The Decline of Christianity in Public Service: A Cultural Shift

(This is the longest post I’ve posted, however the length is needed to be able to do this subject a small justice… My main points, and possibly best ones, are at the very end along with my personal thoughts of how I struggle to be the christian I should be and my thoughts on that.)

For much of Western history, and particularly in the United States, Christianity has played a foundational role in shaping public service even as we know it today. The country’s forefathers, many of whom identified as Christian, built a system of governance that—while designed to be free from religious imposition—was nonetheless influenced by Christian ethics. Concepts such as selflessness, charity, and a duty to serve the greater good have long been considered virtues rooted in Christian teachings from Christ Himself. However, in recent decades, there has been a noticeable shift away from overt Christian influence in public service, reflecting broader societal changes.

Christianity has historically emphasized the importance of service. The idea of servant leadership, which is central to Christ’s teachings, advocates for leaders who prioritize the needs of others before their own. Remember Jesus washing the very feet of His disciples? This ethos has influenced public service for centuries, shaping policies that focus on justice, compassion, and care for the vulnerable. The belief that those in leadership should serve with humility aligns closely with the principles upon which many democratic institutions were built. The whole idea being servant leadership, which Jesus taught and lived.

Moreover, Christian values have played a role in major humanitarian efforts, the founding of hospitals, schools, and charitable organizations. Even some insurance companies today. Many of the earliest public service initiatives in the U.S. were guided by Christian groups who saw their mission as an extension of their faith.

The invention of hospitals, as we understand them today, was heavily influenced by Christian principles of charity, care for the sick, and hospitality taught by Christ Himself. While ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans had places for healing (often connected to temples or military needs), the concept of hospitals as institutions dedicated to serving the poor, sick, and dying was largely developed by early Christians.

Christianity emphasized compassion for the poor, sick, and the marginalized. Jesus healed the sick and instructed His followers to care for others (Matthew 25:35-40). This foundational Christian ethic led early believers to create structured places of healing. It’s also important to note that Jesus not only advocated and taught to treat your neighbor as yourself but to also pray for those in leadership and our government.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

The first true hospitals were established by Christians in the Roman Empire. St. Basil of Caesarea (4th Century) founded what is considered one of the earliest hospitals in modern terms, offering medical care to the sick, shelter to the poor, and comfort to the dying. These institutions were unique because they cared for everyone, not just soldiers, the wealthy, or the elite, as was common in pagan societies. Everyone received care.

So… Now… to the hard part. How to explain why we see a decline of Christianity across the public service platforms… but also to, the world itself. What follows are my humble thoughts as an uneducated, local farm boy… take it as you may.

The decline of Christianity as a whole, not just in public service, I would say starts in the early 20th century with the rise of secular thought. The early 1900s saw an increase in secular philosophies, particularly with the influence of thinkers like Darwin, Freud, and Nietzsche. Evolutionary theory and psychological advancements challenged traditional religious narratives. The mid-20th century saw growing existentialist and humanist thought in academia, which promoted secular ethics over religious ones. We saw Supreme Court Landmark rulings in the 1960s began limiting religious influence in public institutions:

• Engel v. Vitale (1962) – Prohibited state-sponsored prayer in schools.

• Abington School District v. Schempp (1963) – Banned mandatory Bible readings in public schools.

These rulings were major turning points, as they symbolized the government's commitment to secularism and began shifting religious influence out of public life.

The rest here are just highlights, because this blog could go on forever….. lol

The 1990s–2000s: Acceleration of Secularization

• Growth of the "Nones" – In the 1990s, sociologists began noticing a rise in religiously unaffiliated individuals (often called the "Nones"). These were people who, while not necessarily atheist, did not identify with any organized religion.

• Postmodernism & Moral Relativism – Schools and universities increasingly promoted pluralism and relativism, moving away from the idea of absolute religious truths.

• Church Scandals – High-profile scandals within Catholic and Protestant churches (such as sexual abuse cases) led to growing distrust and declining church attendance.

• 9/11 and Religious Skepticism – The rise of radical Islamic terrorism led to increased scrutiny of religious fundamentalism, causing some Americans to reject organized religion altogether.

5. The 2010s–Present: Rapid Decline in Christian Affiliation

• Sharp Increase in "Nones" – Surveys indicate that nearly 30% of Americans today identify as religiously unaffiliated, with younger generations being the least religious in U.S. history.

• Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage (2015) – Many saw this as a marker of secular values overtaking traditional Christian teachings on marriage and family.

• Political Polarization & Christianity – The close association of evangelical Christianity with conservative politics has led some, especially younger Americans, to distance themselves from the faith.

• Rise of Social Justice Movements – Many younger Americans are drawn to causes related to racial justice, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate activism—issues that some see as conflicting with traditional Christian teachings.

Ultimately, I cannot give good account into trying to answer this question. However, I believe these are some adequate starting points. This is my main opinion……The church… and by “church” I mean, the church of the Acts Of The Bible… the true church of Christ, is well… asleep. The church, in my opinion, has “mainly” become complacent, disengaged, or ineffective in addressing cultural, moral, and spiritual challenges. There is a lack of boldness in preaching the truth of Christ. There is declining moral influence. We don’t engage in discipleship as we should, or stand firm against cultural pressures…..

However I go farther to say this, it also comes down to the individual. The disciple of Christ. I’ve been reading a lot of Brennan Manning lately, the author of The Ragamuffin Gospel. He spoke very powerfully about the intersection of Christianity and atheism, particularly in how Christians live out their faith. One of his most well-known quotes addresses the impact of hypocritical Christianity on unbelief:

"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."

Manning was highlighting the disconnect between professed faith and lived faith. He argued that when Christians fail to embody the love, grace, and authenticity of Christ, they become a stumbling block for others—pushing people toward atheism or other religion rather than drawing them to God. And I for one, am completely guilty of this. I have not lived up to the faith that I proclaim. I’m a lier, hypocritical cheat, arrogant, prideful, self righteous man. I need God’s grace and salvation everyday. It is only when I keep my eyes, my focus, on Christ, then am I profitable in this life and experience true joy and happiness. I have a lot to learn, and will continue the journey.