Clifford Hill discusses the demise of secular humanism – and the power of prayer to change a nation.

Discerning Christians began to see a turning tide in Britain more than two years ago when the Scottish Referendum upheld the unity of the United Kingdom. The result was seen as the outcome of a huge wave of prayer that had swept the UK in the lead up to the vote.

That movement to prayer increased throughout the stormy months of divisive argument that preceded the EU Referendum on 25 June this year, which marked a fundamental change in the history of Britain that has reverberated around the world and has even been influential in the election of an American President.

The Beginning of the End for Secular Humanism?

Both Brexit and the Trump election have been highly divisive in the UK and the USA, but both are profoundly world-shaking events in which discerning Christians can see the guiding hand of God.

Already in Britain we are beginning to see the fruit of the Brexit vote in turning the tide against the demonic campaign of the secular humanist liberal elite, who have driven the country to the very edge of moral and spiritual bankruptcy during the past 40 years (since we joined the EU) climaxing in the parliamentary vote to re-define marriage, which is part of God's act of Creation.

Both Brexit and the Trump election, though highly divisive, are events in which discerning Christians can see the guiding hand of God.

PM Defends Christian Rights

That vote sealed the fate of Prime Minister David Cameron and his Government and paved the way for a new Prime Minister who is prepared to stand up in Parliament and declare her Christian faith. On Wednesday of this week she said,

...we are now into the season of Advent, and we have a very strong tradition in this country of religious tolerance and freedom of speech and our Christian heritage is something we can all be proud of.¹

She said:

I'm sure we would all want to ensure that people at work do feel able to speak about their faith, and also feel able to speak quite freely about Christmas.²

Theresa May's statement was in response to a question from Fiona Bruce MP, who reported to the House that many Christians are worried and fearful of speaking about their faith. She referred to a report from the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship, which confirms that the "legal rights of freedom of religion and freedom of speech to speak about one's faith responsibly, respectfully and without fear, are as strong today as ever".³

A major report is also forthcoming from the Equalities watchdog criticising employers who intimidate Christians who dare to make a stand for their faith. This is a major turnaround for the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, which has traditionally upheld LGBT rights and discriminated against Christians.

The Commission report, due to be published in full next week, criticises organisations that have been dumbing down Christmas by using secular phrases such as 'Seasons Greetings' and 'Winterval'. It also highlights employers who have victimised Christians, such as British Airways, who suspended an employee for refusing to remove a tiny cross she was wearing.⁴

From School to the Workplace

In yet another sign of the turning tide against anti-Christian secular humanism, it was reported this week that a Christian Teaching Assistant, suspended for answering a question from a pupil about her faith and stating that she believed marriage was only between a man and a woman, had been re-instated and the school had apologised to her.⁵

Other schools have stopped producing nativity plays in case they upset their Muslim pupils – disregarding our centuries of Christian heritage.

A major report is also forthcoming from the Equalities watchdog criticising employers who intimidate Christians who dare to make a stand for their faith.

The Prime Minister's statement in the run-up to Christmas is timely, when many organisations and workplaces organise carol concerts. It is particularly important that Christians should feel free to speak openly about their faith on these occasions, which draw many people who have little or no knowledge of Christianity. The report from the Lawyers' Christian Fellowship (LCF) encourages Christians to share their faith at every opportunity – "in the workplace or at the bus stop".

Pressure for Change

The two reports, from the LCF and the Equalities Commission, reinforced by the PM's statement, reflect a sociological turning of the tide in Britain. There is widespread disillusionment and discontent with the general trends in the life of the nation. This fuels anti-establishment ideologies – a rejection of mainstream politics and a movement towards the far right or far left extremes of the political spectrum – towards anyone who will offer an alternative to the present holders of power.

People don't necessarily know what they're looking for; but they're looking for 'change' – something different from the present status quo that has led to increasing social, economic and cultural oppression. This atmosphere of discontent has been particularly palpable since the banking crisis of 2008 and the ensuing package of austerity measures that politicians have levied on various unsuspecting sectors of public life. There has been national outcry at the injustice of ordinary people having to pay the price for the reckless gambling of a small number of greedy bankers, who created economic chaos in a bid to secure their own fortunes.

The Brexit vote in Britain was heavily influenced by this discontent and so too was the election of Donald Trump in the USA. The same spirit of discontent is spreading right across Europe and will manifest itself in national elections across the EU, many of which are forthcoming in the next couple of years.

People are disillusioned with the secular humanist status quo in Britain - there is great opportunity here for Christians.

Is Samson's Hair Still Growing?

This social turning of the tide has spiritual implications that Christians need to note. Christians, of course, are part of the general population and are also influenced by social pressures. Many have been sensing the changes in society for a long time and have increasingly turned to prayer and studying the word of God to try to understand what's going on in the world around us.

As far back as September 2004 I said in Prophecy Today (the printed magazine) that there were signs in the churches that "Samson's hair was growing" – that spiritual strength was increasing as increasing numbers of Christians were gathering in small house groups for prayer.

Discerning Christians could see this as the beginning of a momentous change in the spiritual life of the Western nations. I said then that when the tide turns, it happens far out in the main, long before the waves begin to run up the beach where everyone can see the incoming tide. Praying Christians today can see the signs and recognise the new opportunities for sharing their faith in an age of disillusionment with the secular humanist policies that have been driving Western nations for the past 40 years.

Let's Take the Opportunity!

We do not yet know whether this turning of the tide will result in widespread revival of the Christian faith or whether it is simply a short 'window of opportunity'. But clearly the opportunity is there to be grasped. The Christmas Carol Love came down at Christmas expresses the heart of the unique opportunity being offered to Christians at this time of discontent. Now is the time to tell our friends and neighbours about why God sent Jesus – "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

If Christians rightly use this Advent season and it is followed up in the New Year by a call to prayer, this window of opportunity could become a time when we see the advancement of the Kingdom of God on earth – and in our nation.

References

1 Watch the video of Theresa May's statement during Prime Minister's Questions (30 November 2016) by clicking here.

2 Ibid.

3 Ms Bruce's own words, Prime Ministers' Questions, 30 November 2016. In reference to the LCF/Evangelical Alliance report entitled Speak Up: The Law and Your Gospel Freedoms, published August 2016. Click here for information on how to obtain copies of the report, which is also available online.

4 Petre, J. Hallelujah! Equalities watchdog says persecution of Christians must end - and blasts Lord's Prayer film ban. Daily Mail, 26 November 2016.

5 School backs down after disciplining worker for Christian views. The Christian Institute, 1 December 2016.

Prophecy Today UK's Managing Editor, Frances Rabbitts, left university two years ago. She looks back at university life and asks: how free are students to speak the truth today?

Last month, pro-life students at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow became the latest casualties of the free speech war raging in our universities.¹

Before them, it was the social science student from Sheffield who was expelled from his course after expressing views on his Facebook page in defence of the biblical definition of marriage.² Before that, it was exposure of 'institutional anti-Semitism' amongst left-wing students in Oxford.³ I could go on.

The New 'Progress'

Much has changed in British universities in the last few decades. Historically, they have had a reputation for being places of radicalism, open debate and free thinking, taking the lead in challenging the status quo. This has often (though not always) been cause for celebration, with student groups contributing to advances in women's educational rights in Britain, and racial civil liberties in America.

Today however, student radicalism is being bent in a new and more sinister direction. Our universities are now leading the way in clamping down on free speech. Left-wing student radicalism now means lashing out against anyone who dares to challenge the hallowed doctrines of secular humanism. They are the new racists, the new sexists, the new homophobes, the new fascists, deserving of being silenced, shunned - even attacked.

So, where once 'thinking outside the box' was championed and celebrated, now it is being demonised and excised, all in the name of progress. Of course, universities are not the only places where this is happening. They are part of a much bigger assault on Western freedoms – but a significant part, nonetheless.

British universities were once known for open debate and 'free thinking' – but now student radicalism is being bent in a more sinister direction.

Censorship Growing

Perceptive web magazine Spiked, which paradoxically boasts a strongly secular humanist philosophy, has long been critical of this growing culture of censorship and intolerance, last year launching the world's first Free Speech University Rankings, using a traffic light colour ranking system.⁴ It found that a staggering 80% of British universities in 2015 had been accused of censoring free speech in some way. Activities such as 'no platforming' (refusing particular speakers), banning specific speech, ideologies or group affiliations, and protesting potentially 'offensive' groups or meetings are all widespread.

This year, the percentage accused of censorship has risen to 90%, with over half of all university institutions in Britain receiving a 'Red' marking (i.e. most hostile to free speech).⁵

Spiked editor, Brendan O'Neill, has described today's student culture thus: "Where once students might have allowed their eyes and ears to be bombarded by everything from risqué political propaganda to raunchy rock, now they insulate themselves from anything that might dent their self-esteem and, crime of crimes, make them feel 'uncomfortable'."⁶ [emphasis added]

In the last year, 90% of British universities have been accused of censoring free speech in some way.

Selective Persecution

This growing culture of censoring the 'uncomfortable' often comes in the form of blanket bans on 'homophobic' speech, 'extremist' behaviour and any form of 'harassment', as well as generic official commitments to 'dignity', 'equal opportunities' and 'respect'.

What this translates to in real life, however, is highly selective – certain belief systems and perspectives are attacked whilst others are allowed to go free. For instance, the National Union of Students has been criticised for freely condemning both Israel and UKIP, but refusing to condemn Islamic State for fear of being branded Islamophobic.⁷

Unsurprisingly, a common theme of this selective outrage against the 'uncomfortable' is a large-scale attack on biblical values (especially on gender, abortion and marriage), Jewish groups (under the banner of anti-Israel sentiment) and Christian Unions.

In many institutions, Jewish students now experience harassment and bear the brunt of aggressive anti-Israel protests as a new norm.⁸ In April the NUS hit the news again, not least because of anti-Semitic remarks made by its new president.⁹ As regards pro-life, the latest incident in Glasgow is not the only recent example of anti-abortion groups experiencing censorship on campus – the same thing happened in Dundee in 2014.

Campus censorship is highly selective – and is frequently characterised by attacks on Jewish and Christian groups, and biblical values.

How the Tables Have Turned

Most Christian students are fully aware that living their faith out on campus is a battle. But it is more than just a battle for them as individuals (important though this is). They are part of a much larger and longer-standing war for the minds of British young people.

How did we get here? I want to suggest that the tables have turned in our universities because the enemy finally has them right where he wants them: by and large, they have become dedicated temples to secular humanism, churning out generation upon generation of converts trained to think, write and work accordingly.

Decades ago, when the status quo in Britain was broad adherence to Christianity (if only cultural) and most people had been brought up within a biblical value system, it was in the enemy's interests to challenge these widely held beliefs where possible – including in universities, through such vehicles as 'free thinking' and 'dissent'. Now it no longer works to his advantage to encourage thinking (or believing) outside the box – because Britain's cultural 'box' is no longer Christianity, but secular humanism.

It is no longer in the enemy's interested for universities to challenge the status quo in British culture – because the status quo is no longer Christianity, but secular humanism.

So, instead of universities being centres for challenging the status quo, they are now strategic hubs for its defence. The goal is to consolidate its hold, either by keeping God behind closed doors, a matter of private, individual significance not for public consumption, or by trying more overtly to silence biblical truth on campus.

The Truth is Uncomfortable

Perhaps all of this should be no surprise. With no apology to the campus police, the gospel is an uncomfortable message. We bear it on behalf of the Lord Jesus, who declared that it would naturally cause division between those who accepted it and those who did not (Matt 10:35-36). But those who are willing to be made uncomfortable by its truths will ultimately be blessed with the true comfort of the Holy Spirit.

So, this is not a time to be passive. If you know any Christian students, or have them in the family, I encourage you to pray with them and support them in their faith regularly – intercede for them, that God would empower them to live and speak in a truly counter-cultural way. Encourage them to stand with Jewish students experiencing persecution. And help them to petition the Lord for wisdom about how to rally together and speak out, that the truth might be heard.

They are on one of many front lines in this country – but this is an opportunity for witness as much as it is a threat of social martyrdom. Pray that their freedom in Jesus would be so attractive that every 'casualty' in this war would lead to many others finding life.

References

1 Pro-life students refused funding at Scottish university. The Christian Institute, 12 April 2016.

2 Christian student to seek further action after expulsion from university course. Christian Concern, 8 April 2016.

3 Simons, A. It's time we acknowledged that Oxford's student left is institutionally anti-Semitic. The Guardian, 18 February 2016.

4 Free Speech University Rankings, Spiked Online.

5 Ibid. See specific university rankings here.

6 O'Neill, B. Free speech is so last century. Today's students want the 'right to be comfortable'. The Spectator, 22 November 2014.

7 Rickman, D. NUS will condemn Israel and Ukip but not Isis. The Independent, 2014.

8 E.g. see Firsht, N. When Anti-Zionism Slips Into Anti-Semitism. Spiked, 19 February 2016.

9 University students threaten to split from NUS. BBC News, 22 April 2016.

Prophecy Today UK sends an open letter to Her Majesty the Queen.

Despite all the problems our nation has faced over the last year, we at Prophecy Today found a little encouragement over the Christmas season to hear the Prime Minister's affirmation of Christian values in our nation and also the Education Secretary's resolve to promote the Christian heritage of Britain in our schools.

Most of all we were greatly encouraged by the Queen's Christmas message - perhaps the most overtly Christian message of her reign. The message can be accessed for three more weeks on the BBC website and is worth listening to several times as an encouragement and as a prompt to our New Year prayers for the nation.

The Board of Prophecy Today UK has sent a short letter to the Queen, copied in full below.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
Buckingham Palace
London
SW1A 1AA

Your Majesty,

We at Prophecy Today UK would like to thank you for your 2015 Christmas Broadcast. In these challenging days it was so refreshing and encouraging to hear such a clear message of hope and love founded firmly on the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We would also like to encourage you as you enter another year of service to our nation, and to assure you of our ongoing prayers for you, your family and the Government.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Clifford Denton

Chairman
Prophecy Today UK

On behalf of the Ministry Board and our Supporters