Marriage is the most basic building block of human society. Almost every known culture distinguishes the marriage of man and woman from other relationships. Typically, marriage is the means by which children are ensured the care of a socially obligated father and mother. The state has a crucial interest in marriage as the incubator for the next generation of citizens.

"Please join me in prayer for the Christians there, especially for those in the north," he added.

Muslims complained that the vote tallies were rigged, but independent observers described the election as the fairest in decades.

"The elections for the National Assembly and the Presidency were both credible and creditable and reflected the will of the Nigerian people," said the Commonwealth observers' report.

Similarly in our times, Western Civilisation faces a crisis of confidence: collapsing demographics, impossible welfare commitments, governments across the globe crippled by unserviceable debt - to name but a few mortal challenges we face.

And just as the Romans were attacked by barbarians, so our way of life is threatened by random acts of terrorism.

Universalism

Broadly defined, universalism is the belief that all human beings will be saved after death. On balance, Americans leaned toward exclusive rather than inclusive views. For example, 43% agreed and 54% disagreed with the statement, "It doesn't matter what religious faith you follow because they all teach the same lessons."