I think it’s safe to say that cancer-stricken Jade Goody has now become almost emblematic of Britain’s well-meaning, if muddled, spirituality. The reality TV star has turned to God in her last days,finding comfort in the Bible, planning a christening for her kids and receiving visits from a clergyman.

Her favourite passage, from which she is drawing strength, is from the book of Jeremiah (33:3): “Call to me and I will answer you. I will tell you wonderful marvellous things that you know nothing about” (Good News Bible). Perhaps fittingly for poor Jade, the verse forms part of what’s known as ‘The Book of Consolation’ because of its message of hope – an upbeat section in what’s otherwise quite a downbeat book.

Jade’s sudden recourse to the Bible, however, says a lot about how we Brits relate to God. She is almost the very definition of ‘believing without belonging’.

Jade intends to marry this weekend – not in a church, but at sumptuous Down Hall in Essex. And during her very public life to date, she has shown little sign of religious fervour. Nevertheless, it was not to the Qu’ran or the Bhagavad-Gita to which she turned in her hour of need. It was to the sacred text of Christianity. Jade might not have been in the pew each Sunday, but like the majority of the population, still views herself in some sense as Christian.Despite her chequered past, the poor woman deserves our prayers - rather than some of the vitriol that has been heaped upon her for allegedly ’cashing in’ on her cancer. And it’s worth noting, for any journalists who still think that Britain is essentially a godless nation, that prayer is exactly what people seem to be offering Jade at this time. Sceptics, read the comments in this News of the Worldpiece and see for yourself.