Gospelbound 3 Threats to Secularism in the West
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Nov 4, 2025 Reflecting on a trip to Copenhagen, the discussion dives into how secularism thrives in post-Christendom societies. Prosperity paradoxically makes Christianity feel redundant, while signs of resilience are found in surprising places. Three key pressures, including Islamic immigration and demographic decline, could spark a renewed relevance for Christianity. The conversation emphasizes that authentic faith often emerges under tension, challenging the status quo and prompting a search for deeper meaning beyond secular values.
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Copenhagen Church Visit Reveals Cultural Fracture
- Collin Hansen describes visiting the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen and finding young Danish men praying inside.
- He contrasts that quiet receptiveness with the surrounding gay-bar district and strip club to show cultural fragmentation.
From Opt-Out To Opt-In Religious Culture
- Charles Taylor's framing: in 1500 you had to opt out of religion; now you must opt in.
- Hansen uses this to explain the post-Christendom West where belief is contested and uneven across neighborhoods.
Wealth Correlates With Lower Religiosity—With An Outlier
- Ryan Burge's data links higher GDP per capita with lower reported religiosity across countries.
- The United States is a clear outlier with much higher reported religious importance than similarly wealthy European nations.
