Death of God?

On April 8, 1966, Time Magazine published a cover story entitled “Is God Dead?” The story was shocking to a lot of people. Their argument was society had become startlingly secular and that was pushing God out of people’s lives. Church attendance and membership had dropped off, people were increasingly focused on raising their families, earning a good income, building careers, and finding pleasure in a demanding and hectic world.


As the story read on and the public engaged in the discussion, no, God was not dead. In fact, there was a current reawakening to the presence of God in most things. Spiritual life was healthy but changing from old norms. People were tiring of religious ritual and demands. Instead they wanted discussion, learning and understanding the world in the context of current events and issues.

Might the same be said of today?


My experience notes vigorous public discussions and movements surrounding many current issues – racism, ecology, women’s rights, abortion rights, gay rights, immigrant rights, voter rights, and on and on. Fiery speeches, marches and fundraising events are staged. Books are written. Political campaigns are waged. All of these focus on someone’s ideal of right thinking and values. The debates are real; so are the feelings, and spirit of support.


Spirit. Spiritual roots. Right and wrong. Truth, fact, established record of history. Americans are struggling with these matters as they always have. History is changed and changing. Always has. It is the sinew of our life together in community – arguing what is right and what is normal. But then, what is normal is not always right. So the debate goes on in perpetuity.


Church life may embrace some of these avid activities, or not. Understanding the feelings and nurturing to the stresses and strains of life do happen. Ministry is an adoption of movements which embellish life’s value. Lives are embraced and spiritual matters are celebrated. Perhaps not religious matters, but certainly spiritual ones.


I feel fairly certain that if Time Magazine reran the story of God’s Death, the reaction would be similar to that of 1966. God is not dead. Churches are not dead. Spirituality is alive and kicking, and because of that, so is religion alive and breathing. Much has changed in churches and parishioners.

Our population is different, too. Young adults see the world through their lens and will act differently with the details than we did back in our day.


Life experience presses its understanding forward. The institutions of community change a little and a lot. They remain, however, as partners in our todays and tomorrows. Churches, too, affect and effect these changes.


Dead? No, assuredly no. God is alive and with us. Some folks just don’t let him/her into their lives until the need demands the presence.


February 27, 2020