A Rebirth For Christianity
The Christian faith has been a cornerstone of Western society for generations, however there is evidence that its influence is diminishing among many in the younger generations. Christianity, like any faith, must adapt to a changing world – the challenge remains to find the right balance between modernising and conserving the tradition. In this article, we will explore what steps can be taken towards a rebirth of the Christian faith.
A recent study by Pew Research showed that 30 percent of individuals born between 1981 and 1996 identify as religiously unaffiliated, a stark contrast to earlier generations. Other evidence has shown that only 35 percent of those aged 18-33 call themselves Christians, compared to 53 percent of those aged 48-66.
Therefore, it seems that in order to bring Christianity back to its former levels of prominence, updating its practices and beliefs is essential. Progressive theologians are beginning to suggest that Christianity should embrace the concept of ‘progressive Christianity’ – an approach beyond simply a literal interpretation of scripture, focusing on holistic well-being.
In particular, progressive Christians emphasise social justice and tolerance – exploring how to respond positively to modern injustices. Furthermore, the concept of progressive Christianity encourages people to look beyond pre-conceptions of what it means to be a Christian, embracing an inclusive, open-minded attitude of spiritual exploration.
Whilst it can be difficult to define exactly what Christianity should look like in the 21st century, open dialogue and understanding is crucial. There must be an effort to engage with the younger generations, adapting the more traditional aspects of the faith to accurately represent modern day life. Every effort should be made for the Christian faith to remain relevant and meaningful for those of all ages.
Furthermore, a growing number of churches are beginning to realise the need for Christianity to move with the times. Many churches are actively involved in their local communities, using their resources to offer physical, spiritual, and mental help to those who need it the most. By engaging with individuals and responding to the needs of society more widely, it is hoped that Christianity will be here for many generations to come.
Innovative Infrastructure
With the exception of some very traditional churches, the majority of them are no longer solely reliant on their physical premises for survival. Churches in the modern day must find ways to utilise digital platforms in order to attract potential worshippers. Through the use of innovative technologies such as video conferencing and targeted social media campaigns, churches have been able to reach a much wider audience.
Moreover, virtual church services have become a major online trend. Platforms such as Youtube, Twitch and Facebook have allowed individuals to access events such as Trivia Sunday, Political Sunday, Concert Sunday and Sunday School right from the comfort of their own homes. This innovation allows religious services to be tailored to a much greater degree, and as such, encourages more people to join in the discussion.
Additionally, a wide variety of online resources are available to deepen understanding of Christianity. Through a variety of podcasts, online journals, forums and media outlets, people are able to explore the faith much more deeply than in previous generations. They are also able to take part in debates and conversations involving people from a variety of different backgrounds and cultures.
More Flexible Worshipping
For many years, formal religion had an emphasis on traditional prayers, reading from the bible and listening to gospel music during church services. However, in modern times, people are beginning to explore different approaches to connect with their faith. Worship songs in different languages have become increasingly popular, which has provided worshippers with the opportunity to explore their spirituality in a fresh, energising way.
In addition, churches have tailored their services to reach out to those with busy lives, such as through offering midweek services and prayer meetings. Furthermore, there is a growing trend towards services lasting no longer than an hour, to make it easier for those that lead active lives to attend church. This move towards more accessible worship services has had a profound effect in revitalising many churches.
Modernisation of Stereotypes
The church has long been subject to a number of stereotypes and assumptions, many of which have been outdated for a long time. To ensure that the faith is properly represented, there has been an increasing effort to challenge the prevailing view of Christianity. This includes encouraging individuals to think critically, questioning what they have been taught, and even make one’s own interpretations of scripture.
In addition, many churches are now celebrating diversity and inclusiveness, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation or race. Through a combination of hearing different perspectives, having interventions to counter ignorant behaviour and promoting tolerance, a greater respect has been created within the church. As a result, people are finding better ways to express their faith in a way that brings people together, rather than divides them.
Boundary-Breaking Research
With the rise of the internet, believers have been able to access information more quickly and accurately than ever before. Resources are available to learn biblical history and science alike, in order to gain a more contextualised understanding of the faith. This in turn has enabled churches to take positive steps to bridge the gaps between faith and science, exploring topics such as astrology, metaphysics and quantum mechanics in a safe and meaningful way.
Due to the amount of accessible evidence and research out there, believers have been able to embrace modern science in a way that works within their faith, rather than in opposition to it. This encourages believers to explore new ideas and open themselves up to new approaches, whilst still retaining their core beliefs.
Creating a Community
In recent years, we have seen an increase in churches and religious communities that are trying to build an inclusive and open atmosphere, where individuals can actively take part in discussion and debate. One of the laws set by GCN, an online church based in Australia, is that no one should ever be judged or discriminated against. This encourages more openness and honesty amongst the congregation, leaving little room for feelings of guilt or shame when discussing faith-based issues.
Furthermore, another law involves actively welcoming those from any background or culture. Without this law, many on the outside would feel unwelcome and underrepresented, leading to a lack of representation within churches. By making clear that all are welcome, this attempt to make things more accessible for those from different backgrounds has had a positive impact on bridging the gaps between different people.
As a result, many churches have made an active effort to utilise events and activities as a way of bringing their congregation together. This can include everything from meet-and-greets to fellowships, to retreats and seminars. By helping members of the congregation form meaningful relationships and providing them with the opportunity to share their ideas, churches can deepen their understanding of the faith and grow together spiritually.
Growing Respect for Religion
Modern attitudes towards various religions vary widely. Whilst some individuals choose to focus on the negative, there is also an appreciation of the positives pertaining to religious belief. There has been a growth in respect and understanding towards all faiths, with many people now more willing to learn more about the principles and philosophy of their respective belief systems.
In addition, many countries have implemented initiatives such as religious instruction in public schools, providing students with the opportunity to gain an appreciation for the different faiths and their contributions to the world. There has also been an effort to increase the visibility of religious leaders within the media, presenting audience members from a variety of backgrounds with a more holistic understanding of what it means to be religious.
All of these initiatives have had a positive effect on the acceptance of faith in the modern world. Irrespective of religious belief or background, most people are now more willing to learn about each other, discuss the various aspects of faith and look beyond stereotypes.
Updating Church Practices
In order to properly regenerate the faith, churches need to make sure they are providing a safe and welcoming environment. This means providing specific services to cater towards the needs of their flock – such as providing children’s classes, student’s classes and support groups. By actively involving and helping the members of their congregation, churches can take steps to make sure that the faith is relevant and meaningful for those of all ages.
Moreover, churches must make sure that their doctrines are up-to-date, in particular when it comes to issues such as LGBT rights, gender equality and racial justice. By offering meaningful and accepting responses to difficult questions, churches prove that they can stay relevant while still keeping their traditional beliefs in-tact.
Finally, churches should look to broaden their sources of income, as this provides them with greater flexibility and autonomy. This includes deriving income from sources such as investments, grants, membership fees, donations and third-party services. Through this, churches can ensure their sustainability, providing more security for their members in the long run.
