Atheists now outnumber theists – should Christians be alarmed?

A recent survey has been making headlines, claiming that for the first time in British history, atheists – those who don’t believe in God – now outnumber theists, people who do believe in God or gods. While this finding has garnered significant attention, it’s important to approach it with caution. After all, it’s just one survey. That said, many of us might already have sensed this shift by observing the beliefs of those around us – in our neighbourhoods or workplaces, where fewer people seem to profess a belief in God.

But does this mean that Christians should despair, retreat behind the walls of our churches, and give up on reaching people with the gospel? Far from it.

Here are four reasons we should be encouraged to keep going:

1. The gospel is true

The truth of the gospel doesn’t depend on how many people accept it. Whether it’s embraced by the masses or rejected by most, the gospel remains true. When we share the good news of Jesus Christ, we can be confident that we are proclaiming the truth – a truth that will endure beyond any cultural trend or survey statistic.

2. The gospel is powerful

The message of the gospel ‘…is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes’ (Rom 1:16). It brings people from darkness into light, makes them righteous, and adopts them into God’s family. This means the gospel is always relevant and essential, regardless of the prevailing cultural mood.

3. Christianity is growing across the world

While atheism may be on the rise in Britain, Christianity is flourishing in many parts of the world particularly in the global south. Despite the challenges posed by secularism, atheism, and other religions, countless people across the globe are being saved. God’s word is powerful and will accomplish his purposes. He will save who he wants.

4. There Is spiritual hunger in the UK

The experience of many churches in the UK is that there is more spiritual hunger than we’ve seen in some time. In conversations with other church and ministry leaders, I regularly hear how people are finding their way into services through unexpected avenues, often outside the usual means of outreach. This suggests that, despite what surveys may indicate, there remains a deep spiritual need across our nation.

Keep going – God is at work

So, take heart. While we may not see a dramatic shift in our lifetime, we don’t know when or how God might bring about revival. What we do know is that he is still at work, and the gospel is just as relevant, true, and powerful today as it has ever been.

Be confident, friends, that we are always on the right side of history with God on our side, whether people believe in him or not.