http://neoclassics.blogspot.com/

If you’re a Catholic, you’re risking a lot, political calculus wise (but it works in places like Louisiana, ex: Bobby Jindal).

Not necessarily. Don’t forget that JFK – one of the most charismatic US presidents ever – was Catholic, and I think since then, it hasn’t been an issue. John Kerry is a Catholic, but his religion wasn’t made a liability back in 2004, except for the Catholic church itself, which was pondering not giving him communion for his views on abortion.

Or, it’s not like you guys are living in the United States

In the US, the more you flaunt God, the more you can rest assured that God fearing folks will vote for you which is a sizable chunk of the population. Of course, it has to be a certain god though– preferably of the Protestant and Baptist Christian tradition. If you’re a Catholic, you’re risking a lot, political calculus wise (but it works in places like Louisiana, ex: Bobby Jindal). If you’re Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, or whatever else, forget it.

Also, Clegg might have tempered his comment out of fear of “disrespecting” religiously minded folks. “Secularism” also probably has something to do with it.

Is he actually the first UK party leader to admit (odd word, really) to being a non-theist? I suspect so, although I’m sure there have been a few who kept their lack of faith quiet. At least it moves us away from the situation in the US, where candidates are more or less required to publicly kiss Hank’s ass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDp7pkEcJVQ

Mind you, a question like that is quite barbed, as it will have an opposite effect on the (greater?) number of voters who do profess a belief in God…

I work with a predominantly Bangladeshi male clientele and whatever depths they may find their selves in whether its drugs, crime, homelessness they would NEVER disrespect their Islamic faith or state they have no belief in God.

I see the ghost of Bill Hicks in your post. After his usual gig, he was approached by some angry, red necked guys, who said:

“Hicks, we are Christians, and we really took exception to your act.”

Hicks says:

“Well, forgive me.”

Nick Clegg can respond to any criticism of his atheism with the request that they “pray for him.”

Master stroke!

About two-thirds of the people with whom I significantly communicate are middle-class, free-thinker/atheist types. A self-selected and non-representative group. Y’know, my peers.

Ditto for me, whether the “peers” are white or Indian.

Personally I’ve found the Pakistanis I’ve met to be a little more devout (plenty of exceptions, though, and the same applies to black people), but the 2nd-generation Indians ? Hell no. They mostly tend to be a mixture of agnostics and atheists. Generally the former, at least in my own highly-subjective experience.

It would however be VERY brave for a young British Asian to admit that he is an atheist…..Unfortunately there are countless other Asians who would face a backlash from their communities – ranging from ostracism by at best to death threats at worst…..Too many Asians living in the UK don’t seem to recognise that “freedom of religion” also means “freedom from religion” or “freedom to give up relgion”.

1. Absolutely huge generalisation and a massive false stereotype.

2. By “Asian”, Gibs, exactly which sections of the Asian population are you referring to ? What have been the backgrounds of the people you have personally had the greatest level of direct experience with ?