This research paper aimed to find out the extent to which faith plays a part in the political decision making of Christian MPs. The MPs who were used in this study were from Christians in Parliament All-Party Group. The desire to investigate this topic derives from a deep personal interest in politics, combined with a sense of intrigue towards the influence of faith. Interviews took place with seven MPs, in order to question them about the role of their Christian faith as they work within the political arena. These interviews took place in London and consisted of nine questions, dealing with three concise topics; the Christians in Parliament group, personal influences of faith and the future of religion and politics. Amongst a great deal of interesting data, there were a number of key themes that can be drawn from this research. Christian MPs have a unique pressure upon them which derives from their faith and having to balance this in their job as a politician. In response to this pressure, this paper has found that MPs are determined in their endeavours to keep the Christian faith embedded in British society. Also, this paper has highlighted the great extent to which faith impacts individual MPs decision making. Overall, this research has furthered understanding of the impact of faith on Christian MPs and the extent to which this affects their decision making processes. It has enabled us to recognise the constant conflict faced by Christian MPs. This research has also raised awareness of the challenges for Christian members, whilst highlighting the debate regarding the extent to which religion continues to play a part in politician’s decision making. As well providing a compelling insight, this work is a platform for deeper research into this area of study.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Research Questions
3. Methodology
4. Literature Review
5. Data Analysis
5.1 Christians in Parliament group
5.2 When faith and politics combine
5.3 Future of faith and politics
6. Further Analysis
7. Conclusion
8. Bibliography
9. Appendices
Research Objectives and Topics
This research paper aims to explore the extent to which Christian faith influences the political decision-making processes of Members of Parliament (MPs) who are members of the Christians in Parliament All-Party Group.
- The influence of personal faith on political decision-making.
- The role and impact of the Christians in Parliament (CiP) group.
- The challenges of reconciling Christian beliefs with political duties.
- The future of the relationship between religion and British politics.
Excerpt from the Book
The Christians in Parliament group
The first section of analysis in this research paper, deals with the Christians in Parliament All-Party Group. All MPs were asked three questions in reference to the CiP group; the aim was to discover more about the group itself, whilst also understanding the impact it has had on each MP individually.
Each interview began with the question; could you tell me a little about the CiP group? This open ended question simply aimed to develop a basic understanding of CiP, from the people who are part of it. The role of CiP was summed up briefly by a one interviewee, who explained, ‘we don’t do anything in the way of lobbying for particular laws to be done in different ways. Very much it is a kind of fellowship group’ (Interview 6, Liberal Democrat MP Conducted 13th March 2013).
This interviewee’s analysis of CiP suggests that it is more of a social type of group as opposed to a group which strives for any political change. CiP are responsible for holding a number of social events for members of the group, as well as associates of the Christian Church. An example of one of these large scale events is as one MP explained, ‘the National Prayer Breakfast ... we invite local church leaders from constituencies but also all the diplomatic representatives are invited to come and they take the subjects’ (Interview 2, Conservative MP , Conducted 16th October 2012).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the research context by highlighting the debate over the role of faith in British politics and introduces the seven Christian MPs who participated in the study.
Research Questions: Outlines the primary inquiries regarding the function of the Christians in Parliament group and the compatibility of faith and politics.
Methodology: Details the use of elite semi-structured interviews with seven MPs and justifies the qualitative approach to capturing personal and professional experiences.
Literature Review: Examines historical and contemporary perspectives on the influence of faith in British society and the limited existing academic research on Christian MPs.
Data Analysis: Presents and discusses the interview findings, categorized into the nature of the CiP group, the personal reconciliation of faith and politics, and future prospects.
Further Analysis: Synthesizes the core themes extracted from the interviews, focusing on internal versus external pressures and the perceived role of MPs.
Conclusion: Summarizes the study’s findings, confirming that faith significantly influences the decision-making of the interviewed MPs, and suggests directions for future research.
Keywords
Christianity, Members of Parliament, British Politics, Faith, Christians in Parliament, Political Decision-making, Religion, All-Party Group, Public Policy, Secularization, Ethics, Conscience, Church of England, Political Representation, Social Reform
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research investigates the influence of Christian faith on the political decision-making processes of MPs who are members of the Christians in Parliament All-Party Group.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study examines the role of the CiP group, the personal challenges of reconciling faith with political mandates, and the future prospects of religion in British political discourse.
What is the main goal of the dissertation?
The objective is to understand how these specific MPs manage their religious identity alongside their professional responsibilities as politicians in a secularized society.
Which methodology was employed for this research?
The researcher conducted elite semi-structured interviews with seven MPs from the three major UK political parties to gather qualitative primary data.
What content is discussed in the main analysis?
The main body analyzes the nature of the CiP group, personal anecdotes regarding conflict between faith and party politics, and the long-term role of the Church in Britain.
Which key terms characterize this study?
Key terms include Christianity, British Politics, Faith, Political Decision-making, Secularization, and Parliamentary Representation.
How does the CiP group function according to the interviewees?
Interviewees generally described it as a "fellowship group" providing support and networking opportunities, rather than a strategic lobbying body for specific policy changes.
How do the participants handle conflicts between faith and party politics?
The participants emphasize the importance of "conscience votes" and rely on their internal religious moral framework, even when it diverges from party lines or popular opinion.
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- Joshua Bell (Autor:in), 2013, An investigation into the role faith plays in political decision making, through the eyes of Christians in Parliament All-Party Group members, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/274666
