Why Is the West Turning Its Back on God?
Introduction
For nearly two millennia, Christianity was the bedrock of Western civilization, shaping its laws, art, education, and moral fabric.
Beginning with the Enlightenment and accelerating dramatically since the mid-20th century, the West has moved into a "post-Christian" or "secular" age.
This trend is not due to a single cause, but a combination of powerful social forces that have shifted the central priorities of society away from God.
1. External Cultural Forces: The Era of "Disenchantment"
The rise of secularism is often attributed to major developments in Western thought and society that diminished the need for—or belief in—a transcendent God.
The Enlightenment and Rationalism: Starting in the 18th century, a philosophical movement emphasized human reason, individual liberty, and scientific methods as the ultimate sources of truth, rather than divine revelation or Church authority. This led to the idea that man is the measure of all things, not God.
Concept: The world became "disenchanted" as science offered rational explanations for phenomena (weather, disease, creation) that were once explained by divine intervention.
Affluence and Existential Security: In much of the West, the widespread rise in wealth, medical care, and political stability has created a high degree of existential security. When life's basic needs are met and uncertainty is minimized, the need for religious comfort, provision, and explanation tends to diminish.
Scripture Says (Warning): "Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; filled with food, you became heavy and sleek. You abandoned the God who made you and rejected the Rock your Savior." (Deuteronomy 32:15). This verse warns that prosperity can lead to spiritual complacency and abandonment of God.
Radical Individualism and Autonomy: Modern Western culture prizes personal freedom and self-expression above all else. Christianity, with its moral claims, doctrines of sin, and emphasis on sacrificial obedience, is often seen as restrictive or an infringement on personal autonomy, particularly concerning issues of sexuality and gender.
Scripture Says (The World's Mindset): "They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us." (1 John 4:5-6).
2. Internal Failures: The Church's Diminished Witness
Some of the most honest assessments of the West's decline in faith point to where the Church itself has failed to consistently represent Christ.
Scandals and Hypocrisy: High-profile failures and scandals involving church leaders—particularly issues of moral and financial misconduct—have severely eroded the credibility of Christian institutions. For many, these failures have made it easier to dismiss the message because of the actions of the messengers.
Scripture Says (The Call to Integrity): "You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? For, as it is written, 'The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.'" (Romans 2:23-24).
The Loss of Distinctiveness (Lukewarmness): In an attempt to be "relevant," some segments of the Church have become nearly indistinguishable from the surrounding culture. When the Church preaches a message of self-help, comfort, and political opinion instead of the radical, transforming Gospel of repentance, forgiveness, and new life, the world sees no compelling reason to choose it over the secular alternatives.
Scripture Says (The Warning to the Church): "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16).
Conclusion: The Hope of the Remnant
While the institutional influence of Christianity has diminished, the decline of a Christian culture does not mean the end of the Church (God's people). Jesus predicted that in the world, believers would face trouble and that following Him would be counter-cultural.
The challenge for Christians in the West is to shed the expectation of cultural dominance and embrace the role of a faithful, loving, and distinct minority—a remnant focused on demonstrating authentic Christ-like love and proclaiming the pure Gospel.
