Christianity in a Secular World: Understanding Our Loss of Faith

In a rapidly changing society, many of us who were raised in the Church find ourselves drifting away from the faith we once knew. This phenomenon is common among lapsed Catholics, who often feel the weight of tradition yet experience the allure of a secular world. The question arises: how did we lose our faith and practice? This blog post will explore the changes in our lives, culture, and perspective while offering insights into reconnecting with faith.

The Shift from Individual Belief to Collective Skepticism

As modernity progresses, individual beliefs become overshadowed by collective skepticism. The rise of scientific reasoning and critical thinking has led many to question religious doctrines they once accepted. According to a Pew Research Center study, 70% of Americans identified as Christians in 2019 compared to 78% in 2009. This rapid decline indicates a shift towards secularism.

A modern church structure representing changing spiritual landscapes.

Many lapsed Catholics find that their personal faith is at odds with mainstream societal views. This dissonance can make it challenging to embrace Christian teachings when friends and media preach different values. As secular ideologies gain prominence, individuals may feel pressured to conform, leading to a slow but steady departure from faith. It is not because the societal views are so strong, but rather it is because many Catholics do not understand the grandeur and majesty of our faith and the need for constant reflection, study and prayer.

The Role of Technology in Faith Disconnection

In today’s digitally connected world, technology influences every aspect of our lives, including spirituality. Social media platforms provide a constant stream of information, opinions, and distractions. A recent study revealed that 50% of Americans spend five or more hours a day on their devices. With so much time devoted to digital interactions, many people lack the quiet moments necessary for prayer and reflection.

A smartphone displaying notifications takes away moments of peace for reflection.

Moreover, the immediacy of technology often skews our understanding of community and support. Traditional religious gatherings are no longer the only stage for connection. Instead, virtual friendships may lack the depth often found in a faith community. As a result, many feel isolated, leading to a diminished sense of spiritual belonging. I see this in my practice as a therapist. Many people are very lonely and, particulary the youth, make connetions via social media, They no longer play outside they are content to chat with friends on line. One can blame Covid for that, in part but I think it is deeper. I think our sense of isolation comes from an overemphasis on self and our incapacity or unwillingness to suffer for the sake of others. The media which lauds being autonomous has created lonely, isolated people who suffer from depression and anxiety.

The Influence of Secular Values on Family Dynamics

Family plays a critical role in shaping our beliefs. For many lapsed Catholics, familial connections may have shifted towards secular ideologies, creating a chasm in spiritual engagement. Societal values that prioritize individualism, success, and self-sufficiency can detract from communal religious observances. When families prioritize non-religious activities over attending Mass, children may not develop a strong connection to faith. Also families do not encourage reading the lives of the saints to their children, or teaching them about the sacraments and courage. Too often they rely on catechesis classes offered by parishes, which in many cases are worse than useless. It reflects a poor understanding of the spiritual capacity of children, Did you know that one of the greatest saints who died in the early 1900's was ony five years old. She is known as little Nellie. Children have an immense capacity to appreciate the Holy, the ineffable.,

The landscape of family life is changing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of married couples attending church together has declined over the last decade. The figures are higher in Canada. We need only look at Quebec, where wind blows through the empty shells of churches, and where once vibrant centers of worship and faith lie like silent monuments to what they once held and were. The destruction of the Catholic faith in Quebec after hundreds of years of true devotion, is astonishing and perhaps shows us that our faith must be vibrant, vigourous and able to resist challenges. We do not have a stained glass faith, where we become nostalgic for what once was This shift creates an environment where faith becomes less emphasized within households. As parents become more detached from religious practices, it is no surprise that children grow up lacking a sense of understanding and appreciation for their Christian upbringing.

In my practice I regularly see people who say 'Yeah I was born Catholic, but I don't practice and I don't teach my children. They will choose when they reach adulthood'

We think nothing of teaching children history, mathematics, science etc. We do not say "we will wait until they are adults to choose' . Not only have we as a society chosen secular values over sacred, but we have become worse than apostates by our indifference.

Yet, there are embers and glimpses. On Ash Wednesday, many people who otherwise would never enter a church, come to receive the ashes. It speaks to the fact, that despite our iphones, ipads and social media, we know that we will die and perhaps although faintly, we worry.

The Impact of Moral and Ethical Conflicts

The teachings of the Church often stand in stark contrast to prevailing societal beliefs on issues like marriage, gender, and healthcare. Unfortunately, the current Pontificate has not been the voice of morality and solid Catholicism but has rather capitulated to many of societals norms which are contrary to the faith, In this environment, lapsed Catholics can grapple with moral dilemmas that lead to alienation from their faith. Without strong Bishops or leaderships from Rome, the faithful are scattered. Disagreements over important issues can create walls between personal beliefs and church doctrine, leading many to question their faith altogether.

Open religious texts highlighting the conflict between faith and modern societal views.

For instance, surveys indicate that a significant portion of younger Catholics supports same-sex marriage even if it contradicts Church teachings. Living together outside of marriage, or fornication as it is referred to, is considered normal. Try before you buy, they say. This disconnect between personal ethics and institutional beliefs can lead to disenchantment, making it difficult to uphold one’s faith consistently.

Finding Your Way Back to Faith in a Secular World

Despite the challenges and changes, there remains hope for lapsed Catholics hoping to reconnect with their faith. It requires recognizing the significance of personal spirituality alongside the beauty of community. Here are some actionable steps for reigniting your faith journey:

Re-establish Personal Prayer Practices

Finding time for prayer in your daily routine can help foster a deeper connection to God. Start small. Set aside just a few minutes a day to reflect, pray, or meditate. As you grow more comfortable, expand your practice. Visit churches and pray before the blessed sacrament. Attend adoration. Start to go to daily mass.

Seek Out Faith Communities

Start to look for a parish that you can connect with. Reach out to the priest and start to make a commitment.,

Embrace the Teachings and Traditions

Rediscovering the richness of your faith can help you navigate modern life with purpose. Engage with Church teachings and sacraments that resonate with your values. Understanding the deep historical roots of Catholicism can provide a solid foundation to build your modern faith on.

Study

Start to follow the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas or any of the great doctors of our church. Learn about the Eucharist, what it means and what our purpose here on earth is. Read the writings of the saints as they are approved by the Church, Stay away from pop theology which seeks to console rather than challenge us.

Moving Forward in Faith

As we navigate a secular world, the tug-of-war between our faith and modernity continues. Many of us find ourselves longing for the community and meaning that faith provides, even amidst distractions and doubts. For lapsed Catholics, embracing your spiritual journey is essential in reclaiming the deep-rooted values that once defined your life. In addition we have the current leadership, or lack of, from the current Pontificate. Thus the faitful are pulled in two directions. Stay close to our Blessed Mother as it is she who will guide you through the churning seas.

By taking intentional steps to reconnect with our faith, we can cultivate a spirituality that withstands the pressures of a secular world. In this way, we can not only rediscover our relationship with God but also strengthen bonds within our families and communities.

It's time to reclaim the narratives of spirituality and community that have been overshadowed in this fast-paced, ever-changing world. Let your faith be a beacon of hope, guiding you home in a secular world yearning for light.

Never neglect Mass, confession or the rosary! When we ate faithful, we will grow spiritually and start to move away from the empty lure of secularism, or modernism!