Canadian Pentecostal Seminary
by Dr Jim Lucas
Don’t believe it if you hear that North American culture is secular. Reg Bibby, Canada’s leading religious demographer concludes in a recent book entitled Restless Churches that about 80% of Canadians still believe in God. It is not that North Americans or Canadians in particular have jettisoned religion or spirituality, it is that many of them have rejected the church as a help in their spiritual journey.
On a recent Oprah Winfrey program, Oprah related a story to her guest on the show, the popular singer Faith Hill. She told of how she came to an incredible understanding with God when she was desperately trying to break into the acting profession. She finally decided to give up her struggle to Jesus and she began to sing the old gospel song “I Surrender All.” She told Faith Hill she did this with tears streaming down her face while out running. Immediately afterward, she was contacted by a Hollywood executive and asked to take a role in the movie “The Color Purple.” Faith Hill then sung the song “I Surrender All” as the audience listened on with rapt attention. No matter what we may think of Oprah’s spirituality, or her profession of faith, or her theology, there is no doubt that she is deeply spiritual, as are many in North America who do not connect with the church. This kind of open confession of faith is quite surprising given the presumption by many that we live in a post-Christian culture. Perhaps our culture is more post-church than post-Christian.