On a recent trip across the pond, we shared conversation with a couple from the U.K. Fine folks, actually.

We had toured sites of Christian history dating to the Middle Ages. The conversation turned to today’s low rate of church attendance among Europeans compared to Americans.

The gentleman, a retired software engineer, offered as explanation that, to paraphrase, they’re beyond all that.

Then he asked with more than a little disdain, “We hear that in the States you have a substantial faction that supports teaching Biblical Creation in schools; is that true?”

That’s true, I said, adding that while I don’t agree with teaching Biblical Creation in school, in my mind scientific observation cannot disprove a metaphysical answer to the question, “Why are we here?”

The conversation pretty much ended there.

Since returning Stateside, we’ve endured a barrage of media coverage of the impending nuptials between a pretty American actress, Meghan Markle, and a red-headed fellow named Harry Mountbatten-Windsor. Ms. Markle is the one they invariably call a “commoner”.

The institutions of the monarchy and the peerage assume that it is possible for a person to be worthy of privilege and a higher station by virtue of birth.

At least my Bible-quoting countrymen don’t believe any of that bunk. 

I’m reminded of the Don King era, when boxing aficionados felt a similar disdain for fans of Professional Wrestling, because Pro Wrestling was so obviously fixed.

Boxing was beyond all that, old chap.