, the religious
leader of the latter. The Archbishop of Canterbury is appointed by the government.


However, the privileged position of the Church of England is not a political issue in
modern times. Nobody feels that they are discriminated against if they do not belong to
it.
2.2.Religion
a. Anglicanism


Introduction
Anglicanism is one of the major branches of Christianity that emerged from the

16th-century Protestant Reformation. It is also known as the Church of England, or the
Anglican Church, and it is the primary state church in England. Anglicanism has a
worldwide presence, with about 85 million adherents in more than 165 countries, who are
organized in the Anglican Communion, a loose federation of autonomous churches that
recognize the archbishop of Canterbury as their spiritual leader.


History
Anglicanism traces its roots to the early Christian church in Britain, which was

influenced by Celtic, Roman, and Anglo-Saxon traditions. It developed its distinctive

identity in the 16th century, when King Henry VIII broke away from the authority of the
pope and the Roman Catholic Church, mainly because of his desire to annul his marriage
with Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn. Henry VIII declared himself the head
of the Church of England and appointed Thomas Cranmer as the archbishop of
Canterbury, who initiated a series of reforms that shaped the doctrine, liturgy, and
organization of the church. The most important documents that define Anglican faith and
practice are the Thirty-nine Articles of Religion, which summarize the main points of
Protestant theology, and the Book of Common Prayer, which contains the forms of
worship and prayers for various occasions.



Features and Challenges
Features
One of the distinctive features of Anglicanism is its comprehensiveness, or the

ability to accommodate a range of theological views and liturgical practices within a
common framework. Anglicans can be evangelical, catholic, liberal, charismatic, or


anything in between, as long as they adhere to the core doctrines and creeds of the
Christian faith. This diversity is reflected in the variety of worship styles and traditions
that can be found in Anglican churches across Britain, from traditional high church
services with incense and vestments, to contemporary low church services with guitars
and drums.
For instance, the “Diocese of Oxford” in the Church of England recognizes that its
members hold a wide variety of theologies and understandings. The diocese is committed
to being an equal opportunities employer and creating an inclusive environment where
everyone feels a sense of belonging and can flourish. They value diversity and treat each
person fairly and consistently according to their diverse needs. The Diocese of Oxford

believes that all people are of equal importance in the eyes of God.
Another feature of Anglicanism is its connection to the British monarchy and
government. The Queen is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and appoints
its bishops and archbishops with the advice of the Prime Minister. The Archbishop of
Canterbury is the spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, which consists
of 85 million members in 165 countries. The Church of England also has 26 bishops who
sit in the House of Lords, the upper chamber of Parliament, and have a role in shaping the
laws and policies of the nation.
The connection between Anglicanism and the British monarchy can be seen in
various aspects of British society and governance. For example, the “coronation” of a new
monarch traditionally takes place in a religious ceremony at “Westminster Abbey”, an
iconic Anglican church in London. Or the fact that Queen Elizabeth II served as the
Supreme Governor of the Church of England for over 70 years. Her role included
maintaining and preserving the settlement of the Church of England, its doctrine, worship,
discipline, and government.
Anglicanism in Britain has played a significant role in shaping British society and
culture, as well as influencing other parts of the world through colonization and mission.
Anglicanism has contributed to British values such as democracy, human rights, social
justice, education, charity, etc., as well as producing many notable figures in literature,


science, art, politics, etc., such as William Shakespeare , Isaac Newton , John Donne ,
Jane Austen , Winston Churchill , C.S. Lewis , etc.


Challenges
In recent decades, Anglicanism has faced several challenges and controversies,

both internally and externally. One challenge is how to maintain unity and coherence in
the face of increasing diversity and disagreement. Some issues that have caused

controversy and division among Anglicans include human sexuality, women's ordination,
same-sex marriage, and interfaith relations. Some Anglicans have left the Church of
England to join other denominations or form their own churches, while others have
sought to reform it from within.
Despite these difficulties, Anglicanism continues to grow and adapt to changing
contexts and cultures. Some of the positive developments include the emergence of new
expressions of worship and ministry, the involvement of lay people in leadership and
decision-making, the promotion of ecumenical and interfaith relations, the engagement
with social and environmental issues, and the support for peace and human rights.
Anglicanism also seeks to maintain its identity and coherence through various instruments
of communion, such as the Lambeth Conference, the Anglican Consultative Council, the
Primates' Meeting, and the Anglican Covenant.

b. Catholicism

 Catholicism in Britain
After the establishment of Protestantism in Britain, Catholicism was for a time an
illegal religion and then a barely tolerated one. Only in the last 100 years has it been as
open about its activities as any other religion. A large proportion of Catholics in modern
Britain are those whose family roots are from Italy, Ireland, Poland or elsewhere in
Europe. The Irish connection is evident in the large proportion of priests in England who
come from Ireland (they used to be called Ireland’s biggest export!).


Catholicism in Britain thus has a historically marginal status. This is one reason
why it has a greater cohesiveness and uniformity than the Anglican Church. In modern
times, it is possible to detect opposing beliefs within it ( there are conservative and
radical/liberal wings). However, there is more centralized control over practices of
worship. Not having had a public, official role to play in society, it takes doctrine and
practice (eg. weekly attendance at mass) a bit more seriously than Catholicism in

countries where it is majority religion – and a lot more seriously than Anglicanism in
general.
This comparative dedication can be seen in two aspects. First, religions instruction
is taken more seriously in Catholic schools than it is in Anglican ones, and Catholic
schools in Britain usually have a head who is either a monk, a friar or a nun. Second,
there is the matter of attendance at church. Many people who hardly ever step inside a
church still feel entitled to describe themselves as “Anglican” . But British people who
were brought up as Catholic but who no longer attend mass regularly or receive the
sacraments do not normally describe themselves as simply “Catholic” . They qualify this
label with “brought up as” or “lapsed”. Despite being a minority religion in most places in
the country, as many British Cartholics regularly go to church as do Anglicans.
Examples: Certainly, here are two examples of Catholicism in Britain:
1. Westminster Cathedral: Westminster Cathedral, located in the heart of London, is one
of the most iconic Catholic cathedrals in Britain. It serves as the mother church of the
Catholic Church in England and Wales and is known for its stunning Byzantine
architecture.
2. Catholic Schools: Catholic education has a significant presence in Britain. Many
Catholic schools, both primary and secondary, are spread across the country, offering
education with a Catholic ethos. These schools often cater to students of various
backgrounds, not exclusively Catholics.


Catholicism in Britain and Vietnam is shaped by distinct historical, cultural, and social
contexts, leading to significant differences in their practice and influence. Here's a
comparison of Catholicism in these two countries:
 Similarities
While there are differences in the historical context and some aspects of practice,
there are also some similarities in Catholicism in Britain and Vietnam:
Religious Minority: In both Britain and Vietnam, Catholicism is a religious minority. It is
not the dominant faith in either country, with a smaller percentage of the population

adhering to Catholicism compared to other religions or denominations.
Cultural Integration: While there are differences in cultural integration, both British and
Vietnamese Catholic communities have found ways to integrate their faith into their
respective cultures. This integration often includes religious festivals, celebrations, and
customs that reflect a blend of Catholicism with local traditions.
Role of Religious Leaders: In both countries, Catholic bishops and clergy play a vital role
in leading their respective communities, providing spiritual guidance, and participating in
discussions on social and ethical issues.
There are many their differences in historical development and some cultural
practices, these commonalities demonstrate the global nature of Catholicism and its
ability to adapt to various contexts while maintaining core religious beliefs and values.

 Differences
Historical Context:


Britain: Catholicism in Britain has a long history that predates the English Reformation
in the 16th century. It was the dominant faith until the establishment of the Church of
England during the English Reformation.
Vietnam: Catholicism in Vietnam has a more recent history, dating back to the arrival of
European missionaries in the 16th and 17th centuries. It faced periods of persecution and
was often associated with anti-colonial movements.
Denominational Diversity:
Britain: Catholicism in Britain is predominantly Roman Catholic, with a smaller
presence of Eastern Orthodox and Anglican Catholics.
Vietnam: In Vietnam, there is a significant Roman Catholic population, but there are
also indigenous Catholic sects like the Cao Đài and Hòa Hảo.
Worship and Practice:
Britain: Roman Catholicism in Britain follows the liturgical practices of the Roman
Rite, with Mass being a central religious observance.

Vietnam: Vietnamese Catholics incorporate indigenous cultural elements into their
worship. Practices like ancestor veneration are sometimes integrated into Catholic rituals.
Cultural Integration:
Britain: Catholicism in Britain is part of the broader Christian heritage and has
influenced British culture and art for centuries.
Vietnam: Catholicism in Vietnam has elements that are uniquely Vietnamese, reflecting
the fusion of Catholicism with indigenous customs and traditions.
In summary, Catholicism in Britain and Vietnam differs in historical development,
denominational diversity, practice, social services, relations with the state, and cultural


integration. While Catholicism is a minority religion in both countries, its presence and
role within each society are unique.
c. Other religions, churches, and religious movements
The religious landscape of Britain is diverse and ever-changing, with followers of
almost every religion and sect under the sun. The traditional Christian churches have seen
a sharp drop in followers, while other Christian sects and churches, often characterized as
'evangelical', have been growing. The fastest growing type of evangelical Christianity
places less emphasis on dogma, sin, or giving people a code of behavior. Instead, the
emphasis is on the spiritual and miraculous, on revelation, and on the belief in spiritual
healing of the sick. This has led to the growth of Pentecostalism and other charismatic
churches.
Many people in Britain believe in the paranormal, and increasing numbers of them
are turning to the new charismatic churches instead of the conventional Christian
churches. Beyond the bounds of the Christian tradition, the New Age movement has
gained many followers in recent years. Despite their great variety and lack of
exclusiveness, personal development and respect for the natural environment seem to be
common to all New Age beliefs.
The remaining religious groups with significant numbers of followers in Britain are
all associated with ethnic minorities, including the Jewish faith, Christian Orthodox, Sikh,

Hindu, and Muslim religions. The Muslim religion is by far the largest, and its continued
growth is due to a strong sense of social identity among Muslims brought up in relative
poverty, racial discrimination, and occasional conflicts with the authorities.
Finally, it is necessary to mention 'cults', which have a bad reputation for using
mind-control techniques and have extremist tendencies. While each individual cult is tiny,
it has been estimated that there are between 500 and 700 of them in the country, with
nearly half a million followers.
Overall, the religious landscape of Britain is diverse and constantly evolving, with
new sects and movements emerging while others decline. The reasons for these changes


are complex and multifaceted, reflecting wider social, cultural, and economic trends in
British society.
3. Compare with Vietnam
There are several differences between the religious landscape of the United Kingdom
and Vietnam, including the names of the religions, their development and popularity, and
their roles in people's lives.
*Names of Religions:
The primary religions in the UK are Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism,
and Buddhism. In contrast, the primary religions in Vietnam are Buddhism, Taoism,
Confucianism, and Christianity (primarily Catholicism and Protestantism).
 Development and Popularity:
Religions in the UK:
Christianity: Christianity has been the dominant religion in the UK for many
centuries and continues to be the largest religion in the country, with the Church of
England and the Church of Scotland being the two main denominations. Catholicism,
Methodism, and Baptist are also significant Christian denominations. Christianity has
played a major role in the UK's history and has been a significant influence in shaping the
country's culture.
Islam: Islam is the second-largest religion in the UK, and it has been growing rapidly

in recent years. Most of the UK's Muslim population is of South Asian origin, and the
majority of them follow the Sunni branch of Islam.
Other religions: Other religions in the UK include Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, and
Buddhism. These religions have a relatively small number of followers compared to
Christianity and Islam.


Religions in Vietnam:
Buddhism: Buddhism is the largest religion in Vietnam, and it has been an integral
part of Vietnamese culture and society for centuries. Most Vietnamese Buddhists follow
the Mahayana branch of Buddhism, which emphasizes compassion and mindfulness.
Folk religions: Along with Buddhism, traditional folk religions have also been
popular in Vietnam. These religions involve the worship of ancestors, deities, and spirits,
and they have a strong influence on Vietnamese culture and society.
Christianity: Christianity has a relatively small presence in Vietnam, with less than
10% of the population being Christian. Catholicism is the largest Christian denomination
in Vietnam.
In terms of the development of popular religions, Christianity has been the dominant
religion in the UK for centuries. However, in recent years, the UK has become more
diverse, and other religions such as Islam and Hinduism have been growing in popularity.
In Vietnam, Buddhism has been the dominant religion for centuries, and it remains the
most popular religion in the country today.
 Roles in People's Lives:
The role of religion in people's lives also varies between the UK and Vietnam. In the
UK, religion is often seen as a personal choice, and many people attend church or practice
their religion on a voluntary basis. Religious beliefs and practices may influence personal
values and behaviors, but they may not necessarily be a central aspect of daily life for
many people.
In Vietnam, religion plays a more prominent role in daily life, with many people
participating in religious practices such as visiting temples, making offerings to ancestors,

and performing rituals for good fortune. Religion is also closely tied to cultural identity


and family traditions in Vietnam. For many Vietnamese people, religion provides a sense
of community, moral guidance, and spiritual connection.
 Religion freedom:
In the UK, everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and
religion. This right shall include freedom to have or adopt a religion or belief of his choice
and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in community with
others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance,
practice or teaching. Meanwhile in Vietnam, people are free of religion but there are some
restrictions in religious practice. The government doesn't officially favor a particular
religion, and virtually all senior government and CPV officials, as well as the vast
majority of NA delegates, are formally "without religion". However, many party and
government officials openly practice traditional ancestor worship, and some visit
Buddhist pagodas. The prominent traditional position of Buddhism doesn't affect religious
freedom for others adversely, including those who do not practice a religion.
 Policy and state stability:
In the UK, religions are in harmony with each other, government and society.
Freedom of religion, belief and worship was enshrined as an inherent human right in the
Universal Declaration of Human rights. But in VietNam, Imperialism and the hostile
forces are trying to take advantage of religion for political conspiracies. The Government
has established the Vietnam Government's Committee for Religious Affairs to coordinate
activities of religions and beliefs.


III. CONCLUSION
Religion has played a significant role in the UK's cultural and historical identity.
Over the years, the religious landscape of the UK has undergone several changes.
However, despite the decline in the number of people identifying as religious, religion

still remains an essential aspect of the UK's society.
The UK is a diverse society, and religion continues to shape people's lives and
beliefs. Christianity is the largest religion in the UK, but other religions such as Islam,
Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism also have significant followings. Moreover, the
country has seen a rise in people identifying as non-religious or having no religion in


recent years. Despite the decline in religious affiliation, the UK has seen a growth in
interfaith dialogue and cooperation, with people from different religious backgrounds
working together for common goals. This demonstrates the importance of tolerance and
respect for diversity in the UK's society.
In conclusion, religion in the UK continues to be an integral part of the country's
culture and identity. While the number of people identifying as religious has declined,
religion still plays an important role in shaping people's beliefs and values. The UK's
diverse religious landscape highlights the importance of tolerance and respect for
diversity, which has contributed to the growth of interfaith dialogue and cooperation in
the country.

IV.

QUESTIONNAIRE

1. What is the purpose of religion?
Answer: The purposes of the practice of a religion are to achieve the goals of salvation
for oneself and others, and (if there is a God) to render due worship and obedience to
God.
2. What is the difference of Catholicism in Britain and in Vietnam?
Answer: