Is Christianity back? Across several countries, the last few months have seen numerous anecdotal reports of a resurgence of Christian observance. Many British clerics are noting strong attendances at Lenten and Easter services. Similar reports are emerging in the USA, where younger people make up much of the increase. Meanwhile, France has had a 50% rise in adult baptisms, and survey data suggests a fourfold increase in Catholic observance among 18 to 24-year-olds in Britain.
It is possible that this is a false dawn. But equally, perhaps these faint glimmerings do represent something real. If there is real revival among younger generations, that may be because they have grown weary of the extremely rigorist morality that dominates the contemporary world, and are seeking an alternative.