Faithfulness in a 'post-Christian' Britain

There was a time when much of British public life at least assumed a broadly Christian moral framework. That did not mean Britain was ever truly a “Christian nation” in the Biblical sense, nor that previous generations were necessarily more godly. But Christian convictions about marriage, family, human dignity, sexuality, the value of life and the place of religion in public life were often understood, even by those who did not personally believe the gospel.

That landscape has changed.

Increasingly, Christians find themselves living in a culture that not only rejects many Biblical convictions but sometimes struggles even to understand them. Beliefs that were once considered ordinary can now sound strange, offensive or even dangerous.

The temptation, therefore, is to respond in one of two ways: retreat or rage.

Some Christians are tempted to withdraw, keeping their heads down, avoiding difficult conversations and hoping simply to be left alone. Others are tempted to become permanently angry, treating the surrounding culture as an enemy to be defeated rather than a mission field to be reached.

Neither response is sufficient. The Bible calls us to something better: courageous, clear, joyful faithfulness.

We should not be surprised

The New Testament was not written to believers enjoying cultural dominance. It was written largely to Christians living as minorities within societies that did not share their convictions.

Peter writes to believers as “elect exiles” (1 Peter 1v1). Paul tells the Philippians that their “citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3v20). Jesus tells His disciples plainly: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15v18).

Therefore, Christians should resist the instinct to panic whenever Biblical Christianity becomes socially unpopular. The church has often been most faithful when it has been most obviously different. Our task is not to make Christianity respectable to every generation. Our task is to remain faithful to Christ.

Clarity without embarrassment

One danger in a post-Christian culture is that believers slowly begin to soften Biblical teaching in order to avoid offence. We may still believe what Scripture says, but become reluctant to say it clearly.

Yet Paul tells Timothy to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4v2). Some truths will be “in season” culturally and others will not. The calling remains the same. That means Christians must learn to speak clearly about difficult issues.

We should not be embarrassed by Biblical teaching on marriage, sexuality, the sanctity of life, the uniqueness of Christ, sin, judgement or salvation. But neither should we speak as though being provocative were a virtue. Biblical courage is not rudeness.

Peter tells believers to be ready to give a reason for their hope, but to do so “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3v15). Truth and love must belong together.

Holiness will become increasingly visible

As the culture moves further away from Christian morality, ordinary Christian obedience will increasingly look extraordinary. A faithful marriage will stand out. Sexual purity will stand out. Refusing gossip in the workplace will stand out. Treating every human being with dignity will stand out. Generosity will stand out. Keeping your word will stand out. Forgiving those who wrong you will stand out.

Christians sometimes imagine that cultural engagement requires having an opinion on every controversy. Often our most powerful witness will simply be lives shaped by Christ. Jesus calls His people “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5v13-14). Light does not need to shout to be noticed. It simply needs to shine.

The question is not merely whether Britain understands Christian ethics. The deeper question is whether Britain can see Christians whose lives make the gospel believable.

Love your neighbours, even when they disagree

A post-Christian society is not a reason to love our neighbours less, but a reason to love them more deliberately. The people around us are not cultural problems to solve. They are image-bearers to love and sinners who, like us, need the grace of God.

We can disagree deeply without becoming bitter. We can hold Biblical convictions without withdrawing friendship. We can speak about sin while remembering that we ourselves stand only by mercy.

Paul’s words remain remarkably relevant: “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders… Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4v5-6). Christians should be known not only for what we oppose, but for patience, hospitality, compassion, generosity and hope.

Keep the gospel central

Ultimately, Britain’s greatest problem is not that people have abandoned Christian morality. It is that people need Christ. Moral reform cannot resurrect spiritually dead hearts. Political influence cannot reconcile sinners to God. Cultural respectability cannot save, only the gospel can.

Paul was not ashamed of the gospel because “it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1v16). That must remain our confidence. The church does not need to panic, retreat or reinvent Christianity for the modern age. We need Christians who know their Bibles, love their neighbours, pursue holiness, speak courageously and trust the sovereign Lord who builds His church.

Post-Christian Britain may feel unfamiliar but it is not beyond the reach of God. So let us live neither with fear nor hostility, but with courage and clarity. Faithful to Scripture. Gracious toward our neighbours. Unashamed of Christ. And confident that the gospel still is, and always will be, the power of God for salvation.