social relevance of christianity

• despite the declining no. of regular worshippers, it can still be claimed that British society itself still views religion as socially relevant

  • in times of major disasters, people often turn to the Church to express their grief
  • locally, Churches often play a significant role in helping local communities come to terms with a tragedy e.g. murder of a child
• social involvement demonstrates how the teachings of Christianity are

  socially + politically relevant in the modern world

  • Jesus himself put caring for those in need before religious rules + Christians today reflect Jesus' teaching in their belief that the Church is the Body of Christ on earth
• the Troubles in Northern Ireland = example of social relevance of Christianity - membership of certain church was a signal of political loyalty
• quietist view = opposition of activist

  • everything can be left in God's hands
  • Christians should not engage in social or political action

  activist view

  • Christian moral order required individuals + Churches to engage with the world, particularly the sick + poor e.g. being a street pastor
• 2021 census = 46% of the population identified as Christian
• • despite many not attending church, it may still provide a sense of permanence + continuity in a world where things constantly change
  • churches can also be an expression of national identity e.g. Polish Catholicism - revived to express Polish identity after a period of persecution under the USSR
• religion is growing in some areas, becoming more political in others + declining in others
• social relevance in the modern day e.g. the Pope's funeral is being attended by heads of state across the world - PM Kier Starmer attended on 26 April 2025