A “post-Christian” society refers to a culture that was once predominantly Christian in belief and practice but has now moved away from Christianity and its influence. There are several indicators that can suggest a society has entered a post-Christian phase:
– Declining church attendance and religious affiliation. Surveys may show fewer people identifying as Christian or attending religious services regularly.
– Christian morality and values play less of a role in public policy and discourse. Issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, euthanasia which were once controversial from a Christian perspective become widely accepted.
– Less knowledge of the Bible and Christian practices among the population. Biblical references and allusions are no longer commonly understood.
– More religious pluralism and syncretism. A mixing of different faiths and spiritualities rather than dominance of Christianity.
– Christianity seen as just one religion among many, not the dominant belief system. Other religions like Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism gain more adherents.
– Growth of secularism and rejection of religion. More people identify as atheist, agnostic or “spiritual but not religious.”
– Christmas and Easter take on more secular and commercial meanings rather than religious ones.
– Christian symbols like crosses and nativity scenes disappear from public spaces.
– Christian morality regarding sexuality, marriage and family becomes less normative.
From a biblical perspective, the decline of Christianity in a post-Christian society may be indicative of the end times Jesus foretold. He warned that in the last days “many will turn away from the faith” (Matthew 24:10) and there will be a “great falling away” before His return (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Paul also writes that people will turn from sound doctrine and “accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” (2 Timothy 4:3).
The book of Romans describes a progressive downward spiral people go through when they reject God’s truth and existence. First they deny Him or become ungrateful (Romans 1:21), which leads to futile thinking and darkened hearts (Romans 1:21). Next comes moral corruption as they exchange natural relations for unnatural ones (Romans 1:26) and approve of sin (Romans 1:32). A post-Christian society indicates people are going through these stages of denying God and embracing sinful lifestyles.
At times in the Bible when societies turned away from God, He judged and sent disciplined them through calamity and conquest (Jeremiah 25:8-11). The books of Judges, Kings and Chronicles record the cycles of rebellion and idolatry Israel and Judah went through and the judgment it brought each time from God. A post-Christian society risks facing similar judgment if it defiantly rejects God.
The decline of Christian influence does not mean God has lost control or that His purposes have been thwarted. Rather, it can serve His plans to bring the age to completion and usher in Christ’s return. Jesus taught the Kingdom of God starts small like a mustard seed but grows to become the biggest tree (Matthew 13:31-32). As Christianity spreads worldwide, its influence in once strongholds like Europe and North America could wane. But this allows the gospel to grow elsewhere.
Paul wrote that the whole creation groans as if in childbirth waiting for God’s sons to be revealed (Romans 8:19-22). The labor pains preceding Christ’s return could include the turbulent changes that come with a post-Christian society. But Christians are to remain patient and hopeful, continuing to spread the gospel even in trying times.
For individual believers, a post-Christian surrounding provides opportunities to shine as lights and stand out from the culture. Daniel and his three friends maintained their faith even in pagan Babylon. Similarly, Christians today can still live godly lives and honor Christ in an unbelieving society.
The book of Acts records how the early church flourished even in the Roman Empire which violently persecuted it at times. A post-Christian context allows believers to rely more fully on God’s strength rather than human resources. It can drive them back to the pure gospel undiluted by worldly approaches. Paul expressed confidence that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). A post-Christian society provides that refining test.
Regardless of the overall direction of society, Christians are exhorted to continue gathering together for encouragement (Hebrews 10:25), praying for their cities and leaders (Jeremiah 29:7), doing good works (Titus 3:8), and spreading the gospel of salvation in Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). They are to be salt and light preserving and enlightening the culture (Matthew 5:13-16). So there are still opportunities to positively impact a post-Christian society even as its overall worldview shifts away from biblical truths.
In summary, from a biblical perspective, the decline of Christianity in a once strongly Christian society is a sign of growing depravity and rejection of God foretold in Scripture for the end times. It indicates people turning from sound doctrine, exchanging God’s truth for lies and embracing sinful lifestyles. This could bring God’s discipline on societies that were blessed by the gospel but later defiantly rejected it. But it also allows the gospel to spread and grow elsewhere in new soil. Individual Christians can still shine as light in darkness by maintaining godly lives. And God remains sovereign over all human affairs and developments. The complete fulfillment of His purposes in Christ is certain regardless of the moral trajectory of the surrounding culture.