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Post by OasisNZ on May 28, 2007 19:15:18 GMT 12
Helen says no, what say ewe's?
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Post by Lux on May 28, 2007 19:59:48 GMT 12
Well, It definitely has a Christian foundation. Our National Anthem entreats Gods blessing. We swear on the bible, I haven't got a bible but I know some short quotes off by heart because I have heard them often. Because we have been brought up with Christianity whether we are Christians or not, we celebrate Christmas and Easter. So until all of that disappears I would say we are a Christian Country.
Article 4 of the Treaty of Waitangi (largely ignored I think) Ture Wairua: It is the right of every Maori individual, Whanau, Hapu, and Iwi to honour and practice their own spiritual beliefs and values as they so choose.
Since most of the more conventional religious beliefs practised by Maori are Christian based, I would say that Helen has balls up yet again...whats new?
If the majority of New Zealands and I don't know how many there are are practising or non practising Christians I would say it is still a Country where Christian belief systems are at the forefront.
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Post by Lux on May 28, 2007 20:19:50 GMT 12
hahaha, I just sent you a message in yop, have a look at it!  |
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Post by queenie on Jun 2, 2007 9:16:56 GMT 12
well I don't know exactly what Helen said, but more than likely she was trying to pander to the 'ethnic minoritys' as most politicians do these days...
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Post by sparrow on Jun 2, 2007 22:03:11 GMT 12
I think we're a secular country that allows freedom of religion and all religion. A theocracy is when you have a particular religion endorsed by the State. We don't (although there are prayers etc in Govt), but at the official level: we are secular and do not have a national religion.
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Post by misilon on Jun 10, 2007 9:24:09 GMT 12
I think we're a secular country that allows freedom of religion and all religion. A theocracy is when you have a particular religion endorsed by the State. We don't (although there are prayers etc in Govt), but at the official level: we are secular and do not have a national religion. I agree with what you are saying sparrow,..cos I dont think we are a christian country ,...the fact that we have the religious holiday celebration is more tradition than religious |
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Post by Lux on Jun 10, 2007 13:08:15 GMT 12
Presbytarian Church of New Zealand (page copywrite 2005)
Not sure of the exact date but:
'New Zealand values survey recently indicated 60 percent believed in God and a further 20 percent in some Higher Power. 60 percent indicated they prayed, 30 percent several times a week, and 60 percent believed in life after death. All these figures had increased over the previous decade...'
While Christmas to many New Zealanders is a traditional festival of summer holidays, families and friends. Personally I veiw it as a Christian celebration, and although I am not a practising Christian, my family traditions and values are founded in Christianity, Maortitanga and Pakehatanga. I also believe in celebrating diversity and teach my children the stories behind all celebrations that we celebrate. Christmas is one example of founding Christianity in this Country, there are other blatant examples, for instance swearing on the bible, is that still done in court? I've actually never been in a courtroom but I watch TV LOL, What about our National Athem? Our Karakia before meals? Church on the marae? We may not have a national religion, but I still think this Country is largely Christian based.
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Post by ringdove on Jun 16, 2007 15:10:37 GMT 12
Kia Ora All
A very interesting question.
We have similar debates in India.
The Constitution treats all religions equally and the state doesnt endorse any particular religion.
Of course Hindus are a majority in the population so one often hears extreme sections asserting that this should be a Hindu State. Likewise we have sections of minorities asserting that the State is not really fair to them.
Even so, I gues both the minorities and a large section of the majority value our secularism.
The real area of concern is protection of the lives and property of minorities in cases of violent flare-ups which sometimes occur. Or if a provincial government comes under the control of a sectarian party, trouble usually follows.
In such case we depend on the courts to do even-handed justice. Courts have intervened effectively sometimes. But they need to be strengthened.
We have a Muslim President and a Sikh Prime Minister at the moment.
(BTW in July there is a prospect of a Hindu woman being elected President. That will be the first time we'll be having a woman as President! She's 72 years old and was a table tennis champion in her college days)
Na
Anil
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Post by Lux on Jun 17, 2007 13:16:43 GMT 12
I find what you have written very interesting, it is always good to hear many different perspectives on matters such as the one brought to the forefront here. Thank you for your contribution ringdove, I'm looking forward to reading more of your posts  Cheers Lux. |
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