In an interview on Easter Sunday, Dawkins described himself as a “cultural Christian” and lamented the faith’s waning cultural influence in Europe, though he still derided its key tenets as “nonsense.”
Speaking with British journalist Rachel Johnson, Dawkins noted that the UK is “fundamentally a Christian country,” and he still personally values the Christian ethos despite not believing the religion from which it emerged.
The author of The God Delusion said, “I’m not a believer, but there’s a distinction between being a believing Christian and being a cultural Christian. And so, I love hymns and Christmas carols, and I sort of feel at home in the Christian ethos. I feel that we are a Christian country in that sense.”
While claiming he is “happy” the number of practicing Christians in the U.K. is plummeting, Dawkins also acknowledged that Islam appears to be gathering strength in Europe as Christianity recedes. He noted he was “slightly horrified” that Ramadan lights adorned London’s Oxford Street during Easter.
Dawkins argued that Islam is less compatible with British values than Christianity, particularly regarding the treatment of women and homosexuals.
He added, “insofar as Christianity can be seen as a bulwark against Islam, I think it’s a very good thing.”
A survey of more than 3,000 U.K. adults found that only 6% identify as “practicing Christians.”