The 1993 book by Stephen Carter, The Culture of Disbelief, argues that our culture rejects religion as a valid source for public discourse. In his chapter ‘God as a hobby’ he examines the view that belief in God is acceptable only if it remains a private and personal thing.

Theologian David Tracy, addressing the same issue, uses the metaphor of a ‘sacred reservation’ – a place where religion is confined for private consideration.

William Buckley (God and Man at Yale) wrote that (back a couple of decades) the academy considered God-talk irrelevant. God was not only banished, but an embarrassment to sophisticates. He says if a guest mentioned God at a dinner party it’s greeted with silence; mention God twice, you’re not invited again.

Ours is a culture of disbelief. Or religious charlatinism. There’s got to be an authentic middle way somewhere!

Lord, help me to avoid the poles of hypocritical pharisaism on the one hand and cynical political saduceeism on the other. May my relationship to Jesus be authentic, real – and discussable!

Amen.

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• God Will Redeem My Life From The Grave
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