The Weekend Herald asked readers whether they believed New Zealand to be a Christian country. Those who responded reckon - by about four to one - that it is. Below is the latest selection of thoughts

What do you think?
Send us your views


Matthias Schmidl
I am very unhappy with the debate to move New Zealand in a kind of supermarket-country, where you can get every religion and believe system you like. It shows me again how our democratic representatives represent the majority. 51 per cent Christians should be seen also in the parliament. Obviously they are not there. So I am questioning the democratic representatives in general, which agenda they follow and who seem to look to achieve foul compromises rather than shaping a future profile, which represents also the Christian point of view. Somebody mentioned in one article, that we Christians should love our enemies, so therefore tolerance is a Christian value. That does not necessarily mean that people can come and install their own believe system, without consequences. And I ask further questions: What did Islam and other religions do for this country except threatening people? What does the government do against the downfall of the country because of tolerant laws? We are on the way to a 3rd world country, because of our tolerance and ignorance. It is easier for a homosexual couple to get residence in New Zealand than for a Christian family. So do not hold up tolerance as fair. Anyway I will stand for Christianity, even if it means to leave New Zealand.

And obviously it is better to emigrate to Australia. Al least they are continuing to look after their Christian heritage.

Nigel Wade
To push forward the ideal that New Zealand is a Christian country is to fail to see the larger picture. A country is not defined by its religious majority anymore than it is defined by the prevailing genetic traits of the populace. Horrific injustices and wars have been taken place in the name of Christianity, a fact clear in the mind of our free society whenever the topic of the Christian religion surfaces. In this day of “high speed internet connections”, free information sources, and generally “balanced view points” Christianity, or any organized religion no longer sit comfortably with our highly educated populace. The tenets and guidelines for moral standpoints are integrated into our laws and social structure without religious reference for the most part. Christianity is a declining religion in our society and for good reason, clearly stated in the Bible are paths for each human to approach god in their own manner negating the need for a Christian outlook should one chose to focus on the metaphysical.

Te Taniwha
Christianity is another imported religion. It is the same as Buddhism, Judaism, atheism, Muslim, Hinduism. They are all imported religious beliefs. Maori spiritually is the only true religion of this country. It is the only religion concepted and grown here. All other denominations are imported. Are they here? Yes. Are they from this country? No.

Gemma Mason
I am one of many New Zealanders who love their country but are not Christian. To declare New Zealand a "Christian nation" is to deny the validity of our very real feelings. Nearly half of all New Zealanders are not Christian. Moreover, some of those who are would still support the idea of a state that does not prescribe a particular religion for its members. New Zealand is not perfect. Nevertheless I am usually proud and hopeful when I think of the way New Zealand tries to support human rights. To declare New Zealand a "Christian nation" would be to send a message that we are trying to close our society to those who do not share Christian beliefs. This is entirely contrary to what New Zealand is and to what I hope it can be.