Perspectives on American Dechurching from Post-Christian Europe
Aug 16, 2023
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The podcast discusses European perspectives on dechurching in America and explores topics such as losing cultural prestige, the difference between secular traditional and secular progressive contexts, cultural divisions in Britain, living as exiles, and promotion of their book 'The Great D-Churching'.
The church can embrace its role as a prophetic and alternative community that offers a different story and hope to those around them.
Equipping parents and congregations to navigate emerging issues and engage in thoughtful conversations can strengthen the church's witness in a rapidly changing culture.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Raising Children in a Changing Society
Raising children in a society that is different from the one we grew up in can be challenging. However, it provides an opportunity for parents to lean into difficult conversations and embrace the uniqueness of each situation. Parents can contextualize Christian sexual ethics, navigate issues of diversity and inclusion, and create a safe space for open dialogue. Building a strong community of parents who are going through similar experiences can provide support and encouragement. By incorporating biblical teachings and engaging with culture, parents can guide their children with wisdom and grace.
Navigating the Shifts in Cultural Power
As the church experiences a loss of cultural influence, pastors and leaders can shift their focus to building a countercultural community. Rather than trying to dominate the culture, they can create a space where Sunday gatherings are meaningful and foster deep relationships and conversations. This counterculture can be a place of hope and stability, where individuals find strength, support, and a true sense of family. Rather than being alarmed by the changing cultural landscape, the church can embrace its role as a prophetic and alternative community that offers a different story and hope to those around them.
Preparing for the Future in America
Predicting the future in America is challenging, given the complex relationship between the church and the state. However, it is reasonable to expect a continuation of the current trajectory towards increasing marginality. The church can prepare by equipping parents and congregations to navigate emerging issues and engage in thoughtful conversations surrounding topics like sexuality, diversity, and social change. Recognizing the challenges and seeking solidarity with peers can strengthen the church's witness in a rapidly changing culture.
Introducing the Podcast 'Weird and Weirder'
Glenn Scrivener and Andrew Wilson are collaborating on a podcast project called 'Weird and Weirder.' Inspired by their respective books, the podcast aims to explore the cultural moment in the post-Christian West, examining the remnants of Christianity and how Christians can live faithfully in an age of diminishing cultural power. The discussions will delve into issues such as Christian identity, countercultural living, and navigating the complexities of the present age.
In this episode of As In Heaven, hosts Jim Davis and Michael Graham welcome Andrew Wilson and Glen Scrivener to discuss European perspectives on dechurching in America, drawing from insights in the UK, Australia, and Italy to compare and contrast the dechurching movement.
Episode time stamps:
Episode and topic introduction (0:00)
Losing cultural prestige and normativity in the states (7:02)
The benefits of standing up to the cultural tide (12:25)
The difference between secular traditional and secular progressive (15:39)
Britain, Italy, and the catholic vs. protestant split (19:03)
David Goodhart and nationalism (22:22)
The difference between exile and sojourning (25:49)
What’s the state of the church in 2024? (35:40)
Final thoughts and encouragement (41:20)
This episode is part of As in Heaven’s third season, devoted to The Great Dechurching—the largest and fastest religious shift in U.S. history. To learn more about this phenomenon on which the episodes of this season are based, preorder The Great Dechurching by Michael Graham and Jim Davis.
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