The Bible provides insight into why unbelief seems to be on the rise in modern times. Here are several biblical reasons that may explain this trend:
Prophesied Increase in Wickedness
Jesus himself prophesied that prior to his return, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). The book of 2 Timothy also warns, “There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-4). So the Bible tells us that the state of humanity will deteriorate spiritually in the end times, which leads to more unbelief.
Rejection of Truth
The Bible says that many will reject the truth and instead believe myths and falsehoods. 2 Timothy 4:4 declares, “They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” And Romans 1:25 says, “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.” When people reject God’s truth that is revealed in creation, Scripture, and conscience, it often leads to unbelief and idolatry.
Allure of Sin
The temptation and pull towards sin also fuels unbelief. John 3:19 explains, “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” People want to avoid accountability to their Creator, so they suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). The desire to cling to cherished sins can often lead people to reject faith in God.
False Teachers
The proliferation of falsehood and false teachers on TV, the internet, and elsewhere causes confusion and doubt. Ephesians 4:14 warns, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” When people lacking discernment consume unbiblical teaching, it can undermine biblical faith.
Persecution
Increased persecution of Christians and social pressure to conform to the spirit of the age causes some to fall away. Mark 4:17 notes that persecution causes some to “quickly fall away.” And Matthew 24:10 predicts that “many will turn away from the faith” in the end times. When standing up for truth is costly, some will shrink back.
Over-Emphasis on Tolerance
An over-emphasis on tolerance of all beliefs can breed confusion and religious pluralism. While Christians should absolutely treat all people with love and respect, this does not mean all beliefs are equally valid or true. But when society embraces the mindset that all religions are basically the same, it can foster skepticism of Christianity’s exclusive claims.
Materialism and Prosperity
Affluence, entertainment, materialism, and technology can compete for people’s affections and trust. Prosperity can breed complacency towards God. Revelation 3:17 warns, “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” When people have an abundance of creature comforts, they often neglect their Creator.
Rationalism and Naturalism
An over-reliance on human reason, intellect, and empirical scientific evidence as the sole basis for truth has led many to discount faith and Scripture. 1 Corinthians 1:25 declares, “…the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom.” A rationalistic worldview closes people off to the possibility of divine revelation and absolute moral truth.
Bible Illiteracy
Widespread biblical illiteracy leaves people unable to effectively counter arguments against Christianity. Acts 17:11 says the Bereans “received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” But many today lack even a basic working knowledge of the Bible’s teachings and historical accounts.
Cultural Christianity
A casual, cultural Christianity that lacks true repentance and faith has disillusioned some towards historic Christianity. Jesus condemned religious hypocrites (Matthew 23). And when prominent self-professed Christians live in unrepentant sin, it turns others away from the faith.
Lack of Christian Love
Hypocrisy, judgmentalism, pride, and lack of love among Christians causes some to reject Christ. Jesus said the world would know his disciples by their love (John 13:35). But when Christians don’t live out Christlike love, it hinders evangelism.
Bad Experiences with Christians
Hurtful experiences with churches, pastors, parents, and self-righteous Christians has bred skepticism and cynicism. Rather than being known for love, patience and kindness, some Christians are racked with scandals, splits, pride, and legalism – which causes outsiders to despise Christianity.
Intellectual Arguments Against Faith
Access to writings, internet sites, and videos challenging Christianity with intellectual arguments against the faith sow seeds of doubt in some. Believers need to develop spiritual discernment to refute false claims (1 John 4:1).
Wrong Theology in Church
False teaching in the church that distorts biblical truth and core doctrines can breed confusion, doubt, and biblically unrecognizable Christianity. 2 Peter 2:1 warns that “there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies.”
Over-Emphasis on Experience
An overemphasis on spiritual experiences, miracles, and claims of private revelation distracts some from the truth of Scripture. 1 Corinthians 4:20 says “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.” While genuine spiritual gifts and experiences can occur, they must be subject to biblical truth.
In summary, the rising tide of unbelief and skepticism has many contributing factors. But as Christians, we must respond with faithfulness, truth, and love – while pointing people to the hope found in Christ. Though unbelief may be on the rise, the truth of the gospel remains timeless and powerful to save. We can confidently cling to Jesus’ promise in John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
