‘The War on the West’ is the best-selling new book by author and political commentator, Douglas Murray. Chapter 7 is titled, simply, ‘Religion’, and considers one of the most significant stories of the last century as being “the withdrawing from Christianity”, with church attendance in the UK, especially in the last 40 years, plummeting. Into the resulting gap has flooded many new ‘religions’; not least of which is ‘anti-racism’.

Bewailing the Church's demise

Murray laments the extraordinary fact that the Church – particularly the Church of England – has allowed itself to be hijacked by this new religion. “For a generation, it has apologised for spreading its gospel around the world and been embarrassed by its former missionary zeal”, he writes.

No one doubts that historical wrongs have been committed, which for some have had a lasting legacy, and that pockets of racism may remain here and there. But rarely do other religions look around at their congregations and ask why they are not more diverse, Murray states. Nor do they seem intent on chasing existing adherents away. Now the institutions that once taught the biblical gospel are busily preaching a different gospel – one that proclaims the Church's faith in critical race theory, rather than in Christ.

Murray goes on to point out the uncommonly long Christian tradition of opposition to slavery, from the then Archbishop of Canterbury, St Anselm, outlawing the practice in 1102, to the 19th century abolition work of William Wilberforce and the Clapham Sect, to Bishop Trevor Huddleston’s campaign against apartheid in South Africa in the 20th century.

Now the institutions that once taught the biblical gospel are busily preaching a different gospel – one that proclaims the Church's faith in critical race theory, rather than in Christ.

This is by no means the first time Douglas Murray has bewailed the decline of the institutional Church. In 'The Strange Death of Europe' (2017), he regarded the deeply disturbing reality of a continent and culture caught in self-destruct mode as being largely due to its rejection of the very Christian faith that once undergirded and sustained it.

What is curious in all of Murray’s pertinent analysis is that the author does not claim to have a personal Christian faith (at least, not yet!). He is a secular commentator.

Canadian controversialist

And he is not alone. Professor of psychology and popular public speaker, Jordan Peterson has attracted a massive social media following owing to his profound insights into cultural and political mores. He has been much applauded by conservatives for his forthright views on political correctness and identity politics.

Peterson became well known for retelling biblical stories in public lectures and in his book, 'Maps of Meaning' (1999), as part of his diagnoses of social decline. He regularly refers to the Bible as the predominant foundation of Western culture, and is quick to posit this in positive light. Peterson’s online lectures on Genesis and other biblical subjects have been viewed more than 10 million times. He has been described as “one of the best spokespeople that the church has had for years”.

He has been much applauded by conservatives for his forthright views on political correctness and identity politics.

Yet, despite his deep respect for Christianity, and having been moved to tears by thinking of and discussing Christ during one remarkable interview, Jordan Peterson is not a Christian (though his daughter recently came to faith), considering himself, rather, an agnostic.

Sharp insight

Other names come to mind. Journalist Melanie Philips, an agnostic Jew, has long warned that the uprooting of the historical Judeo-Christian belief system is largely to blame for the demise of Western society. She is equally aware that “In our allegedly multicultural society, there is one religious group which is apparently not to be afforded equal respect, let alone treated for what it embodies – the foundational creed of this nation. That group is Britain’s Christians.”

Former archaeologist, Neil Oliver is a presenter on GB News. His unique perspective on the major stories of the day is regarded as a must-watch by thousands, his sharpness of insight on a plethora of social and political issues being seen as unique, articulate and profound. His commentary, along with that of fellow GB News presenter Mark Steyn, on all matters related to the Covid pandemic has been widely regarded as deeply perceptive. Many of his messages are overtly pro-Christian in substance, yet he, too, does not openly profess a Christian faith.

His messages are often overtly pro-Christian in substance, yet he does not profess a Christian faith.

You can add other prominent names to the list (Brendan O'Neill, Fraser Nelson, even Russell Brand?), not all of whom will necessarily lean to the political right, as most of the above do. The aforesaid individuals, and many others like them, are what I call ‘secular prophets’; serving as sharp prophetic voices to a nation that is clouded in intellectual morass, moral confusion and spiritual darkness.

Arise Christian prophets

Certainly, we have to be cautious in our assessment of what we’re being told from ‘secular’ sources. But that is true also of everything we read or hear; from Christians and non-Christians alike – keen spiritual discernment is essential.

Yet, these ‘secular prophets’ have a boldness, a sense of feeling they have to speak out on matters they consider of utmost importance. This, often at significant personal cost. Jordan Peterson’s outspoken and politically incorrect views have brought him intense opprobrium, not least from left-leaning academic peers. The BBC no longer invites Douglas Murray as a guest on ‘Question Time’, and the hate-mail each of the above receive is voluminous.

Yet it’s precisely their fearlessness and single-minded sense of duty that should serve as a salutary reproach to us all within the Church, who are often afraid to raise our voices and speak out. Certainly, we thank God for those church leaders who are not scared to raise their controversial voices above the parapet – people like David Andrew Robertson, Paul Washer, Shane Idleman and our own Clifford Hill, to name just a few.

Let’s thank God, also, for the secular prophets - while, at the same time, praying there will be a greater rising of stronger prophetic voices throughout the Church of Christ in coming days.