In Britain, do most people get their knowledge of biblical events from the Life of Brian?

Question

It was an assertion of a friend of mine, and I wondered how true is actually is.

I_Don't_Want_To_Be_You, do you come from Britain?

radstar, unfortunately the RE lessons I had to sit through were mostly accompanied by gentle snoring. My son's watched the film and found it hilarious, his biblical knowledge could probably fit on a postage stamp.

alan h, in Britain most adults have seen the film, while church attendances are around 7%.

Link, you know what its like as soon as you ban something every idiot and his brother has a pirate copy. So the chances are its been watched in Wales more than anywhere else.

Answer 1

I think it depends entirely on where you live in the UK.

When I lived in Banbury about 25 years ago, they advertised bible reading classes everywhere I went.

When I lived in North London, loads of 'religious' people came around several times a week offering bible study in your own home. I know a number of my neighbours took these studies.

When I live in Great Yarmouth, I would have to say, it all came from the Life of Brian.

Now I live in Luton, where people come around several times a week and offer either Quran or Bible study in your own home. If you time things just right, you can sometimes get them into a fight over who will get to teach you.

Answer 2

I got my original idea of a stern father God from my granddad, and learnt about some stories of the Bible at school. I was never taken to church so I didn't learn anything from there, and I had a very scant understanding of Christianity. I became a Christian after a very powerful encounter with Jesus. As for the life of Brian, most Christians would agree that God is big enough to take being mocked, because he knows that they will get what they deserve on Judgment day (God's words not mine!) At least films like that keep the concept of Christianity in people's minds, like the Da Vinci code. Keep them coming!

Answer 3

We used to have compulsory RE lessons which was a base!

I took up my own reading and research so that I would not be sucked into an order and brainwashed!

To understand certain parts of the Life of Brian you do actually need to be aware of the original Biblical story!!! -Otherwise it's not funny - DUH!

Comment re you edit: You sound like an educated/knowledgeable person! I bet that you didn't sleep through lessons really and your son has picked up on your vast knowledge!

My point is that you fully appreciate a parody one must realise what it is lampooning?

Answer 4

although the life of brian is a fantastic film, that caused upheaval in the church. but biblical events are taught in school and by parents around events like easter.

Answer 5

Well considering that film was banned in Wales, and may still be. I doubt all the British have seen it.

Answer 6

No. Despite its popularity over 90% of the population have not seen it. A higher proportion attend Church regularly!!

It IS funny, though.

Answer 7

I don't even know what The Life of Brian is, so I certainly haven't and a quick poll around my friends showed they also haven't.

Answer 8

Not true at all. although some none belivers may think they have I hope they would then look at the bible. it is a parady of Jesus life and I do not think any one would belive it is truth.

Answer 9

I think Mr. Bean also did a spiel on that topic.

Answer 10

He's not the messiah. He's a very naughty boy