Is Australia a Christian nation?

Four days ago the Rev Fred Nile made a stirring speech in the NSW Upper House on the subject of Australia as a Christian nation.

American Christians often claim the United States as a Christian nation, founded by men who took their faith seriously and instilled Christian principles in the country’s central institutions and laws.

Rev Nile argues a similar case for Australia.  Our laws are based on the moral code of the Bible – the Ten Commandments.  The Australian flag bears the crosses of three saints – Patrick, George and Andrew.  The nation’s Constitution states that the people unite, “humbly relying on Almighty God.”  All our Parliaments open with a Christian prayer.  And so on.

We might argue whether Australia is technically a Christian nation, but there is no doubt that the Christian faith has profoundly shaped Australian society, has a central place in Australian life today, and will continue to shape this nation for generations to come.

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 27 May 2012.