The idea that Christianity is ‘dead’ seems to have gained more traction in recent years, with some seeing the decline in Christianity across the Western world as indicative of a fading faith. But is this really the case? Christianity remains prominent in many parts of the world, and its adherents span across cultures and countries. Despite this, there 2013 Pew Research Centre report highlighted a steep decline in the proportion of Americans claiming to be Christian – from 78.4% to 70.8% in the observed period – and many have interpreted this statistic as evidence of “the death of Christianity”.
Dr Bob Robinson, a professor of theology and religious studies, would disagree with this sentiment. “There is no doubt about it: the Church’s influence has declined significantly – but Christianity is not dead,” he explains. “It is a living and growing faith”. Robinson points out that Christianity is still the largest faith in the U.S., and that even with the reported decline, five-sixths of the population still claim to be Christian. He posits that “the major challenge for the Church today is how to address the causes and rate of decline, and effectively respond to the issues that have brought this decline.”
Ralph Marciel, a scholar of religion, sees a more philosophical interpretation. “Many people might see Christianity as being ‘dead’ because they are thinking of ‘believing in’ something in an abstract sense,” he says. “But I think it misses the point of Christian faith, which is found more in being transformed to do something than believing something. In this way, it can appear ‘dead’ because many don’t know what it really looks like.”
Others suggest that the statistics alone don’t tell the whole story. Chris Given-Wilson, a professor of religious studies, comments on the problem of ‘nominal’ adherents – those who merely describe themselves as Christian on census forms, but cannot be considered active participants in the religion. “These figures might give an inaccurate impression of the state of Christianity in the US,” he explains. “We know that the real truth is much more complex than this, as there is a vast difference between those who actually consider themselves active Christians and those who simply tick the box for ‘Christian’.”
The data undoubtedly supports the contention that Christianity is in decline, but this is by no means a clear-cut image of ‘the death of Christianity’. Rather, the opinions of scholars and experts appear to be divided, raising questions about the true state of the faith.
Sustained Popularity
When looking at the current state of Christianity, it becomes evident that there are pockets of sustained enthusiasm and enthusiasm. This is most notable in Africa, where Christianity is more often seen as an empowering and ancient faith that is guided by traditional values. In fact, the continent experienced a 6% increase in the total number of Christians between 2010-2020. Much of this growth is attributed to the vitality and enthusiasm of its followers rather than conversions.
This renewed interest in Christian faith is evidenced by the range of projects that have emerged in Africa. In 2019, the teachings of Jesus were brought to life in action-packed Bible slam event in Nigeria, while faith-filled rock concerts, church dramas, and theatre performances have been seen in Kenya, Ghana, and Zambia. Even through the turmoil of a pandemic, these acts have continued, inspiring hundreds of young Christians and furthering the idea that Christianity is very much alive.
Charbu, an author and evangelist from Kenya, has witnessed this vibrancy first-hand. “I have seen a whole generation of young people in East Africa turning to this faith in droves,” he explains. “Many of these youth have found the hope and a sense of purpose in Christianity that they were once lacking. This is something they connect deeply to, and something that will help them in all aspects of their lives.”
These inspiring examples of Christian devotion, coupled with the determination of ordinary believers all around the world, indicate that Christianity is still alive and kicking – even if the statistics don’t tell the entire story.
Redefining Values
The dynamic nature of the faith has enabled it to remain relevant in an ever-changing world and culture. This is an integral part of Christianity’s ongoing influence and has enabled a new set of values and beliefs to take root. Critics contend that this has threatened the fundamental values of the religion, and have accused it of becoming too open to modern interpretations and ideas.
Nigel Jones, a research fellow for the Institute for Religion, Politics and Society, takes a more measured view. “I wouldn’t go so far as to say that Christianity has become ‘open’,” he explains. “But the faith is certainly broadening its interpretation, enabling it to be better understood and appreciated by new generations. It’s allowing individuals to interpret and apply Scripture in new ways. This is a strength of Christianity and one that is being manifested in the Churches’ newfound commitment to issues such as inclusivity and social justice.”
The debate continues as to what ‘true’ Christianity looks like in the 21st century, with the interpretative nature of the religion providing plenty of fodder for both those celebrating its evolution and those lamenting its dilution. But one thing is clear: whatever its form, Christianity is still here, influencing the world in new and unexpected ways.
A Canon in Flux
The interpretative nature of Christianity has further manifested itself in the fluidity of its documental canon. Bible books, verses, creeds and doctrines have all been subject to debate, a process which has seen an emergence of new spiritual literature. This has enabled believers to appreciate other faith traditions, and to draw from them in the form of insights, values and narratives. Yet, this fluidity has also been the source of much contention, as the wider Christian community struggles to agree on what is truly relevant for the faith today.
Delmar Mckinney, a theologian, offers a point of view. “The Christian canon is ever-evolving and always in flux – and this reflects the nature of the faith itself,” he explains. “The Bible and its deeply inspiring stories remain foundational to Christianity, but our understanding of it is changing as we move further into a modern world.” He also points out that there is no single ‘litmus test’ for determining the relevance of different documents or beliefs. “Interpretations shift, [relevance] is subjective. What is important for one person may not be for another.”
The ability of the faith to evolve with its adherents has certainly played a role in its continued success. It has enabled believers to step outside the boundaries of traditional interpretations and draw their own conclusions. While there is no definitive answer as to what ‘true’ Christianity is, this dynamism has allowed its followers to explore and discover whatever version best suits them.
A Challenging Landscape
At the same time, Christianity still faces significant external challenges. These range from a decrease in the number of Christians in developed countries and the competing interests of modern culture to the advances in science and the emergence of ‘alternative’ faiths.
Lawrence Stephens, a professor of theology, believes these external pressures can lead to a rise in evangelical attitudes. “We must remember that the Christian faith does have detractors,” he says. “It is natural for certain parts of the Church to respond to these intruding voices with a defensive attitude or with a missionary zeal to ‘convert’ people back to the faith.”
At the same time, there is an increasing focus on inter-faith dialogue, enabling different believers to engage in respectful discourse on difficult issues. In the US, the formation of joint councils between the Christian and Muslim faith communities has been significant, with these talks linking the two communities despite their many differences.
These efforts to build bridges across faith communities indicate that Christianity is very much alive and well. Through these initiatives, the faith is being presented with a more diverse face, allowing it to connect with a wider range of people.
A Wide-Reaching Faith
The increasing open-mindedness of Christianity has brought with it a renewed sense of purpose, one that sees the faith extending its reach beyond the traditional walls of the Church. This has seen churches become points of refuge for those in need, medical clinics for those struggling with their health, and even support networks for people coming out of homelessness.
This was the case with a group of Church leaders in the Netherlands, who responded to the nation’s growing poverty problem by establishing a network of churches to help those struggling with their housing situation. In this way, these Churches were pushed beyond their traditional roles and emerged as an example of the power of collaboration and collective action.
Ultimately, this highlights a modern impetus for the faith: to use its power to effect change. This has been seen in social movement across the world, from liberation theology in Latin America to faith-based organisations in the U.K. For these believers, the key to Christianity’s ongoing influence lies not in its perceived strength or numbers, but in its capacity for action and advocacy.
A Refreshing Perspective
Ultimately, the conversation around Christianity being ‘dead’ is complex, with different interpretations and agreements. But what is clear is that, while the faith has undoubtedly experienced declines in recent years, it still remains incredibly influential and vibrant. This has been marked by new interpretations, documents, and initiatives, providing a refreshing perspective on Christianity that speaks to its relevance in the modern world.
Moreover, the faith’s focus on action has allowed it to remain closely attuned to the world’s most pressing issues. From social support initiatives in the Netherlands to advocacy on discrimination in the U.S., the faith’s capacity to enact change is testament to its ongoing influence. So no, Christianity is not ‘dead’ – it is very much alive and it’s time we started paying attention.
