Is Christianity Dead?

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Well folks, another Christmas is in the books!

Christmas 2K16 is officially behind us. The eggnog has been consumed. Gifts gifted. Food coma endured. And for those brave souls who took on a real tree this year, its pine needles are officially all over the floor and will be mysteriously appearing in random crevices for the next 4 months.

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Ever since I was of “appropriate age,” my family has always gone to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. It is one of my favorite memories and traditions. The caroling at 11pm. The candles. The trumpets. For the past, say, 15+ years, we have been going, and every year, we’d always get there right at 11:00, throwing elbows, and staking out our pew, as it is always standing room only. And don’t even bother coming at 11:15…because there will be no parking and you’re guaranteed to be standing – two deep – in the back.

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But over the past couple years, I’ve noticed that each Christmas, we don’t have to arrive quite as early. And the full-court-press/box-out/battle-to-the-death to get and save a pew has ever so gradually deescalated.

Until this year.

When the church was half empty.

Half empty.

For Midnight Mass. Christmas Eve.

There wasn’t a snow storm. The zombie apocalypse hasn’t happened….unless of course, I am terribly mistaken about that one..


But where the heck was everyone?

And I couldn’t help but ask myself, as I looked around and saw several dozen teenage boys counting the ceiling tiles, looking as though they wanted to die…is our faith on life support?

Are we experiencing the decline of faith and church as we know it?

Is Christianity dead?

And that friends, is not the type of thought pattern you want to be mulling over while in church, literally celebrating the birth of Christ.

As with everything in life, looking in the mirror is a hard thing to do. Facing the truth, acknowledging and accepting it…is an exercise in extreme humility, to say the least.

But let’s call it how it is…we are experiencing a decline in Christianity. Look it up. Pew studies. People identifying as Christian. Church attendance. Prayer. Christians actively living their faith are going down. Especially in Gen X’ers and Millennials.

And that. Is scary.

Leafing through the church bulletin after mass, I was almost in a fog. Nevermind the fact that it was nearing 2am and I had just come off a 7am flight from NYC the day before…but my mind was just swirling after witnessing the stagnant, lifeless state of my once vibrant and spiritually ablaze childhood parish. So I was numbly flipping through the pages.

And there was something that caught my eye.

There was, of course, a big “welcome” section in the front. Offering Christmas greetings to parishioners, out-of-towners, guests, non-Christians joining us, etc. All nice. Great.

And then there was the line, “We are your church family and are here for you!”

And I hate to admit this, but I’ve got to be honest….that really rubbed me the wrong way. It felt painfully disingenuous.

There’s a stereotype about “church people.” And I for one, hate even giving the time of day to negative stereotypes about people. Because they’re always hurtful and typically untrue.

But desperate times…

There is a decline in our faith, and it’s time to not mince words and take a cold, hard look in the mirror. Because like it or not, we are the face of the church.

But the stereotype is that “church people” are incredibly “judgey” people. That they prance around all hoity-toity and look down on “non-church people” and scoff at their “heathen ways.”


And we, as the face of the church, what are we going to do about that?

How are we going to fix that?

Because I can attest to the fact that that stereotype is, for the most part, false. 

But the commonly accepted (albeit misconceived) notion is that church is a boring, out-of-touch institution that is full of either judgy snobs, dowdy/orthopedic-shoe-wearing shut-ins, or “Jesus-freaks.”

And people don’t want anything to do with that.

So they just don’t come.

And I want to pause here for a second. I know this is only one factor. There are a lot of other issues – people having different priorities, having other interests, adopting “spirituality” while leaving behind “religion.” Not to mention the church’s often unpopular stances on hot button social issues, such as abortion and the sanctity of marriage, etc. This stereotype is only one contributing factor.

But you and I…we have a personal responsibility.

We have a job to do: and that is to change that stereotype. Turn people’s minds around. Change their hearts to be open to Christ and open to faith.

Is Christianity dead?

Only if we let it.

You can’t give away what you don’t personally have.

And if I want to share Christ’s love and have it be attractive and inviting to another person, I need to have it in my heart myself. I need to have His love be overflowing in my own life, so as to attract another person to Him. And attract them back to church.


The pathetic church attendance on Christmas Eve…I partially blame myself. Because I ask myself…how am I personally fighting to set the record straight on how a “church person” looks and acts.

Because I’m going to be honest…(and I hate to admit it)…but I don’t really wear my faith outspokenly on my sleeve, for fear of being labeled a “church person.” 


And I am filled with such shame typing that out, but it’s true. I don’t want to be labeled as “weird” or “out of touch” … so I keep my faith private. Let that be a personal part of my life that is between me and God.

But I realize now, that I am part of the problem.

My faith can’t be hidden. I can’t just be a silent by-stander as my church is red lining, in desperate need of rebranding and resuscitation.


Christianity is not dead. It is alive in our hearts. In our homes. In our prayers. But that is not enough.

I’m going to go out on a limb. For God. Invite someone to church with me.

Because at the end of the day, if Jesus can stretch out His arms and die on a limb for me, I can go out on one, for Him.

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beautybeyondbones

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651 thoughts on “Is Christianity Dead?”

  2. You do a marvelous job testifying to your faith in your blog. And you are genuine in how you do it. That’s the important thing; not just stating what you believe but showing what it is like to embody being a disciple of Christ in the struggles of daily life. Numerically, Christianity may be shrinking some in Europe and North America, but it is growing tremendously in Africa and Asia. God will not be without his witnesses.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Just as in any faction that is either misunderstood, misrepresented, or under-represented, Christianity is certainly teetering on an unhealthy precipice in the minds of the masses. There are too many zealots and not enough “witnesses” people don’t want a brochure shoved at them; they want to be part of something bigger. Unfortunately, too much skepticism and mistrust can be a cancer to any religious group, Christianity included. Very appropriate and necessary discussion. Well done

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Great article and very timely. As a pastor I can tell you that there was a great deal of preparation leading up to our Candlelight Service, but I noticed that attendance at our Christmas Eve service was down this year as well. Conversely, I have seen more Christmas lights up this year than I have in past years and have had many more people wish me a “Merry Christmas” as opposed to a “Happy Holiday.”

    One of the problems I have observed with the Western church culture, especially here in the States, is that we are stuck in time. If I had to guess I’d say somewhere before 1940. Things were good then, and the church was the center of community life. If the church said it, people believed it because they felt that they could trust the church with the truth. And so, we killed our evangelism programs and resorted to sending money to missionaries to carry out the “Great Commission” on our behalf, because everyone came to church. We no longer felt the need to go to them.

    Then, WWII happened and everything changed. Hitler claimed to have the truth, Joseph Stalin claimed to have the truth, and tens of millions of people died at their hand. So, what makes the “Truth” that the church is talking about any different? Now, people no longer wanted to hear the truth, they wanted to see the truth; to experience it. The church, however, balked at this and dug in. Now, instead of being an agent of change in the community, the church became entrenched, unmoving and out of touch with their communities because were no longer streaming into church, in fact, they started leaving.

    The message hasn’t changed, but how we present it to people must. When Peter stood before the masses at Pentecost, he didn’t demand that everyone speak Hebrew. Everyone heard the message in their own language, in a way that they could understand it and accept it. I’d like to believe that Mrs. Cleaver is still making cookies that won’t make you fat in her perfectly pressed dress, polished heels and pearls, but we don’t live there anymore. We need to be open about our faith, stop making excuses for people’s bad behavior and live out the love of Jesus, not just talk about it.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks so much Joshua. I really appreciate you sharing this thoughtful response. So much powerful food for thought here. You’re right, there is definitely a stuck in time Feeling. Amen – let’s live out the love of Jesus! So glad you stopped by! I’m honored that you would read my words! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Joshua, I happened to read this in passing. I’m not argumentative in the least, but I do like to make comments and hear other people’s viewpoints. You said the message hasn’t changed. Back in the 1930’s the church still thought of itself as being victorious saints. Today churches say that they are hospitals full of sick people. In the 1930’s people considered it necessary to keep the ten commandments and the Sermon on the Mount. Today, it seems all churches say that all your sins past, present, and future are forgiven and you need to do NOTHING to go to heaven. In my opinion the big change really began in 1948 when Israel became a nation. The time of the Gentiles is over. Jewish time began to tick . The Christian churches just keep spiralling downward further and further away from obeying the commands of Jesus. That’s just my opinion. God bless.

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      1. For whatever reason, I just saw this comment! I apologize for not responding sooner. Thank you for taking the time to read it and to respond. I agree that our perception of who we are and how we respond has changed over the years, but the message hasn’t. “Be holy” still means the same thing today, whether we want it to or not. I also agree that many have chosen to be liked instead of being leaders. The church, specifically in the Western world, has chosen to water down the message in an attempt to appease the people and make it seem more attractive. In truth, to live a Biblical life is hard. It takes sacrifice and suffering. It takes surrender and devotion. Thanks again for your comment!

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  7. The problem isn’t necessarily the people, and if it is, it’s not on purpose; the problem is what the authority structure of the church has twisted the Scriptures into in order to make church a set of instructions, rules, and expectations of behaviors. One of my churches, for example, wrote in it’s constitution that families were the building block of society, families were ordained by God to be one husband and one wife, with the husband having authority over his wife. What they failed to realize was that the rules of the church privileged families at the expense of it’s singles, marginalizing them for not living up to the expectation that they be married and that their families be structured accordingly to their teachings. In most of my churches the people were alright, mostly. It was the rules and micro-managing nature of the leaders that caused me to question: “Does the Bible (or Lord or God, they seem to be interchangeable) really say?”

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Jamie, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experiences. I understand where you’re coming from – the beauty of Christ is the freedom that we have in Him. It is discouraging to not feel as though you’re living up to a standard of perfection. Because at the end of the day, only Jesus was perfect. And in fact, he chose to hang out with people who were far from it. Thanks for the food for thought. Big hugs xox

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  9. Thank you, beauty… for your honesty. We all need to examine ourselves and ask: if people around me are being convicted for being Christians, would they find anything in me to convict me? If I am beaten and thrown prison for preaching, as led by the Holy Spirit, would I be bold pray and sing loudly at mid-night? Would I be able to preach fervently like Stephen, even when stones are raining down on me?
    We are God’s ambassadors, His voice, His hands and feet and as we let Him He will use us to reconcile others to Himself. we cannot do it in our own strength and that is why we need the power of the Spirit to guide us each step of the way.

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      1. You’re undoubtedly a beauty beyond bones. Keep pressing on in your zeal in your writing. You are going places. God will open doors for you that no man can shut; doors beyond your imagination.

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  10. Jesus once told the Pharisees that if his disciples were silent, the stones would cry out for them. The very power of the Holy Spirit pushes us to proclaim Christ. Each time I’ve been mocked or treated with hate because of my faith, I wear it as a badge of honor for Christ. It’s natural to be afraid, and most view church as the building in which we gather, but it’s not. We, as followers of Christ, are the Church. “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I also” is what Jesus said. When you gathered with your family this year to celebrate Christmas, you were the Church. Whenever you gather with people outside of the building, you are the Church. Church is not just a Sunday thing to worship God, my pastor once told me that following Jesus is not one day a week, but it’s 24/7 worship. People call us Jesus Freaks, but you know what? We are. We are the only Bible these people will ever see and we need to not be afraid. You don’t need to invite someone to church, but rather you can be the church right over a cup of coffee 🙂 Be very courageous it says in Joshua, for our God is with us.

    Props to you for recognizing this and recentering our focus on this Caralyn!!! Prayers and hugs to you and hope you have a great New Years!

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    1. Thank you so much for this thought provoking response. Yeah that is so true. We often are the only encounter with the gospel that people will have. And you’re right, we are the living breathing church. Such a powerful thought. Thanks for stopping by. Big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  11. This hits home and my other home (Norway). My parents left the Catholic church due to reasons that I am not completely sure of and it left me rather flabergasted and confused. They were the most devout I knew. The shift in faith today is scary. It has left me with the question WHAT AM I and WHERE DO I FIT? I must not be the only millennial thinking these things.

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    1. Hi Pikku! Wow, Norway! That’s awesome. I’m sorry to hear that you’re grappling with those questions. You are definitely not alone. I think everyone has to figure that out for themselves at some point. But I have faith that you will:) I think at the end of the day we have to look deep within and ask ourselves what we value and believe and what we stand for. And honestly, that is something that no other person can decide that for us. Sending massive hugs to you. Xox

      Liked by 1 person

  12. You are right to see that Christianity is dying. It has been in steady decline since 1948 when Israel became a nation. The time of the Gentiles is over and the time of the Jews is now once again here. Soon the two witnesses of the Book of Revelation will appear at the wailing wall in Jerusalem, and the tribulation period will begin. The end of the world is upon us. Grim but true. You are also correct that you are to obey Jesus by proclaiming his Gospel. The entire Christian church is terminally ill, and the world is in even worse shape. The world as we know it will soon come to and end, and it will then be as it is described in the Book of Revelation. You chose a very sobering topic for your post. God Bless!

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    1. Thank you for this reflection. I really appreciate you sharing this perspective. Yes, we are to go and make disciples and preach the gospel. that’s the commandment straight from the Son! Thanks for stopping by! big hugs xox

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  14. Christ is not dead, so therefore his church is not. But now as back in the days of Apostles we are His “remnant” people. Saved by Grace doesn’t mean much to folk who don’t believe they need saving in the first place.
    Best wishes for the New Year.

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    1. Thank you so much for this beautiful reflection. You’re right – He is alive! And as we celebrate His birth, I can’t help but think about His death and resurrection. That is alive. That is hope. That is what we can place our trust in. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  16. I love this you’re so right.. we have to show others Christ is not only living on the inside of us but outside too.. I too am guilty of not witnessing the way I should for Jesus and I to need to invite someone to church with me as well.. be blessed my sister in Christ..

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  17. It’s hard to know what to do. I have seen these trends and wondered what to do. I used to say church was boring, but now I consider it a vital part of my life and well-being. And the thing is, I don’t want the church to modernize anymore. One church that’s popular here is Newspring, which is non-denominational and non-traditional. Services include skits, videos, popcorn, and gourmet coffee. I went to one service and came out thinking, I don’t want church to be a movie or a rock concert. I like those too, but I want church to be church. Which I guess means what people think is boring. I don’t know what we can do other than keep writing and try to help people see the value that we do.

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    1. Thanks for this response, David. That’s so awesome that you recognize the importance of church in your life. I actually listen to New Spring’s podcast every week! Haha small world. But I’m with you – I love the worship we have at church. It is beaujtful and powerful and not boring at all when you recognize the miracle of it 🙂 so glad you stopped by! Big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  18. What we are seeing can best be described of as Age of Enlightenment II, where the intelligentsia (K-12, universities) actively teach against religion. Just as in the first AoE the “educated” drop their involvement in church in order to “fit in”, and the church is sustained by the “uneducated”. This go-round is worse than the first, as most of the children are encouraged to continue on to university as opposed to the manual labor fields, plus the majority of K-12 students now attend government run schools, where any form of religious activity or thinking by students is strictly verboten.

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    1. Thanks so much for this powerful food for thought. I appreciate you sharing it! Yeah, there definitely has been an abandonment of religion in public school curriculum. I wish that weren’t the case! Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  19. Nice post! It is my opinion, and please forgive my pedantic ways, that we are just in a period of transition. If we define a religion as a formula of rites, rituals, mores and norms designed to build and maintain a community, then I think our modern society has changed too much for all of the old rituals to still have the same value. Consider that what we know and are familiar with as comforting religious ritual all came from a time when the population was much smaller, families stayed in the same town, there was no technology and most everyone was a farmer. Or, from another perspective, four hundred years ago it was common for Sunday mass to last the whole day. What would those people think of the hour long services which are the norm today?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much Craig for your reflection and perspective. Yeah. Church today is definitely a horse of a different color! Haha Yoire right, there is definitely s transition occurring. I just hope that we can harness the transition for positive change. Thanks for stopping by and sharing this great food for thought. Hugs and love xox

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  20. Caralyn:
    Dearest sister, I wish that I could successfully communicate the foundations for my conviction. I have never asked the leader of any institution for anything except the opportunity to teach others. I have been rebuffed.
    As Socrates testified, the Mysteries are closed unless the listener opens their heart to the teacher.
    The Church served the purpose of keeping alive the memory of Jesus. Even holy communion is commanded with the words “Do this in memory of me.”
    What happens when the time for remembrance is past? Will the institutions adapt, or will they hold on to the rituals that have been proven to bring comfort to those that must settle for mystery?
    Awash in the love that heals all wounds, why would we settle for that?
    In other words, if the world is to be healed, the Church must either bend to Christ, or lose the authority of Christ’s commission. When that authority is lost, the spirit that joins His flock to the institution is sundered, and people will no longer experience Christ in the rituals.
    Brian

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    1. Thanks for this reflection, Brian. A lot of powerful food for thought here. You’re right, we’ve got to keep Christ alive in whatever way possible. We’ve got to figure out a way to adapt to reach people, while still respecting and keeping alive the beautiful and steadfast traditions. It’s a tricky solution, but one I believe we can achieve. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  24. I started reading this yesterday, and then just now finished. I wanted to see where this ended. You have many salient points. I belong to a mainline protestant denomination that has seen 40 yrs of membership decline in USA, but growing in places like Africa. We have forgotten our first love, Jesus. In some cases, we have been only lukewarm. Only when we grip the reality that people are in danger of eternity in Hell, will we live and love out the gospel as the Body of Christ. I too am part of the problem, with an inhibited faith. If I love people, I will be bold. Thank you for your post.

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  25. Wow, that was a great read! Thank you for your honesty and candor when it comes to your faith and your life. Our local church that we attend has maybe 45 people attending on Sunday mornings. We just put on a children’s Christmas play and packed the pews for both the Saturday night and the Sunday morning performances. It struck many of us that we all wished that many would attend a regular service. In the summer it is even worse as people go on vacation. Sadly I think part of the problem at our church is the congregation is predominantly elderly people. The worship music they prefer is of the hymn variety. It is not exactly music that would attract a younger congregation. I am not saying we should abandon things that the current congregation likes but I am saying I wish we could mix it up a little with some more contemporary music. We need more energy in the church and a compromise could make that happen. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much Susan. I really appreciate your encouraging words. Thatsso great to hear about the Christmas play! So terrific! Yeah, I think a compromise would definitely be a good thing:) thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Great piece! Very well thought-out, and frankly, spot-on.

    Honestly, we gave up going to church once we had kids. It was the final “straw” so-to-speak as we had been having a hard time with the church’s politics for awhile.

    Why was this the final straw? Because we didn’t want to be “that” family. The ones that couldn’t control their kids in church, the ones that everyone gave a dirty look when they talk too loud or wouldn’t behave.

    Now that I have children of my own, I know that controlling a two-year-old with a mind and will of her own is like trying to contain a fart in a wind storm. Not happening.

    Not sure I want it to, either. She needs to learn, explore, and develop independence. Mindless obedience may make “good” children, but it makes for crummy citizens.

    It’s almost like we need a separate service for everyone with kids. make the service a little shorter, a little more upbeat, and an occasional reference to My Little Ponies or Octonauts wouldn’t hurt. May not be what church is “supposed” to be about, but my kids could relate, would pay attention, and would want to talk about it afterward.

    Could you even imagine a sermon where they talked about how each My Little Pony relates to one of Jesus’s teachings?

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    1. Thanks Elizabeth. Glad you enjoyed it. Oh my gosh ” a fart in a wind storm” I laughed out loud at that. I totally get where you’re coming from. Haha a my little pony sermon – I mean, I bet it could be done! But you’re right. Actually, at some churches I’ve been to, they dismiss the kids to “kids church” during the sermon where they have an age appropriate message. But those churches are few where I’ve seen that happen. Anywho, thanks for stopping by and for sharing your story. Big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Your post title caught me eye – I often wonder the same thing. In order to be PC (Politically Correct) Christianity has little by little been pushed out of mainstream and acceptance – the “mass dulling” of Christianity. Where is comes from is quite hard to point fingers at… yet we all have very busy “noisy” lives where we find it hard to prioritize things.

    Happy Holidays – instead of Merry Christmas… don’t want to leave others out… (although by wishing to this to someone you aren’t in fact saying theirs is not important). Happy Holidays does not in fact acknowledge other’s traditions either.

    Pledge of Allegiance out of school – because one Nation “under God”, implies ??? Someone created the idea that it too alienates other religions… yet that choice of words.

    “The Bible Beater” Reputation – that being Christian means all others are wrong. Going to Hell is pretty scary and who wants to be fear mongered into believing something? Christian or not?

    Church Clergy Reputations – even if it hasn’t been recent, everyone can recall a story where there was some wrong doing by a church clergy and therefor may have a bad taste in their mouth.

    Even at Christmas Meals – I notice people don’t “know” if they are supposed to pray anymore.

    The list continues… the stories about the great things the Church is doing – is often missed. The services, the support… often go unnoticed until people need the services…

    I go to Vineyard Church of Columbus. My pastor Rich Nathan is constantly addressing how to represent Christianity. He constantly arms us with the way to talk and engage in conversations with other Christians and non-Christians. His leadership style is very educational and engaging. He doesn’t ask anything he’s not giving! His leadership style is something to emulate for sure! I think more leadership like this is necessary for Christianity to live more vibrantly in our society!

    I recently asked a friend to come with me after the election… she was feeling very lost and scared. She hadn’t been in over 10+ years. She even stood up and received prayer!!! It’s not everyday you can get someone new, or even have the conversation about your church or maybe answer questions about faith. I find It rarely comes up unless people are feeling upset, or desperate.

    All I do is to extend the invitation when I can, volunteer when I can, and when he calls me to do something… I listen!

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    1. Hi Anji, thank you so much for this reflection. Really great food for thought here. Sounds like Rich is a powerful leader! And how terrific about your friend. That’s so awesome. Sounds like you’re doing the right thing! So glad you stopped by! Big hugs xox

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  31. I was born and brought up Catholic. If anything is guaranteed to draw someone to Agnosticism it is 14 years of religious indoctrination and propaganda. The thing about religion is that it relies upon adherents believing despite a total lack of evidence. If anyone can provide me with solid, irrefutable evidence of the existence of ANY deity – the Judeo-Christian God, Zeus, Krisha to name a few, I’ll convert on the spot. To quote the motto of The Invisible University – “Accept nothing from words alone”. I don’t believe in string theory either, for exactly the same reason.

    I think another major problem is that mainstream religion in the U.S. is associated by and large with hate. Only ‘religious’ types murder doctors because they believe in the right to life (irony detector registering 11). Religions are overwhelmingly hateful towards our LGBTQ friends, and believe in the oppression of women whom they consider too weak and stupid to exercise control over their own bodies.

    Christian leaders in this country don’t see the disconnect in demanding religion be the basis of daily life of everyone, regardless of individual values and the law, and their inherent patriarchy whilst demanding control over women’s bodies and the application of their beliefs to the law, science and school life. Take any statement by Muslim extremists and replace the words Koran and Allah with Bible and God and I defy you not to say it sounds like Pat Robertson.

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    1. Hi there NW. Thank you for sharing this perspective. I’m sorry that you’ve had a negative experience with the church. And I hope that you keep exploring. Because one of the cool things about science is that it works hand in hand with God. You’re right, there are a lot of areas for improvement in organized religion, but there are also terrific positive aspects of it- namely community, a sense of belonging, social activity, being with people who share your beliefs, dependence upon one another, accountability. Anywho-just wanted to offer that little tidbit of food for thought. Thank you for stopping by and i really appreciate you sharing your heart. Big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi, BBB. I agree. I get the same things from being a football fan that you get from church. Indeed, I wrote a reflection piece on just that subject a couple of years ago. Indulge me:
        Tell a story of “Religion” and then “Faith”

        I’m ever thankful for the inverted commas, otherwise I would be in big trouble. I would argue with the assertion that religion is about being gripped by story. For me, religion, in the strict sense meant anything but. As someone who spent 13 years in Catholic schools, religion meant having the Bible read AT (not to) us, being told what it meant, and what to believe about it. Questioning was always seen as weakness, not as a desire for greater understanding or clarification. Understanding is the enemy of faith, as are reason, logic and truth.
        As far as any story of “religion” goes, growing up in Liverpool, the one religion that transcends all barriers is football. In a famous 1960s interview, Liverpool FC manager Bill Shankly was asked “Some people say that on Merseyside, football is a matter of life and death. Would you agree?”
        To which he replied “Oh no, oh no. It’s much more important than that”.
        All I can say, is that even at a very early age, I knew that Liverpool would be the team I would support. Football in general, and Liverpool in particular are a religion. The fans singing their way through a game, standing on the terraces of the home supporters’ end of the ground were known as “The Kop Choir”. Loyalty is fierce, tenets taken as unshakable truth and never questioned. “Of course we’ll win” “Dalglish is the greatest player of all time” “Champions again this year”
        Every religion has its’ symbolism. For me, it was always the club badge, the mythical “Liver Bird”, a sprig of greenery in its beak on a red background, the sight of the stadium, Anfield. Every team has its’ songs, chants – most of which are unrepeatable, and it’s panoply of Gods and saints. I could rattle off names – Dalglish, Hunt, Yeats, Rush, Paisley, Shankly. The list is almost endless.
        Every religion also has its’ pilgrimage and rites of passage – treks to Wembley Stadium in London for cup finals or ever further afield – Rome, Paris, Sophia, Munich. Anyone who has been on one of these trips can captivate other followers with stories of mishaps, moments of great humour, tension or joy. Like the medieval peasant who walks to Santiago de Compostela and returns home with stories of things seen and done that those who stayed at home will never experience. One of the most powerful phrases in the English language is “I was there”. The “Miracle of Istanbul” means as much to a Liverpool fan as a Canaanite wedding guest seeing water turned to wine. It can stir strong passions, too. I have seen grown men cry as a result of a defeat, and been hugged like a long lost brother by total strangers because of a win.
        Religion provides certainty in an uncertain world. Knowing that there is a game on Saturday can make the hardships and every petty meanness of the week seem bearable. Knowing that a win is certain (no one ever expects to lose) means you know exactly where you will be at a certain time on a certain day. Muslims believe that there are 3 things a man can never know – the source of his next meal, the circumstances of his death and the true name of God. But knowing for certain that you will be at the game on Saturday, surrounded by friends, even if you don’t know them, that you will be part of an exclusive community, all with one thought, one purpose, and one joy can be enough.
        All religions have tests of faith. I grew up during Liverpool’s heyday, from the mid-1970s until the late 80s. Shankly had, to quote him, turned Anfield into “A bastion of invincibility” and the players into a team so good “They would have to send a team from Mars to beat them”. Nothing was impossible, Liverpool became the most successful team in English history, unstoppable, majestic, and unequalled. To quote Bob Paisley, who followed Shankly as manager “Aye, we’ve had our bad times. One year we finished second”. As I have said elsewhere, without bad times, there are no good times, only times. For the last 20 years, diehard reds have been wandering in the wilderness, worshipping false idols and losing their sense of purpose. I have to admit, I have had my own doubts from time to time, but I have never doubted our return to greatness. “Keeping the faith” is all we have sometimes. The prophet will appear and lead us to the Promised Land, a miracle will occur and vanquish our enemies, the “Chosen one” will arise in our darkest hour.
        I know this all sounds a bit over the top, but in reality, football is a religion. The person of faith, singing or chanting , wearing distinctive clothing, beads, shawl, skull cap or turban, eating specific foods, taking some things as absolute truth, moving among those most like him/herself isn’t really all that different from the football fan clad in team colours, scarf around neck chanting the “Holy names” of those he/she “worships” singing songs as a form of reinforcing identity and membership of the group or eating and drinking almost as a ritual, an integral part of the experience. English football clubs even have nicknames with religious connotations – “Saints” “Synners”, “Quakers” “Cardinals” “Choirboys” “Pilgrims” “Shakers” and “Red Devils” dwell amongst their ranks.
        If this is not what the assignment was intended to do, I apologize. To me, a religion is a lens through which we see the world, which helps us create order and structure, gives us a sense of our place in the world, an identity, a way to connect with others, common ground with strangers and reinforcement if we ever have doubts. Football provides this for me. I don’t know what I would do without it.

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  33. Hollywood would have us believe Christianity is dead, but it’s not. Jesus is more real than the blood that runs through my veins, and the Holy Spirit blows my mind with the way She brings love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control into my life. If Christianity is dead than I’m the Pope.

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    1. Hi Daniel, thanks for this response. You’re right, Jesus is very much so alive in our hearts. I’ve got to personally translate that to taking it outside of myself and taking it to the world! Big hugs xox

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  35. Thank you for boldly sharing your concerns. I’m not Christian, or religious, but I try to hold respect for all religious viewpoints. To speak from the root of it, I do think one of the main reasons for the decline in followers is that our society is pushing for more materialistic virtues. We are so obsessed with our money, our technology, our cars, celebrity figures, etc.—it overshadows the authenticity that comes with the connection of faith. This is not to say that all people who are atheists are gluttonous or materialistic, of course. We just have more distractions than we did even ten, or twenty, years ago.

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  37. Very very well said. Sometimes it is hard to wear our faith out in public and I can only imagine how much harder it has to be for someone like yourself who lives in a big city. I know I’ve told you once before but it still hold true, God has your back and always will for you are a warrior and always will be. I for one thank you for all that you do to bring others to the light of Christ. God bless 🙂

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  39. I just finished my final edit of my post that was almost touching on this same vein, albeit from a “doubter” (i.e. atheist/agnostic/heathen haha) trying to have a little more faith.

    I found a church that is so unchurchy and the people there are overflowing with the message of Christ that it is almost infectious and they are so excited I am beginning a relationship with God and they are helping me find answers instead of posing more questions of making me feel excluded.

    I appreciated your sentiment and want to say Christianity is dead but the conventional format of the church may be dying in a sense, though in my post I touch on the notion that what we view as “the right way to church” maybe was never the intention, and a global community that is more inclusive than exclusive when possible was by and large what we are to aim for! (Did I just say we? It came so naturally!)

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  41. „Is Christianity dead?“

    Yes. But the resurrection will follow. The good thing about it: when the mass loses interest, the true believers remain. Be the salt of the earth. “Oh yeah, keep your head up, keep your heart strong / No, no, no, no, keep your mind set, keep your hair long / Oh my, my darlin’, keep your head up, keep your heart strong”

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    1. Thanks for this reflection. Yes, the true believers remain. We’ve got to always be welcoming to everyone. So that people want to see why we believe 🙂 hope you’re having a great day! Hugs and love xox

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  42. We need a new mindset … 🙂 „Is God anti-fun? Are the scriptures anti-pleasure? What about all those rules? Author, speaker, and Christian Mystic John Crowder joins Kester and James to talk about his new book “MONEY. SEX. BEER. GOD. – DITCHING RELIGION FOR THE JOY OF INCARNATION.“

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  44. Try living in Canada where the majority is either agnostic or atheist 😦 Where you are not allowed to say Merry Christmas to a colleague for it is politically incorrect, where expression of other faiths are encouraged, but Christianity is discouraged & put down at an alarming rate. Partially because of the “church types” who judge and shun anyone outside of the faith or isn’t practicing the faith to a T. I didn’t belong to a church for many years because of this, but I found a Catholic Church where I was welcomed & encouraged & not judged – where Christ’s teachings were actually put into practice. I became Catholic in 2010 at the Easter Vigil. I suspect there are a lot of people out there like me who want to believe & practice, but feel shunned and judged, which is what keeps them on the outside of the Church doors. Excellent blog & I pray this reaches many others to be more aware of how we are called to be Saints and show Christ’s love, not self righteous and sanctimonious- LOVE x

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    1. Hi there! Thank you so much for sharing this perspective. You’re right – I have a lot to be grateful for. That’s awesome that you found that welcoming outlet for your faith! Wow! The Easter Vigil. That is such a beautiful mass. Congratulations:) and yes – we are called to love and be inviting! Amen to that! Thanks for sharing this beautiful reflection. Hugs and love xox

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  45. I think Christianity in America (or the world) is not declining at all. Rather, I think it is going through a refining period. For years you guys have had large social and capital gain in claiming Christianity as your religion. Nowadays, there seems to be less social gain in professing any faith. And so we are observing a huge decline in nominal, fence-sitting Christians that perhaps had jumped on board for wrong motives.

    Great post though 🙂 We are the church. And what a responsibility, yet huge privilege we have ahead of us!

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    1. Thanks Jonathan, for this reflection. Very interesting food for thought. You’re right, being non-religious is definitely the social norm, at least what pop/celebrity culture and the mainstream media dictates. But you’re right, we are the church and have a responsibility! Big hugs xox

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