What do we mean by “Renewal”?

Past visions

Many of us have nostalgic memories of days when 20% of children attended Sunday School (1960s), when hymns were sung and prayers said daily in school assemblies in accordance with the 1944 Education Act, and when the only religion on view was Christianity, albeit in various flavours. Do we hope for this to be restored?

After Philip Larkin wrote that: “Sexual intercourse began in nineteen sixty-three (which was rather late for me) – Between the end of the Chatterley ban and the Beatles’ first LP”, the world did seem to change, and many of us have known nothing different.

Modern Culture

Leslie Newbigin, one of the leading early writers on mission, believed that secularism came against all belief and all authorities. A similar suggestion is provided by Mark Sayers writing in “Disappearing Church” who talks about current culture being defined as being set against the church, all forms of authority and anything that inhibits personal freedom. A culture defined by what it opposes, not what it stands for. This might express itself by people defining themselves by aspects of their identity, often deliberately flaunting difference to demonstrate freedom.

A white woman declares she is “black”. Others proclaim that it is reasonable to accept that a woman may have a penis. Indeed Germaine Greer (a prominent liberal herself) was no-platformed for objecting to this suggestion by Cardiff University in 2015. I find it interesting to read that some members of the LGBT community insist that they have no choice, it is in their genes, whilst others proudly proclaim that it is all about their right to choose.

Cultural renewal comes first

May I suggest that “renewal” of our culture is a precursor to spiritual “revival” and the two are not to be confused. The question I am interested in seeing the answer to is: “Has cultural renewal started?”

When I see the US President calling the nation to prayer and the Queen seeing hope in the resurrection. When I see a worldwide plague impacting all in a fashion that will inevitably change our society. When I see Brexit and the subsequent rejection of “woke” politics by firstly a ballot of the British people and then a poll of Labour Party members, I wonder if this is the start of cultural renewal?

What do you think? I would love to know. Please help out the Amateur Christian.

“The discovery of the risen Christ on the first Easter Day gave his followers new hope and fresh purpose, and we can all take heart from this. We know that Coronavirus will not overcome us. As dark as death can be — particularly for those suffering with grief — light and life are greater. May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future.” The Queen – 11 April 2020

If you liked this article, remember to like and share with others.