Resources
Decline of Western Christianity
Christianity has been in long-term decline across the Western world, a trend that began accelerating in the mid-20th century, particularly after World War II. In countries like the U.S., U.K., Canada, and much of Europe, fewer people identify as Christian, church attendance has plummeted, and younger generations are increasingly non-religious. Cultural secularization, shifting moral values, loss of institutional trust, and generational drift have all contributed. Mainline churches have declined most sharply, though some Evangelical and immigrant-led congregations show greater resilience. Once central to Western culture, Christianity is now often seen as irrelevant and on the margins of society.
Several research institutions, including Pew Research Centre and the Barna Group have narrowly traced the decline.
To read only one book on the topic, choose one of the following:
• A Secular Age by Charles Taylor (2007)
Most influential in theology, philosophy, and cultural analysis
• The Great Dechurching by Jim Davis & Michael Graham (2023)
Most current and readable treatment
• The Death of Christian Britain by Callum G. Brown (2001, revised 2009)
Most cited in British secularization debates
Majority World Christianity (Non-West)
This section will be added.
One of the great resource senters is The Center for the Study of Global Christianity (CSGC). For access, click here.
USA 2024
In State of the Bible, the American Bible Society published its 2024 survey results. They calculate that 65 million American adults find themselves between faith and unbelief, and curious about the Bible. This so-called Movable Middle struggles with cultural barriers that prevent them from exploring, but they are open to receiving guidance from trusted church communities. They're inspired by authentic "Bible people" living out their faith. Demographics reveal that Gen Z and Boomers are overrepresented, suggesting both youngest and oldest adults are actively searching. These results represent an unprecedented opportunity: 65 million people in the USA at the threshold, needing the right invitation, the right Bible translation, and the right mentor to step into faith.
You can download the State of the Bible report here.
Brittain 2025
Research by the British Bible Society reveals that church attendance in England and Wales has surged by 50% over the past six years, with 2 million more attendees. Young men lead this revival, with their attendance jumping from 4% to 21%. The church is also becoming more diverse, with 47% of young Black adults attending at least monthly. Men now outnumber women in churches (13% vs 10%), reversing historical patterns. Growth spans denominations, particularly Catholicism and Pentecostalism. Also, 67% of churchgoers read the Bible at least weekly.
You can download the Quiet Revival report here.
Recommended Books:
• The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God by Justin Brierly (2003)
• Dominion by Tom Holland (2019)
• Mere Christianity by CS Lewis (1934)
• The Reason for God by Tim Keller (2008)