Freedom and Faith - and Scottish Identity

Donald Smith’s Freedom and Faith was a fascinating read, exploring Scottish identity but particularly in the context of, and in relation to, faith. He notes the importance of Scottish history and heritage, and the complications of the mixture of serious history and frivolous tourist tat. However, it is not to be ignored. He also notes the place of faith. “Present-day Scotland is characterized by religious diversity. While agnosticism may command the support of a silent majority, there is an articulate camp of atheistic belief, and a much larger but segmented community of faiths.” The decline of the church, particularly the Church of Scotland, has had a major impact, but faith communities retain a vital role. He explores the advantages and difficulties of operating within the British context, but makes clear that Scottish identity is vital and distinct. Perhaps it is Smith’s final chapter on ‘faith in the future’, with its conviction that the Church and other faith communities continue to hold an important role, that struck the strongest chord for me. “Despite the hopes of some secular humanists it is unlikely that religious faith and practice will disappear. The sensibilities, imagination and psychological needs that nurture religion are deeply layered. Only a few totalitarian regimes have succeeded in suppressing organised religion, providing instead state and leader worship, but religious faith has returned to haunt - and in some cases help to topple - them. A uniformly secular Scotland is an improbable but also a dull prospect. …. … The Christian Gospels are not focused on establishing an organised religion, but with practising a moral and spiritual anthropology that illumines all life, regardless of race, creed, gender, culture or class. This is the fertile power of Christianity that most churches have devoted much energy and ingenuity to confining. There are no institutional or intellectual barriers set by Christ, only the invitation to begin on a compelling journey.”