Secular Christianity

Introduction

Christianity has been a major force in shaping the world’s cultures, ethics, and beliefs for centuries. But as our understanding of the world grows through science and reason, some people find themselves caught between their Christian upbringing and a more secular worldview. This is where the idea of Secular Christianity comes in. It’s a contradiction in terms to some people, but I find it a concept worth exploring. This post examines what Secular Christianity is, why it’s controversial, and what it means for people trying to balance faith and reason in today’s world.

Note that I wrote this post as an introduction to Secular Christianity, aiming to educate myself about the subject as well.

What is Secular Christianity?

At its core, Secular Christianity aims to preserve some Christian beliefs and traditions while rejecting supernatural elements such as belief in miracles, the divinity of Jesus, and the idea of an afterlife.

So what’s left? Secular Christians see Jesus as a great moral teacher rather than the Son of God. They find value in the ethical teachings of Christianity without believing in the religious parts. They enjoy Christian traditions and culture without accepting the theological beliefs that usually go with them.

Key Features of Secular Christianity

Here are some of the main features of Secular Christianity:

1. No supernatural beliefs: Secular Christians don’t believe in miracles, divine intervention, or anything that goes against the laws of nature as we understand them.
2. Jesus as a teacher, not a savior: They admire Jesus and his teachings, but they don’t see him as divine or as someone who died for our sins.
3. Symbolic interpretation: Instead of taking the Bible literally, Secular Christians interpret many of its stories and teachings as metaphors or symbols.
4. Ethical focus: They generally follow Christian moral teachings but base their ethics on reason and human welfare rather than divine commands.
5. Cultural connection: Some people identify as Secular Christians because they feel connected to Christian culture and traditions, even if they don’t believe in the religious aspects.

Who Might Be Drawn to Secular Christianity?

While Secular Christianity often appeals to those raised in Christian households who are seeking to reconcile their upbringing with a more secular worldview, it also attracts a broader audience. People from various backgrounds find value in Secular Christianity for several reasons:

1. Spiritual Seekers: It offers those searching for spiritual answers a way to explore spiritual and ethical questions without the need for supernatural beliefs or committing to traditional religious doctrines.
2. Ethical Framework: It provides a set of moral and ethical teachings to guide behavior and decision-making through a framework grounded in human welfare and reason rather than divine command.
3. Cultural Appreciation: It’s a way to connect with the cultural traditions and historical aspects of Christianity without subscribing to its religious beliefs.
4. Community and Belonging: It offers a sense of community and belonging for those who value the social aspects of religious gatherings without the need for shared supernatural beliefs.

Why I Became Interested in Secular Christianity

I learned about Secular Christianity a few years ago around the time I began attending the Lutheran Church of Honolulu to sing in its choir. Although I never became a member of the church and I no longer sing in the choir, I still attend services and take part in Bible Study and the Adult Forum, which I lovingly refer to as “Sunday School for Big Kids.”

I decided not to become a member because I don’t believe in the supernatural aspects of Christianity. But, I value the people, the music, and unexpectedly, the liturgy. It’s also something I can share with my wife who is a very happy and devout member. The opportunity to learn about Christian moral and ethical teachings and be part of a community without believing in God or the divinity of Jesus is what drew me to Secular Christianity.

I don’t see myself as a Secular Christian because I’m not solely focused on Christian values. I’m also drawn to Buddhism, feeling more connected to it. I also don’t believe in its supernatural aspects like rebirth and karma. (By the way, Secular Buddhism is a thing as well.)

The Controversy Surrounding Secular Christianity

Both the religious and non-religious argue that Secular Christianity is a contradiction in terms. Here’s why:

1. Traditional Christians believe that the supernatural aspects of Christianity, like Jesus’ divinity and resurrection, are essential to their faith. They argue that without these beliefs, it’s not Christianity.
2. Some atheists and secular humanists say that holding on to any part of Christianity while rejecting its core beliefs is misleading.
3. Some critics argue that Secular Christianity cherry-picks the parts of Christianity it likes while ignoring the challenging or uncomfortable parts.
4. Others question whether Secular Christianity is a genuine attempt to reconcile faith and reason or just a way for people to hold on to familiar cultural practices without committing to religious beliefs.

Regardless, some people find value in Secular Christianity as a way to bridge the gap between their cultural or family background and their current beliefs.

The History, Present, and Future of Secular Christianity

Historical Development

The roots of secular Christianity can be traced back to the Enlightenment, when rationalism and scientific inquiry challenged traditional religious doctrines. Thinkers like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison advocated for the separation of church and state, laying the groundwork for secularism in Western societies. The Reformation also played a crucial role by diminishing the political power of the Catholic Church and promoting individual interpretation of the scriptures, indirectly fostering a more secular approach to Christianity.

In the 19th century, British reformer George Jacob Holyoake coined the term “secularism” to advocate for the separation of religious and state institutions, and the freedom of conscience for individuals. This era also witnessed the emergence of liberal theology, aiming to reconcile Christian beliefs with modern scientific and philosophical concepts.

Present State

Today, secular Christianity takes on different forms. It includes people who culturally identify as Christians but don’t follow traditional religious practices, as well as movements that focus on social justice and ethical living guided by Christian teachings. In many Western countries, there has been a decrease in church attendance and traditional religious affiliation, alongside an increase in secular or non-religious identities. Nonetheless, this shift doesn’t necessarily indicate a decline in Christian values or ethics.

In the United States, for example, there has been a significant decline in church membership over the past few decades, but many people still identify with Christian values and ethics. This trend is also evident in Europe, where secularization has been more pronounced. Despite this, Christian-inspired social and ethical values continue to influence public life and policy.

Future Prospects

The future of secular Christianity is likely to be shaped by ongoing cultural and societal changes. As societies become more pluralistic and diverse, the role of religion in public life may continue to evolve. Secular Christianity could play a significant role in promoting ethical and moral values in a way that is inclusive and accessible to people of different faiths and none.

One potential future for secular Christianity is its integration with broader humanist and ethical movements. Organizations like Humanists UK advocate for secularism while promoting ethical living based on reason and compassion.This alignment could help secular Christianity remain relevant in increasingly secular societies.

Another possibility is the continued adaptation and transformation of Christian institutions to meet the needs of contemporary society. This could involve a greater focus on social justice, environmental stewardship, and community building, reflecting the ethical teachings of Jesus in a modern context.

The Bigger Picture: Religion in a Secular Age

The concept of Secular Christianity is part of a larger conversation about the role of religion in modern society. As scientific knowledge grows and traditional religious beliefs are questioned, many people are looking for new ways to find meaning, community, and ethical guidance.

Secular Christianity is one attempt to bridge the gap between religious tradition and secular reasoning. It’s not the only approach, of course. Some people choose to fully embrace traditional religious beliefs, while others reject religion entirely. Still others explore different spiritual paths or create their own personal philosophies.

The debate around Secular Christianity raises important questions:

1. Can the ethical teachings of a religion be separated from its supernatural beliefs?
2. How important is literal belief in religious doctrines compared to the cultural and ethical aspects of religion?
3. Is it possible to find a middle ground between traditional faith and secular reasoning?

There are no easy answers to these questions, but thinking about them can help us understand our own beliefs and values better.

Conclusion: A Controversial Concept with Ongoing Relevance

Secular Christianity remains a controversial and somewhat paradoxical idea. For some, it offers a way to hold onto valued aspects of their Christian background while aligning with a more secular worldview. For others, it’s an unsatisfying compromise that fails to fully commit to either religious faith or secular reasoning.

Whether or not we agree with the concept of Secular Christianity, exploring it can help us think more deeply about the relationship between faith, reason, culture, and ethics in the modern world. As our society continues to grapple with questions of belief and meaning, ideas like Secular Christianity will likely remain part of the conversation.

In the end, how we approach these questions is a personal journey. Whether we choose to embrace traditional faith, secular reasoning, or something in between, what matters most is that we think critically, act ethically, and remain open to learning and growth. The debate around Secular Christianity reminds us that the big questions about life, meaning, and ethics are still very much alive – and that’s a good thing for all of us, regardless of our beliefs.

Want to Learn More About Secular Christianity?

The list below includes theologians and non-theologians whose ideas have influenced secular theological thought. The non-theologians have contributed influential ideas shaping secular approaches to spirituality and ethics but may have not addressed the concept itself.

Note: Although I’m acquainted with some of these individuals, particularly the philosophers in the non-theologian list, I have not read any of their works. The list serves as a resource for those interested in exploring the topic of Secular Christianity further.

Theologians

John A.T. Robinson (1919-1983)

• Anglican bishop and theologian
• Known for his book Honest to God (1963), which questioned traditional Christian beliefs
• Advocated for a faith that engages with contemporary secular culture

John Shelby Spong (1931-2021)

• American Episcopal bishop and theologian
• Promoted a non-theistic approach to Christianity
• Key works: Why Christianity Must Change or Die (1998), Jesus for the Non-Religious (2007)

Paul van Buren (1924-1998)

• American Episcopal theologian
• Prominent figure in the “Death of God” movement
• Key work: The Secular Meaning of the Gospel (1963)

Schubert M. Ogden (1928-2019)

• American theologian
• Contributed to process theology and secular theology
• Key work: The Reality of God (1966)

Harvey Cox (b. 1929)

• American theologian and professor of divinity at Harvard University
• Explored the relationship between Christianity and secular urban life
• Key works: The Secular City (1965), Religion in the Secular City (1984)

Thomas J.J. Altizer (1927-2018)

• American theologian known for his role in the “Death of God” movement
• Key works: The Gospel of Christian Atheism (1966), The Descent Into Hell (1970)

Non-Theologians

Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)

• Danish philosopher and theologian, considered the father of existentialism
• Emphasized personal faith and ethics over institutional religion
• Key works: Fear and Trembling (1843), The Sickness Unto Death (1849)

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900)

• German philosopher
• His concept of “God is dead” has been influential in secular theological thought
• Key works: Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883-1885), Beyond Good and Evil (1886)

Bertrand Russell (1872-1970)

• British philosopher and logician
• Wrote extensively on religion from a secular perspective
• Key work: Why I Am Not a Christian (1927)

Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980)

• French existentialist philosopher
• His ideas about human freedom and responsibility have influenced some secular theological thinking
• Key works: Being and Nothingness (1943), Existentialism Is a Humanism (1946)

Albert Camus (1913-1960)

• French philosopher and author
• Explored existential questions relevant to secular theology
• Key works: The Myth of Sisyphus (1942), The Rebel (1951)

Sam Harris (b. 1967)

• American author and neuroscientist
• Has written about spirituality from a secular perspective
• Key works: The End of Faith (2004), Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion (2014)

AI Tools Used for This Post

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References

1. Cachila, JB. “3 signs you are a secular Christian.” (2017) Christian Today
2. Wikipedia contributors, “Secular theology,” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Secular_theology&oldid=1229055453 (accessed June 27, 2024).
3. Ollison, Larry. “Secular Christianity.” Cfaith, n.d. https://www.cfaith.com/index.php/article-display/31-articles/easter/22096-secular-christianity.
4. Warren, T. “What is a Secular Christian?” (2014) The Mountain Retreat
5. Foltz, Pastor Fritz. “Lesson 2: Past, Present, and Future.” Frontline Study, October 30, 2011. https://www.frontlinestudy.com/and-love/lesson-2-past-present-and-future/.
6. Origins. “Secularism, Past and Future,” June 1, 2018. https://origins.osu.edu/review/secularism-past-and-future?language_content_entity=en.
7. Wojciechowski, Jennifer Hornyak. “Can Christian History Help Us Imagine a Brighter Future?” Faith+Lead, August 27, 2023. https://faithlead.org/blog/can-christian-history-help-us-imagine-a-brighter-future/.
8. Strohmer, Charles. “Past, Present, Future: Christian Belief, Life, and Expectation,” January 27, 2020. https://www.charlesstrohmer.com/2020/past-present-future-christian-belief-life-and-expectation/.
9. Rose, Matthew. “Our Secular Theodicy.” First Things, December 1, 2017. https://www.firstthings.com/article/2017/12/our-secular-theodicy.