• Britain now seems to have a serious problem ... the epicentre of this tension.

Oh yes, Britain has a serious problem. One of the reasons it has a serious problem is because of the Iraq War. But the other reason is because there are Muslims who genuinely feel there is an attempt basically by the West to dominate the world and they feel this culture and civilization has no respect for God. And often they see it as obscene the way women are portrayed and treated.

• It’s very interesting given the fact that America now is more religious than it was may be about two decades back. There are more people going to church than before.

The thing, which is interestingly about America, is that a lot of the religion is fundamentalist type of Christianity. In my book I query to a great writer on religion, Karen Armstrong, who says that there is a symbiotic relationship between religious fundamentalism and what you call excessive materialism. When a society becomes excessively materialistic, then religious people run back to nanny. They go to someone who says you are secure behind here; you don’t need to think about these things; you don’t need to worry, just believe.

• People need some “ism” or some religion?

I don’t think that’s what you need. My whole book is saying that’s what you should not do, that you should keep on thinking, you should keep on questioning your faith or your lack of faith, and you should try and respect everyone.

... contd.