A former BBC executive has denounced the Corporation for its anti-Christian bias.
Writing for The Telegraph, Robin Aitken MBE severely criticised the organisation for its “inherent antagonism” towards Christianity.
Aitken, who worked at the BBC for 25 years, published a book in 2018 accusing the Corporation of abandoning its Christian heritage.
‘Media morality’
Reflecting on the decline in the nation’s religious belief and practice in recent years, the author and broadcaster argued that the media’s attitude toward Christianity may be partly to blame.
He said that Christian morality had now given way to a “media morality”, which tells people that the “fusty old notions of ‘sin’ can be dispensed with”.
In particular, Aitken said the BBC appeared not to wish to engage with ideas that “cast doubt on the benefits of our modern morality” or that might “undermine belief in the tenets of a permissive, liberal, interpretation of ‘progress’”.
‘Anti-Christian’
Drawing on the work of the political philosopher Sir Larry Siedentop, Aitken maintains that “without Christianity there would be no liberalism”.
Liberalism, he points out, is indebted to Christianity for many of its values – including the “uniqueness of every human being” and the “notion of ‘human rights’”.
But, he writes, “this is an understanding constantly frustrated by the BBC’s secular instinct” which has led to a rejection of the “Christian contribution to western civilisation – which is immeasurable”.
The BBC, he concludes, is rightly perceived by many as upholding an “anti-Christian stance – something we might term its ‘Christophobia’”.
Christianity’s influence
The Christian Institute’s Social Policy Analyst Dr Sharon James has spoken and written extensively on the “overwhelmingly positive impact biblical Christianity” has had on the western world through the centuries.
In her article, ‘Christianity’s impact on freedom and justice’, Dr James wrote: “Many people assume that the liberty and justice that we take for granted today are the results of secular thinking.
“In reality, the liberties and rights that we value in free societies are to a great degree the result of Christianity’s influence.”
Her recently published book, How Christianity Transformed the World, also tells how Christian truth and morality have shaped many areas of our modern life, including women’s rights, religious freedom, education and healthcare.
MP urges Britain to return to its Christian heritage
Jacob Rees-Mogg challenges BBC over ‘intolerant tolerance’
Media challenged over “fake news” stories claiming Bible is untrue