The brother who tormented you when you were little. The spouse who cheated. The terrorists who changed our country forever o­n 9/11. Why should you forgive them?

Researchers and academics may have an answer, even for those who don't believe that the act of forgiveness is good for the soul. In recent years, scientists have gotten interested in the health benefits of forgiveness. Their studies have shown the serious mental, emotional and physical consequences of an unforgiving heart.

Instead, the national mood appears to be o­ne of benign indifference. Most people give the impression of regarding religion almost as a consumer good, o­ne to be consumed by those who happen to have a taste for it.

A majority of people in 21st century Britain neither hopes nor fears for a life after death. o­nly about a third believes in Heaven, and even fewer in Hell and the Devil.

Marriage is no longer seen as a sacrament and even church weddings no longer find favour.