The Case Against Secularism

We plan our Salt Live events with curious Londoners in mind. Each of these evangelistic speaker events addresses a topical issue and considers how the Christian faith speaks into it. Expect a high-quality talk, lots of drinks and nibbles, a warm atmosphere, and plenty of time for Q&A. Find out about our upcoming Salt Live below.

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The Case Against Secularism: Why faith makes sense in the modern age
Tuesday 15th October, 7.30-9.15pm @ London Nautical School

For centuries, secularism has been heralded as humanity’s golden bullet. Society will flourish if we reject religion, so we’ve been told. No more truth, intolerance or control. 

But over recent years, a wave of backlash has formed. Feminist thinkers have slammed secular ethics, cultural Christianity is on the rise, and prominent atheist figures have come to faith. Meanwhile, a ‘meaning crisis’ is quietly brewing as many struggle to find significance in a world emptied of religion and purpose.

Has secularism overpromised? Are we really better off in a society without faith? And how can we find significance for our lives in secularism’s crumbling shadow?

About our speaker:

Glen Scrivener is a regular speaker at universities, churches and other public forums across the UK. He directs Speak Life, a Christian digital media company, and has authored several books, including The Air We Breathe: How We All Came to Believe in Freedom, Kindness, Progress, and Equality. Originally from Australia, he lives in Eastbourne with his wife Emma and their two children.

Modern life stinks

Part of the evangelical witness right now should be to point out that modern life stinks. Its technology makes us lonely. Its sexuality makes us empty. Its psychotherapy makes us self-obsessed. Many people are on the brink of oblivion, held back in some cases only by medication or political identity. We struggle to articulate why we should continue to live.

– Samuel James

In some ways, the effort to do apologetics (i.e. make a defence of the Christian faith) gets easier and more straightforward as our culture moves further away from God. Eventually, a world without God and without his truth gets so dark that people begin to wonder what’s gone wrong, and they start to grope around searching for a light.

Our Salt Live events are an effort to engage in cultural apologetics. We want to hone in on those aspects of modern life where people are feeling the pain, the confusion, or the inadequacy of existence without God, and then show them the way back to him. With that in mind, I'm thrilled to announce our next Salt Live event:

The Age of Self-Obsession: Is narcissism slowly destroying us?

Tuesday, 6th February at 7.30pm

Jeremy will be wrestling with the phenomenon of self-obsession expressed in all the ways we are encouraged to put ourselves first, step into the spotlight, turn our gaze inward. And he’ll show how this has led us into deeper misery and isolation.

How can we resist the culture of self? How can we begin to find freedom through self-forgetfulness? And what is the real path to happiness if not a focus on ourselves?

We would love for the church family to come to this, not least so that we all can get sharper at cultural apologetics. But more importantly, we would love for you to start thinking about who you will invite.

Salt Live Event: Is Faith Irrational?

In a secular age, many regard faith as an irrational leap in the dark. Religion is increasingly seen as out of place in public life, and often exiled to the private domain. So, while many might think of themselves as ‘spiritual’ it is often viewed as eccentric to hold strong religious beliefs. But can we so easily dismiss religion?

Our next Salt Live event (on 29th November) aims to tackle these kinds of questions in a relaxed and informal environment. You are very welcome to come and enjoy a beer or a glass of wine, hear a talk, and engage with the subject in open Q&A.

Our speaker, Dr Tanya Walker, is the Dean of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, and an Apologist for RZIM (Zacharias Trust).  Having completed her undergraduate degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Christ Church, Oxford University, Tanya worked in various political roles before returning to postgraduate research.  She holds an MA in Near and Middle Eastern (Islamic) Studies, and a Political Science PhD.  Tanya speaks internationally addressing questions around faith, philosophy, and life.

When? Wednesday 29th November, 7.30pm
Where? Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre, SE1 9NH

Link to the Facebook event page
Link to the Eventbrite event page