The modern tide of secularization presents both challenges and opportunities for Christian evangelism. As church attendance drops dramatically - from 50% in 1851 England to around 5% today - this "low tide" reveals important insights about faith and culture.

During high tide, Christian assumptions were so pervasive they became invisible. Humanistic ideals like human rights were considered "self-evident," though they actually stemmed from biblical worldviews. As Nietzsche predicted, when Christian faith recedes, these assumed moral foundations also erode.

Low tide reveals three key insights:

1. Ancient patterns re-emerge as society returns to pre-Christian frameworks
2. Christianity's profound cultural influence becomes more apparent
3. The path to faith becomes more intentional rather than cultural drift

For those exploring faith today, the journey often follows seven steps:

1. Recognizing strong moral beliefs that guide life
2. Acknowledging these beliefs come from cultural inheritance
3. Understanding Christianity's role in shaping Western values
4. Seeing societal disconnects between Christian values and secular worldviews
5. Recognizing personal cognitive dissonance
6. Realizing stronger belief in Christian values than secular narratives
7. Growing attraction to the Jesus story

Common concerns include:

• Difficulty with supernatural beliefs
• Feelings of hypocrisy
• Uncertainty about faith
• Questions about belief authenticity
• Worries about using faith instrumentally

Despite these doubts, many find themselves drawn to explore Christianity as they recognize its foundational role in their deepest held values. This presents unique opportunities for evangelism in an increasingly secular age.

The low tide of faith may actually create clearer pathways for authentic spiritual seeking, as people consciously choose to explore Christianity rather than simply inheriting it culturally.

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