The Bible in today's society

For some, a non-religious view of the world seems ‘normal’ or usual: they haven’t thought much about religion. Others with a secular view of life are more clearly anti-religious, e.g. some think that religions have done a lot of damage or are unbelievable. But whether those with a secular view of life are aware of it or not, they do number many thousands, perhaps millions, of people in the western world. For people with a secular outlook, the Bible does not speak with special or divine authority in matters of belief or morals, but it does provide an explanation of how the culture in which they live has been shaped. It is a culture key for them and its ongoing influence is a sign of vitality despite appearances to the contrary.

For them the Bible cannot have the status of scripture, nor is it the message of God, as they have either rejected beliefs about God and scripture or are unaware of them as a result of secular influences. But their non-religious view of life does not remove or reduce the Bible’s cultural influence. The Bible constitutes part of the cultural legacy of the western world, including that of its secular members. It has affected and continues to affect art, music, literature, language and law. Its narratives may still be seen as powerful insights into the truth about human nature and emotions. Some narratives have been changed, often in conflict with their origins, into secular moralisms, e.g. the Good Samaritan as a call to help others, or David and Goliath metamorphosed into the triumph of the small person over bullies. Such transfers are theological and textual distortions, but they still constitute powerful evidence of the ongoing influence of the Bible.