‘Mum, please send me my Bible!’
This was Sam’s recent urgent appeal from University to home, illustrating young people discovering new life and faith in Christianity.
Bible Society’s ‘A Quiet Revival’, reports that young people are reversing some of the trends of the 20th century – drink, sex, social life and even atheism. The optimistic hopes for the future in the early 2000s have been challenged by global turmoil, financial insecurity, loneliness and the lack of meaning in life. Addictive social media fails to deliver spiritual nourishment and the pandemic has left people more anxious.
Reflecting on our secular life highlights its lack of inspiration and shallowness. Surely there is more to life – something deeper, bigger and more beautiful! Acknowledging and encountering the transcendence of life makes all the difference! A lack of religious awareness deprives us of so much and limits our potential. It is very challenging to navigate our difficult world without a compass, which an ancient faith offers through scriptures, beliefs, rituals, worship, prayer and moral code.
Even the ‘tech gods’ of SiIicon Valley are turning to Christianity. The questions are asked: what does it mean to be human with the rise of AI and its increasing power? Where might this lead us? So, this ‘Quiet Revival’ demonstrates:
- Apathy, even hostility to Christianity and the Bible, has become increased curiosity and openness
- More people are exploring the claims of Jesus, curious to see what they offer
- Decline in church attendance has become significant growth
We must hope Christianity’s new appeal, provides spiritual enlightenment and sustenance, based on an authentic and inspirational vision to welcome the new saints of the Kingdom of God.
Heather Savini
