3 Threats to Secularism in the West

In this commentary, I reflect on my recent trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, and the broader implications of living in the post-Christendom West. Walking the ancient streets and talking to seasoned church leaders I pondered two major factors that contribute to secularism, and how Protestantism has become a victim of its own success. Yet some European countries and U.S. regions buck the secular trend. Why? Considering the story of secularism—and resilient Christianity—helps us pass down a robust, durable faith to the next generation. ——— In This Episode 04:00 – Faith and decadence on Copenhagen’s streets 08:00 – From opt-out to opt-in belief 12:00 – America’s exception and slow convergence 18:00 – Faith thrives under tension 23:00 – The problem with establishment 30:00 – Reform, burnout, and secular substitutes 36:00 – Postwar humanism and its cracks 45:00 – Reality intrudes on secular optimism 49:00 – Three pressures on secularism and gospel hope Resources Mentioned Graph of Religious Importance and Corresponding GDP Graph of Religious Attendance in the US and Europe A Secular Age by Charles Taylor Destroyer of the gods by Larry W. Hurtado Dominion by Tom Holland The Age of Hitler and How We Will Survive It by Alec Ryrie The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis ——— SIGN UP for my newsletter, Unseen Things Help The Gospel Coalition renew and unify the contemporary church in the ancient gospel: Donate Today Don’t miss an episode of Gospelbound with Collin Hansen: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube TGC Updates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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3 Threats to Secularism in the West is an episode from Gospelbound by The Gospel Coalition.

This episode is 00:56:10 long.

This episode was published on Nov 4, 2025.

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