The hard truth is that Christianity within the UK is on the decline. There is an obvious cultural shift away from organised religion. Yet, a few of today’s biggest music hits are stuffed with themes we recognise in Christianity—songs about hope, redemption, and even prayers. This is much more evident within the songs which chart around Christmas.
This yr, Coldplay’s We Pray and Craig David’s soulful rendition of He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands were just two of the numerous tracks that tap into something deeply spiritual. And in December, you barely have to look further than Coldplay’s break-up song Christmas Lights to see that even essentially the most melancholy of songs often has an in-built streak of hope.
The lyrics say: “And then all my troubles might be gone …. Oh, Christmas lights keep shining on.”
So why, amid declining church numbers, are people connecting with and even finding comfort in these songs? Perhaps it reveals a collective eager for hope and connection in a world that feels increasingly uncertain.
We Pray made headlines for its strong references to Christianity and spiritual themes, and it currently has over 56 million streams on Spotify. This fascinates me for 2 reasons: first, it’s sparking conversations in regards to the deeper purpose and meaning of life, and second, I’d never have guessed my long history with Coldplay would find yourself here. My first concert was during Coldplay’s Parachute tour once I was just 15 years old, and I ended up crowd-surfing while they performed Yellow.
It’s easy to see why We Pray sparked conversations. In the chorus, Chris Martin sings:
“I do know somewhere that heaven is waiting … I do know somewhere we’ll feel no pain.”
Martin’s music has many influences, but what comes through in his lyrics is a curiosity and wonder for what’s beyond this world and a desperate seek for hope and meaning by exploring the spiritual realm.
And he is not alone. That thirst for greater meaning and consequent interest in Christianity permeates popular culture. In film, screenwriters love underdogs, redemption arcs, fathers and sons reconciling, and revere the ability of stories. In fitness, communities openly dialogue about a better, benevolent power, greater purpose, and something beyond ourselves. In music, songwriters reference spiritual imagery and language and stepping out of ourselves.
In their podcast This Cultural Moment, John Mark Comer and Mark Sayers describe these undercurrents as signs of post-Christianity, of individuals defining themselves against organised religion, but wanting “the dominion without the King.” In other words, popular culture wants the whole lot good about Christianity, the fruit of the dominion, but doesn’t want Christ.
I’ve all the time been fascinated by how culture highlights and speaks to the Christian worldview without realising it – it’s because we’re all a part of the world that God created. So how can we engage with it?
Although not all cultural references to Christianity are positive – and plenty of are negative in the intense – all are invitations to speak. If we react harshly when people write lyrics which can be clearly influenced by Christian heritage or culture, we close the door to dialogue. Think about it: possibly they’ve picked up a Bible and browse a story; perhaps they’re reminiscent of an early experience in church. Again, many are connecting to the themes and values of the dominion, not the King Himself: the teachings, the ideas, and the characteristics of Jesus. It’s just the exclusive claims and the supernatural realities they don’t seem to be enthusiastic about.
Of course, we have to be discerning. There is an agenda here on the a part of opposing realms. Tactics are at play that belittle Christianity, dilute it right down to make it sound like nonsense, or in extreme cases, evil. But Christians can appropriate this agenda by grabbing hold and interesting with it, reading the Bible, standing for the reality, and stepping into conversations. It is spiritual warfare, the suppression of truth, and the world fighting back against the sunshine that it doesn’t understand. But we have got to enter the warfare; we won’t just abandon it.
As Chris Martin’s lyrics express, on the lookout for meaning beyond yourself is an element of what it means to be human. The search comes out naturally in people, presenting an incredible opportunity to ask people to explore that meaning through the Bible. This can feel like a mammoth task but in point of fact, all it takes is gentle intentionality and a non-judgemental, open invitation to discussion.
So, why not search for moments to attach with people over mutual interests and hobbies, like Coldplay? If someone expresses an interest in faith, Christianity or spiritual themes, ask them, ‘You like that song, what do you make of its lyrics? What does it make you’re feeling?’. Of the 56 million times people listened to We Pray, how again and again did they grow to be interested in something greater than themselves? What a chance!
Now, it is vital to not rush or force this. Sometimes people will say no. In the moment, don’t take it personally or consider it a rejection. Instead, pray for them, enjoy their company, and be there after they’re ready.
Here perseverance may be incredibly powerful. I once invited a friend from my local fitness community to read the Bible with me. He was hard to read over the weeks we met, but sooner or later, sitting in his truck, he said he wanted to present his life to Jesus. We prayed there after which, and he was saved.
Relying on the ability of God speaking through His words within the Bible completely removes the pressure on us to offer an ideal representation of Christianity. All the answers and work are done by God’s Word itself. The Bible is the place where we will see Jesus most clearly. When the Bible is on the centre, using a resource just like the Word One to One, Jesus becomes the main target, not the person’s portrayal of Him.
Christians are called to be on the earth, not of it. We have the dominion and the King; His name is Jesus, and others can too. So, the subsequent time you sense that seek for hope, for something more when your friend brings up the newest song they like, ask them what they mean. It might just open some doors.
Simon Lennox is CEO of The Word One to One
