Renowned British atheist and author, Richard Dawkins, has declared himself a "cultural Christian" despite his disbelief in the Christian faith.
During a recent interview on LBC, The God Delusion author expressed his preference for Christianity over Islam and shared his concerns about the changing religious landscape in the UK.
When stating his disapproval over lights on Oxford Street in London promoting Ramadan instead of Easter, Dawkins said: “I do think we are culturally a Christian country. I call myself a cultural Christian”.
While clarifying that he does not adhere to the beliefs of Christianity, Dawkins acknowledged an affinity for its cultural aspects.
"I'm not a believer, but there is a distinction between being a believing Christian and a cultural Christian," he explained.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining the country's Christian architecture and landmarks, claiming he wouldn’t be happy if “we lost all our cathedrals and our beautiful parish churches”.
When interviewer Rachel Johnson discussed the shift towards increasing mosque construction in the UK compared to declining church attendance, Dawkins said: "If I had to choose between Christianity and Islam, I’d choose Christianity every single time."
Dawkins' statements have sparked discussions on religious identity.
In an opinion article on Premier Christianity, Prof John Heathershaw said Dawkins isn’t the first prominent atheist to like faith.
He gave the example of Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer, a self-declared atheist, who has also said faith groups “play a unique and vital role in the running of our country”.
