Census: for God's sake say so

The British Humanist Association is urging people to "tick 'no religion' if you're non-religious" in this year's census.

Their point is that people ticking "Christian" just because they're baptised, or British, skews the data and gives religious groups too much influence over government policy.

I can't help wanting to agree with the strapline of the campaign (though not the reasons behind it):

"If you're not religious, for God's sake say so."

If people didn't assume they were Christians simply because of being sprinkled when young, or the nationality of their passport, or their impressive annual carol service attendance:

• it would make it much easier for "real" Christianity to be a distinctive movement (rather than a part of "our culture" which people think they therefore know about, own and can redefine if they want to)
• it would make evangelism easier (you wouldn't need to gently suggest to people that they're not Christians even though they think they are)
• it would stop Christians being complacent about this being a "Christian" country (and grumpy when it doesn't act as though it is).

And perhaps it would clear the undergrowth of misunderstanding so that Jesus' words would once more amaze people with their simplicity, their offer and their command:

"The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1 v 15).

Maybe I'll write that in the "religion" box on this year's census (in very small letters!)