The relevance of Christianity to today’s world is a topic of high social debate, as it has been for centuries. This article will look at the ways in which Christianity has decreased in popular appeal in our global society. It will examine some of the reasons why this has happened, discuss how it has affected different groups of people, and identify some solutions to the problem.
In examining the effects of Christianity’s decreasing relevance, one of the most noticeable effects is the overall decrease in participation of church services. This is particularly evident in younger generations, as fewer people in the 18-29 age group are attending religious services compared to older generations. In its 2013 survey, the Pew Research Centre found that among Millennials, only 17% attend church services weekly, considerably lower than older age brackets.
The decrease in participation has in turn been linked to a decrease in belief, with research conducted by the Centre for the Study of Global Christianity finding that 58 believers left the faith every minute in 2017. Reasons could vary, but one suggestion made is that modern day individuals are increasingly focused on consumerism and materialism. The influence of science, with its data and facts, is another suggested factor, as it has in some instances challenged religious belief.
It is not only in terms of belief and participation where Christianity has decreased. It is also evident in terms of its authority. Although Christianity has been historically authoritative, its relevance to today’s life has lowered. The laws affecting people’s lives (from medical ethics to divorce) have become increasingly removed from the church’s grip, as society opens up to a more secular outlook. And as the world progresses further towards a progressive age, the presence of Christianity – especially when talking about social and moral issues – is seen to be declining.
These changes have been felt differently from group to group. A study conducted by the Church of England found that 35% of adults between the ages of 47 and 66 claim to have been raised as Anglicans, compared to only 8% of adults between 16 and 33. Youth today are particularly at risk of being affected by the lowering of Christian authority, with those in their twenties more likely to embrace more progressive forms of thought.
Alongside these difficulties that come with Christianity’s decreasing relevance, there are also solutions. In counselling alone, religious institutions and charities can be seen to be actively engaging with people in order to encourage religious participation. In addition, churches are also adapting by embracing evolving methods within the faith to inspire more people to become committed believers or engaged participants. From rock-style praise music to contemporary bible discussions, there is a growing variety of engagement styles designed to draw people back in.
Given the steady decrease of Christianity, there is therefore an urgent need to rethink what it means to be Christian in today’s world, and how the faith’s teachings may be better communicated to younger generations. Such an undertaking will require an honest assessment of the current state of the church, as well as an openness to new ideas. Ultimately, there is hope that with the right strategies in place, Christianity can reclaim its place in the global narrative and inspire the world with a timeless message of faith, hope and love.
Effects on Different Groups
The decrease in the relevance of Christianity is something that has been felt differently within different groups in our global society. While the overall effect of the shift has been a decrease in religious faith and participation, individuals within different age brackets, religions and communities have responded differently to the changes.
For instance, the Church of England’s study showed that compared to older generations, those in their twenties and thirties have been the most resistant to the decreasing presence of Christianity. Even those within the same religion have felt the effect differently. Whereas older generations have responded largely with nostalgia and a sense of loss, younger participants have been far more open to new forms of expression within the same faith.
This effect has been further highlighted by the rising presence of progressive Christianity, which embraces the ideas from contemporary thought alongside traditional beliefs. From rock-style praise music to feminist approaches, this movement has inspired many young adults to take part in religious activities, even if it is through an alternative style.
The declining relevance of Christianity has had a different effect still on non-Christian minority groups. Research conducted by the Barna Group found that only 13% of adults in the USA identified as religiously affiliated, and whilst this could be linked to the Christian decrease, it could also be related to the growth in religious diversity in the nation.
Therefore, this decrease of Christianity is something which has varied impacts depending on many factors, but with the right strategies in place, there is hope that it can still be a powerful force, bridging the divides in our society.
Communication Strategies
As the global nature of Christianity changes, there is a need for modern day approaches to communicating the faith’s teachings. This is especially true for the younger generations, who haven’t had the same exposure to church and Bible stories as their grandparents did. Therefore, these new approaches are essential to ensuring future generations bring up their kids with Bible stories and Christian values.
One way to communicate effectively is through personal stories and testimonies. People often tend to respond to stories with empathy, as it allows them to see the Bible in relation to their own life. There is also the use of social media, which is not just a powerful communication tool, but provides an opportunity for believers to engage in conversation and even ask questions relating to their faith.
It can also be beneficial for Christians to tap into their creativity when communicating the Bible’s messages. This can be done through the use of media, art, music and other forms of cultural expression. Not only does this enable people to better understand the Bible’s teachings, it also helps to make it more relevant to a rapidly changing and modern world.
Alongside communication strategies, there is an urgent need to focus on equipping local churches to inspire more Christians. From strengthening leadership to innovative outreach events, churches need to be encouraged and resourced so that they can better engage with their members and the community around them.
In taking these steps, not only can believers be encouraged to stay connected to their faith, but those who don’t share the same beliefs may be inspired to explore Christianity and understand its relevance to the world.
Depictions in the Media
The effect of Christianity’s decreasing relevance has been increasingly evident in the media, from news and current affairs programmes to movies, music and books. Increasingly, representations of believers feature less or none at all, and even when they are mentioned, they are usually included as an afterthought or a foil.
This has consequently had a negative effect on how the faith is perceived by non-Christians. With fewer references in the media, the message of Christianity has become less familiar, often leading people to believe it is outdated. There is also the risk of leading many to believe that Christianity is hypocritical, judgmental and even oppressive.
Therefore, it could be beneficial to filmmakers and writers to play a part in standing up for Christianity. Stories that feature Christian characters in positive and relevant ways can be powerful when it comes to changing the public’s understanding and ignorance of what it really means to be a Christian today.
This could only be achieved if the characters are realistic. To make the representations meaningful, it is important to portray the nuances of being a Christian, rather than a caricature or an out-dated trope. It is also essential for stories to be told with genuine care and respect, allowing people to consider mature Christian views as equal to any other perspective in society.
Educative Responses
Given the fact that Christianity is no longer seen by many as the dominant foundation for morality, the church is presented with an opportunity to respond through education. By teaching people not just about the faith itself, but also about its values, its history and even its future, the church cannot only fight against ignorance, but provide a foundation for authentic faith.
Institutions such as seminaries and universities should be looked to as important venues for such activity. Bible schools should also not be forgotten as they provide more personalised training in a culture where religious teaching is often disregarded or overlooked.
As well as this, schools that teach theology can help believers and non-believers alike in understanding the Bible in relation to their everyday lives. This can be done through creative classes, like art and photography, which can bring the scriptures to life in a visual and enjoyable manner. Churches themselves should also focus on encouraging deeper faith and spiritual growth through the use of thoughtful teachings, reflective activities and engagement with people’s questions.
Ultimately, education can be an effective tool in both engaging individuals and empowering them to be confident believers. By taking on a proactive and educational approach, the church could be better positioned in reclaiming its place in society.
Outreach for Non-Believers
In a society where Christianity is becoming increasingly seen as irrelevant by those who don’t share the same beliefs, there is a need to take a proactive approach in outreach. This could involve inviting those who don’t share the same faith to events and talks held by the church. It might also involve organising accidental meetings with people who happen to visit a Christian establishment.
It also involves encouraging church members to engage in conversations about faith and spirituality with those who don’t necessarily believe in Christianity. This is important, as it allows for an opportunity to listen to the concerns and opinions of non-believers, as well as cultivate an environment where open dialogue is possible.
In pursuing such activities, the ultimate goal should be to enable non-believers to see the relevance of Christianity to their lives. Whether it is through inviting them to events or providing thoughtful resources and literature, believers can actively provide those exploring the faith with a meaningful experience that shows how Christianity can provide hope, meaning and direction.
By taking on a proactive strategy in outreach, the church can inspire more people to come and visit, as well as demonstrate how its teachings and practices still hold relevance to our ever-evolving world.
