Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Cor. 16: 19) Michael (name changed) born into a Christian family, was baptized and attended Sunday school regularly, and grew up in an age-old Christian denomination. Things began to change when he encountered a personal crisis. Seeking help from the leaders of his denomination did not help him resolve his problems. Finally, one of his friends introduced him to a Buddhist priest. It did not take very long for him to become a devout Buddhist.

This is one of several hundreds of testimonies I have heard directly from people as part of my work as a Healthcare Chaplain in England. The majority of them who were raised as Christians no longer have any religious faith. This is the grim reality of a nation that was once the cradle ground of numerous mission organizations, missionary legends, renowned theologians, and revivalists. While massive cathedrals, abbeys (some of them aged over a thousand years), and multiple church buildings continue to remain as the vestiges of Christian influence over this nation, the twentieth century witnessed the United Kingdom becoming a post-Christian nation.

Many blame it on the World Wars; some perceive it as the triumph of science and the influence of postmodernity. The burgeoning violence in the name of religion is a compelling reason for others. The reasons that led to the present plight are endless. The decline of Christianity giving way to a subjective spirituality is observed as a significant paradigm shift taking place in the West, according to a study (Heelas and Woodhead © 2006). Their investigation reveals how people began to turn from external, objective roles, duties, and obligations towards a life lived by reference to their own subjective experiences. Consequently, strengthening an authentic connection with the inner depth of self is now preferred over the traditional worldview of conformity to an external authority and power that is in charge of the existence of the universe and especially human life. The far-reaching consequences of this subjective turn have surfaced in many forms. Changing perceptions of gender identity, family, moral choices are a few examples. Paul’s appeal to stand firm in faith is proposed as an antidote for the Corinthian church’s social and spiritual chaos. He presented God’s life-changing power manifested through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (1Cor 1, 2). The subjective turn towards the power of self and common sense is a major hurdle for faith in Christ today. It is essential to recognize and address these impediments of faith as we preach Christ today.