THESE days you’re more likely to see “nones” than nuns.
People are leaving Christianity in place for no religious affiliation.
Why?
At first, it can seem clear why people are leaving Christianity in place for atheism or agnosticism.
Scientific discovery, pluralism, subjectivism, and historic scandals are all listed as reasons why more and more are ticking the “none” option at each census.
However, this answer seems to be missing something.
It doesn’t really capture what’s being discussed here, placing the burden of proof upon seemingly competing, abstract concepts.
Such reasoning removes the free will of the person as a factor, suggesting their lack of conviction is not their own doing, but something imposed upon them.
It seems to me as though these reasons miss the mark.
If pushed, I doubt many of the “nones” really follow the evidence – do they know St Thomas Aquinas’ five ways?
Do they know CS Lewis’ argument from morality or desire?
From my own experience talking to my university-aged friends, these “nones” do not know enough about naturalism, let alone Catholicism, to accept or reject a worldview.
The modern position has been formed by modern means – catchphrases, buzzwords, instant gratification and apathy.
The tide of rational atheists that most people assume exists is a myth.
So the answer for why people are leaving the faith, it seems, isn’t their passion for modernist philosophy or new age solutions.
Rather, the song remains the same as to why people have come in and out of the faith for over 2000 years.
The answer is Jesus.
Or as Dr Peter Kreeft calls it, “Jesus shock”.
The reality of Christ is so shocking to our narrow sensibilities that we flee the church pews in search of something else.
Anything else.
Often, people try to supplement Jesus.
But what can fill that hole?
What answers can the secular world give to the human heart?
When the reality sinks in that nothing can fill that hole, we would expect to see what we are seeing – increases in mental health issues, general unfulfillment in life and, tragically, suicides.
Nearly 40 per cent of the population are trying to devise their own life’s meaning.
Even while church doors are held wide open and the Bible can be found at any bookshop.
We seek the world instead of heaven; ourselves, instead of Christ.
Jesus is so antithetical to our popular notions that we turn to an ‘apatheism’ of sorts.
When will the “nones” realise that their discontent with life is directly correlated to the God shaped hole in their hearts?
As in the parable of the prodigal son or the lost sheep, Jesus calls us to joyously welcome back our distant brothers and sisters.
Jesus does not abandon His flock.
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7)
Let this Lent provide an opportunity to pray for those away from their Christian faith. That they open their hearts to the unwavering love of Jesus Christ, and be touched by His divine mercy.
