To gain a balanced and nuanced understanding, this article critically engages with their strategies, explores cultural critiques from high-profile leaders within each community, and considers the generational and intra-community differences that influence these responses.
By Dr. Tim Orr
As secularism continues to shape societies across the globe, religious communities like American Evangelicals and British Shia Muslims face ongoing challenges in preserving their beliefs and practices. While both groups navigate similar issues, their responses are shaped by distinct cultural and political contexts. To gain a balanced and nuanced understanding, this article critically engages with their strategies, explores cultural critiques from high-profile leaders within each community, and considers the generational and intra-community differences that influence these responses. Additionally, the article delves deeper into the theological foundations that underpin these responses and addresses potential criticisms to offer a more comprehensive perspective.
Tim Keller
Tim Keller, the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, was one of the most influential voices in American Evangelicalism, particularly in urban contexts. Keller's approach to secularism is deeply rooted in his theological understanding of the gospel as both a personal and a social force. In his book Center Church (2012), Keller advocates for a "missional" church posture, which involves engaging thoughtfully and respectfully with the broader culture while maintaining the integrity of the Christian message. This also happens to be my view.
Keller critiques both the "countercultural" model, which seeks to separate from secular society, and the "accommodational" model, which compromises Christian distinctive to fit into secular norms. Instead, he proposes a "third way," where Christians neither fully assimilate into secular culture nor withdraw from it. This approach is grounded in Keller's belief in the transformative power of the gospel to change individuals and, through them, society. His theological stance is that Christians are called to be "in the world but not of it," engaging in public life—whether through the arts, politics, or business—while maintaining a distinctively Christian worldview that challenges secular assumptions.
Keller’s theological critique of secularism centers on its reductionist tendencies. He argues that secularism often reduces human life to materialism and individualism, neglecting deeper existential questions about meaning, justice, and human dignity. By addressing these questions from a Christian perspective, Keller believes that Evangelicals can offer a compelling alternative to secularism that resonates with believers and non-believers.
Russell Moore
Russell Moore, a prominent ethicist and theologian, offers a nuanced critique of the intersection between Evangelicalism and political power. As the former president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, Moore has been a vocal critic of the close ties between Evangelicalism and the Republican Party, warning that political partisanship can distort the church's witness and compromise its mission.
Moore’s theological foundation is rooted in the idea of a prophetic church—one that speaks truth to power and holds both political parties accountable to the teachings of Christ. In his book Onward: Engaging the Culture Without Losing the Gospel (2015), Moore calls for a politically independent church that prioritizes the kingdom of God over any earthly political ideology. He critiques the "culture war" mentality that has characterized much of Evangelical engagement with secularism, arguing that it often focuses more on preserving a cultural identity than on advancing the gospel.
Moore’s critique of secularism is that while it poses real challenges to religious freedom and moral values, the church's response should not be to seek refuge in political power. Instead, he advocates for a posture of humility, love, and a focus on spiritual renewal. Moore’s theological perspective emphasizes the need for the church to be a prophetic voice in society, critiquing both the right and the left and avoiding the temptation to become overly entangled in political battles that can obscure the gospel’s message.
John Piper
John Piper, a theologian and pastor known for emphasizing God's sovereignty, provides a more traditional and conservative response to secularism. Piper’s theological framework, articulated in his book Desiring God (1986), is based on "Christian hedonism," which posits that pursuing God’s glory and human joy are inseparable. This framework shapes Piper’s critique of secularism, which he views as a worldview that seeks to find meaning and fulfillment apart from God.
Piper is deeply critical of any attempt to compromise or dilute biblical truth to accommodate secular values. He argues that the church must remain steadfast in its commitment to the teachings of Scripture, even if this means facing persecution or marginalization. Piper’s response to secularism is one of resistance, rooted in the conviction that God is sovereign over all things and that the church’s ultimate allegiance is to Christ, not to any earthly power.
Piper’s theological stance emphasizes the importance of personal holiness and doctrinal purity in the face of secular challenges. He warns against the dangers of moral relativism and the erosion of biblical authority in a secular society, urging Christians to hold fast to the truth of Scripture even when it is unpopular or countercultural. Piper’s approach reflects a commitment to the eternal truths of the gospel over the transient concerns of contemporary culture.
Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani
Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani is one of the most influential Shia clerics in the world, and his teachings have a profound impact on Shia communities in the U.K. and beyond. Al-Sistani’s theological approach to living in secular societies is grounded in the principles of pragmatism and moderation. He emphasizes the importance of adhering to local laws while maintaining religious identity, advocating for a balance between integration and religious fidelity.
Al-Sistani’s critique of secularism centers on its tendency to create a moral and spiritual vacuum. He argues that when religion is excluded from public life, society loses its moral compass, leading to ethical decay. However, rather than advocating for confrontation with secularism, al-Sistani encourages Shia Muslims to lead by example, demonstrating the values of Islam through their actions and interactions with others.
Al-Sistani’s influence is particularly evident in his guidance on political participation. He advises Shia Muslims in the West to engage in political processes that promote the common good while safeguarding their religious values. For instance, al-Sistani has encouraged Muslims to vote for candidates who uphold justice and human rights, even if these candidates do not share all of their religious beliefs. This pragmatic approach reflects al-Sistani’s broader theological strategy of integrating into secular societies while maintaining a distinct religious identity.
Ayatollah Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr
Ayatollah Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr, a revolutionary Shia thinker, offered a profound critique of Western secularism from an Islamic philosophical perspective. Al-Sadr’s theology is based on the idea that Islam is a comprehensive way of life that should influence all aspects of society, including politics and governance. He argued that separating religion from public life leads to a fragmentation of human experience and an erosion of moral values.
Al-Sadr’s teachings have been particularly influential among Shia communities that view Islam as not just a personal faith but a complete system for organizing society. This perspective often puts these communities at odds with the secular framework of British society, leading to tensions over issues such as Sharia law, religious education, and public morality.
Critics of al-Sadr’s approach argue that it is challenging to implement in a pluralistic and secular society like the U.K., where multiple religious and non-religious worldviews coexist. They caution that attempts to impose Islamic principles on public life could lead to social division and alienation from the broader society. However, for those who follow al-Sadr’s teachings, the goal is not to dominate but to demonstrate Islamic governance's moral and spiritual superiority as a model for creating a just and ethical society.
Sayed Ammar Nakshawani
Sayed Ammar Nakshawani is a contemporary Shia scholar who has gained a significant following among young Shia Muslims in the U.K. and beyond. Nakshawani’s approach to secularism is characterized by a balance between maintaining a strong commitment to Islamic teachings and actively engaging in British society. He encourages Shia Muslims to pursue education, participate in civic life, and challenge negative stereotypes about Islam through positive contributions to society.
Nakshawani’s critique of secularism centers on the idea that secular societies often marginalize religious voices, creating an environment where religion is viewed as irrelevant or even harmful. He argues that Shia Muslims must resist this marginalization by becoming active and visible members of society, demonstrating the relevance and importance of their faith in addressing contemporary social issues.
However, Nakshawani also warns against the dangers of assimilation, where the desire to fit in with secular society leads to the erosion of religious identity. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining distinctive religious practices, such as prayer, fasting, and community rituals, even in the face of societal pressure to conform. Nakshawani’s approach appeals to younger Shia Muslims because he helps them navigate the challenges of living in a secular society while remaining true to their religious heritage.
While the article acknowledges that secularism manifests differently in the U.S. and the U.K., this section delves deeper into how these contexts specifically shape the experiences of American Evangelicals and British Shia Muslims. The political and cultural landscape of the United States, where Evangelicals often wield significant influence, differs greatly from the U.K., where religion is more marginalized. These differences impact how each group perceives and responds to secularism.
In the U.S., the separation of church and state is a constitutional principle, yet religion remains a significant force in public life. American Evangelicals operate in a context where they can mobilize political power to influence policy on issues such as abortion, marriage, and religious freedom. However, this involvement has led to criticisms that Evangelicals are too closely aligned with conservative politics, potentially alienating non-believers and compromising their spiritual mission.
In contrast, British Shia Muslims navigate a society where religion is more privatized and less visible in public life. The U.K.’s established Church of England coexists with a largely secular public sphere, creating a complex environment for religious minorities. British Shia Muslims often find themselves balancing their religious practices with the expectations of a secular society that may view public expressions of faith with skepticism or indifference. This context shapes their responses to secular challenges, such as adapting religious rituals to fit British cultural norms or advocating for religious rights within a legal framework that prioritizes secularism.
Generational differences play a significant role in shaping how both American Evangelicals and British Shia Muslims respond to secularism. These differences often lead to tensions within their communities, reflecting each group's broader diversity of thought.
Among American Evangelicals, younger generations are increasingly focused on social justice issues, such as racial reconciliation and environmental stewardship. This shift has sometimes led to friction with older generations, who may prioritize issues like abortion and religious freedom. For instance, the differing responses to the Black Lives Matter movement highlight this generational divide. While some younger Evangelicals have embraced the movement as a reflection of Christian values of justice and equality, others have criticized it for aligning too closely with progressive ideologies that conflict with traditional Christian teachings.
In the British Shia Muslim community, generational differences are also evident, particularly in how younger Shia Muslims navigate their religious identity in a secular society. Influenced by their experiences growing up in a multicultural and pluralistic society, younger generations may be more inclined to adapt their religious practices to fit within the broader British cultural context. For example, some younger Shia Muslims may observe Ashura in less public ways and be more focused on personal reflection, in contrast to traditional public processions. This shift reflects a broader trend among younger Shia Muslims to balance their religious identity with their desire to integrate into British society.
Intra-community differences also manifest in the diverse allegiances within the Shia community, particularly about different Ayatollahs. These differences influence how individuals and groups respond to secular pressures, with some advocating for a more conservative approach that strictly adheres to traditional practices. In contrast, others push for more progressive interpretations, which allow greater integration into secular society.
The article previously presented the perspectives of American Evangelicals and British Shia Muslims largely uncritically. This revised version engages more deeply with potential criticisms of their responses to secularism.
For American Evangelicals, political activism has been a double-edged sword. While it has enabled Evangelicals to influence public policy on key moral issues, it has also drawn criticism for blurring the lines between faith and politics. Critics argue that this close alignment with conservative politics risks alienating non-believers and reducing Christianity to a political agenda rather than a spiritual movement. Moreover, there is concern that the focus on political power may compromise the church’s broader mission of spiritual renewal and evangelism.
Similarly, the adherence to traditional practices among British Shia Muslims has its critics. While maintaining these practices is seen as essential for preserving religious identity, it can also create tensions within the broader society and among younger generations who may feel alienated by strict interpretations of Islamic law. Critics argue that a more flexible approach that adapts to the cultural context of the U.K. while maintaining core religious values could help bridge the gap between the Shia community and the wider society.
American Evangelicals: A specific example of the political activism of the Religious Right is the mobilization around the nomination of Supreme Court justices who are perceived to support conservative Christian values. This activism played a significant role in appointing Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett, who Evangelical groups supported due to their perceived commitment to overturning Roe v. Wade. However, this focus on judicial appointments has drawn criticism for prioritizing political outcomes over spiritual concerns, raising questions about the potential long-term impact on the church’s witness.
British Shia Muslims: A concrete example of the challenges faced by British Shia Muslims is the controversy over the use of Sharia councils for resolving family disputes. While these councils are valued within the community for providing religiously appropriate solutions, they have been criticized for operating in a legal grey area and for potentially undermining the rights of women under U.K. law. The debate over whether to regulate or abolish these councils reflects the tension between maintaining religious practices and adhering to secular legal standards.
The question of whether faith can survive secularism is a pressing concern for both American Evangelicals and British Shia Muslims. Still, their strategies and responses to this challenge are not without controversy. By critically engaging with these strategies and examining specific examples, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of how these communities navigate the complexities of secularism. Both groups demonstrate resilience in maintaining their religious identities and practices. Still, they also face significant criticisms—whether for their political activism, strict adherence to traditional practices, or engagement with globalization.
As these communities continue to navigate the secular world, it is essential to consider their approaches' strengths and limitations. By doing so, we can better appreciate their challenges and how they seek to preserve their faith in an increasingly secular age.
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