What does it mean for a society to be post-Christian?

Answer

The term post-Christian lacks a universally accepted definition, although it is frequently used in reference to contemporary Western societies. In this context, a post-Christian society is one that has historically been influenced by Christian ideas and upholds simplified Christian principles, yet it rejects the authority of Christianity and does not view it as the foundation of its ethics or culture. The Christian language and customs that were once prevalent in society become uncommon or superficial in a post-Christian society. Unlike cultures that are openly anti-Christian or rooted in a different religion like Islam, a post-Christian society selectively embraces virtues that originate from a Christian worldview while rejecting certain truths that underpin those values.

The societal shift is not solely about identification: many individuals with a post-Christian worldview may still consider themselves Christians. However, labels do not alter reality. As stated in (2 Corinthians 13:5), “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” Numerous self-professed “Christians” in a post-Christian society lack fundamental knowledge of biblical faith. Previous generations took such knowledge for granted, and its absence widens the gap between the culture’s presumed values and its self-image. Ironically, the diminishing comprehension of biblical faith sometimes leads individuals to believe they “know better” than their spiritual predecessors, as seen in Proverbs 15:5.

A common theme in post-Christian culture is the adoption of Christian values without acknowledging Christian contributions. Qualities deemed “good” are often considered self-evident, despite their Christian origins. Regulations that clash with evolving desires are…

Are assumed to be frivolous, despite having prevented disaster in the past “The law of the wise is a fountain of life, To depart from the snares of death.”, (Proverbs 13:14). In truth, most distinguishing values of Western culture—both positive obligations and restraints—are natural only to a Judeo-Christian worldview.

Prior to widespread acceptance of Christianity, the values taken for granted in post-Christian cultures were virtually nonexistent. Human equality, gender equality, the fallibility of human government, and charity as an obligation were all unknown in pagan cultures such as ancient Rome. Pre-Christian sexual ethics emphasized the inherent right of the strong to take advantage of the weak. Slavery—contrary to common myths—was widely opposed by early Christians and eventually abolished only through efforts grounded in a Christian worldview. The scientific method itself is rooted in assumptions found only in theistic views and developed only when Christianity became prevalent.

Post-Christian societies claim values derived from Christianity, such as equality and charity, while denying that those ideals are inherently Christian. At the same time, a post-Christian society undermines aspects of the Christian worldview that interfere with its evolving preferences “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.”, (2 Timothy 4:3). As consequences for those choices mount, it’s common for a post-Christian society to blame prior generations and prior beliefs rather than acknowledge the truth (see Romans 1:21-31).

Superficially, eroding reliance on Christianity makes it easier for a post-Christian society.

Society often tries to justify things condemned by a biblical worldview. However, this also undermines the fundamental basis for positive values that society aims to uphold. Consequently, post-Christian societies start to blur—or even completely ignore—boundaries concerning human rights or charity. Abortion and “mercy killing” serve as examples of this distorted reversal of ethical ideals.

The absence of transcendent foundations also causes a post-Christian society to struggle in justifying its preferred ethics (Jude 1:12-13). Whereas such a culture previously referenced God and the Bible as reasons for certain actions, it now refers to a vague notion of “just because.” Naturally, this void cannot endure, leading most post-Christian societies to substitute the authority of God and the Bible with the authority of the state or popular opinion. The notion of moral responsibility takes a back seat to legality, loopholes, or mob justice « For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. », (Mark 7:8).

Over time, a post-Christian society transitions from assuming Christian values to disregarding them, then to resenting them, suppressing them, and ultimately persecuting them. What was once Christian and is now post-Christian will eventually become anti-Christian. The stage of this process in any particular culture is open to debate, as no two cultures are identical. In all instances, believers and skeptics alike should acknowledge the risks associated with eroding Judeo-Christian ethical foundations (Matthew 7:26-27). While restoration is feasible (Psalm 80:3;1 Peter 5:10), it cannot occur without the intervention of the Holy Spirit Visit the link to explore (John 16:8; Jude 1:17-23).