In the face of increasingly distressing forms of secularity in our culture, Christianity appears to be making a resurgence, growing stronger and becoming more widespread across the U.S. According to a new Pew Research Study, 73 percent of American adults believe Jesus was born to a virgin, and 65 percent believe the full Christmas story. This is encouraging news, and a stark contrast to the 14 percent of U.S. adults who do not believe either of these elements.
This also leads to an underlying question. If so many American adults identify as Christian, why then are the groups that decry Christianity so well known and represented, while the Christian majority is not? Quite simply, the answer is because these secular groups are the ones making themselves heard.
However, that does not mean that Christians are being silent. As mentioned, research is showing that Christianity is growing. But the difference between the quiet Christian majority and the vociferous, secular minority demonstrates the great need for Christian leaders.
There is a strong, Christian base in our culture practicing frequent, fervent prayer, while diligently seeking God day after day. But, while the Christian “core” is growing stronger, those who subscribe to the secular media increase their volume in an attempt to silence Christian voices from influencing our culture.
Dr. Phil Cooke reports on this issue in an article for the Huffington Post, and explains that “the Church hasn’t been losing its voice, it’s been giving it away.” So will Christianity ever regain its influence on our culture? Dr. Cooke believes it can, and points to certain indicators, such as more churches showing up in major urban areas around the country, talented artists and writers becoming unapologetic about their faith, and programs like The Bible breaking audience records. However, until Christians are willing to raise their voices even louder against the challenges of our secular society, the light of Christian influence will remain under a bushel.
Christianity has undergone trials and oppression for thousands of years, and each time it survives with the help of Christians who tirelessly stand up for their faith. It is time for followers of Christ to make use of this resurgence: step out and engage culture.
Check out Dr. Cooke’s full article here.
