Christianity in England is in decline. Congregations are dwindling and ever fewer young people believe. Should we merely shrug our shoulders and accept this as inevitable and even healthy, or is something important being lost? Bijan Omrani argues that this decline is the most momentous change to occur in English history. He shows how a religion that has been part of our national story for over 1700 years was instrumental in the creation and development of the English nation, its codes of law and morality, and its structures of government and kingship. He demonstrates its profound cultural impact, in areas ranging from architecture and literature to our very landscape and the structure of our everyday life and language. Its influence, he contends, has been enormous, largely benign, and shouldn't be lightly abandoned. Ending with a rousing call to retain Christianity, rightly understood, as a way of dealing with both the eternal questions of the human condition, as well as the malaises of modernity, this is an erudite and tender tribute to our Christian history and heritage. 'This book will help readers understand English history in a much more rounded way. The author's fiercely objective approach allows us to understand the profound , and often profoundly beneficial, impact of Christianity on the country for nearly two millennia' - Anthony Seldon 'Are we prepared for a post-Christian Britain? The enormous questions this raises about national identity are hardly being discussed, but fortunately Bijan Omrani has made an invaluable contribution to this coming debate , which will be upon us surprisingly soon. As we try to lead good lives according to what Omrani proves are often ultimately Christian creeds and assumptions, this scholarly and engagingly written book asks whether we can achieve that without Christianity itself' - Lord Andrew Roberts 'Christianity is the golden thread that stitches together England's history. Yes, it may be fraying now but, as Bijan Omrani brilliantly explains , it is not yet quite broken - and must be repaired' - Harry Mount, author and journalist 'A superb book ... Lively and erudite' - The Telegraph 'A tremendous book, whatever you happen to believe. The storytelling and characterisation are gripping in themselves and the arguments are truly profound. They undermine the glib scorn that has emptied our churches and depleted our souls. Read it and weep or, perhaps better, think' - The Spectator Bijan Omrani's previous books and research have looked at questions of religious history and cultural identity from Ancient Rome and Greece to Afghanistan and the Silk Road. An Oxford-educated barrister, he has taught Classics at Eton College and Westminster School, is a former editor of the Asian Affairs Journal, and is currently a research fellow at the University of Exeter.