Religion in the Age of Secularism

Religion in the United States is gradually losing an ongoing battle with secularism. A recent study by Pew Research not only shows that people identified as non-religious are growing, but they are in fact becoming even more secular. The same organization made a study to find out why people were leaving their faith tradition. While everyone’s experience is unique in the decision, the study was able to find some common ground in the responses. The number one reason being a lack of belief, led many to abandon their faith. The study drew this response from many that referred to this experience or decision as, growing out of the faith, the use of common sense or logic, and science as the ultimate factor that led them away from belief. Other reasons included a dislike of organized religion, no need for religion, or religion being too much like a business.

It is clear that we live in a secular age and studies like this one only suggest it is growing in the United States. Much of the response from religious groups however has been counter-productive. Often, I read headlines in articles that proclaim religion is being persecuted or that people of faith are being harassed. (Must of them from Catholic sources) This sort of response does not help religion as a whole, nor does it help people of faith. It further antagonizes religion and secularism by placing them at a contradiction. Pope Francis constantly reminds us of the welcoming response Christians should offer atheists. After all, he even claimed that atheists that followed their conscience are welcome in heaven too!

Religion and secularism are in contention with one another because secularism has leveled the playing field. In the past, religion had always the upper hand simply by being married to divine rule. Now, in democratic states, religion is no longer able to exercise this type of influence. Naturally, religion is losing some of its power and influence and this has shown in how it communicates beliefs to people, leading many to leave their faith traditions. More so, in a postmodern age, any single narrative is not only questioned but abandoned for being too rigid and simplistic.

Instead of focusing too much on the problem of why so many are fleeing Church pews and exchanging them for just about anything, a better approach is to propose an alternative for a response. Notice I did not mention solution because firstly, that would be too overconfident but mainly because it is a suggestion. First, religion does not have to be at opposition with secularism. This might sound like a contradiction itself—but I believe firmly is not. For religions to exist they must co-exist with other religions and this includes secularism. Religion must dialogue with secularism and find common-ground. Secularism for instance, does not abandon ethics and morality. Christians can speak of ethics and morality from a Christian point of view. An absence of religion does not mean an absence of good—sometimes the biggest obstacle for dialogue and understanding is semantics!

Most importantly, people of faith must really ask the question: Why do I want to pass down my faith? I believe firmly that religion is most authentic, and therefore attractive, when it is radical. This word gets a bad rep but it is used intentionally here. There is an aspect of religion that is crazy—but crazy for love and good. To love those who hate me? To pray for those who want to hurt me? What else would you call this type of behavior—stupid and crazy! But faith demands this from us. People are drawn to this type of religion. They recognize its authenticity, they see the fruits that it brings, they admire it, and they yearn to be moved by it.  

And so in this era of secularism people of faith can dialogue with it and find common ground and in the process find out that alienation is not an option. Instead, people of faith can find that in dialogue partners are made and that Jesus did not close the doors on those of little faith, but was harsher with those who called themselves self-righteous. But people of faith can also attract by example. By living lives so radically that it leads other people not only to see the good in religion but to partake in the journey of faith as well.