Most Christians do not need to be told that this present era is a tough time to have conversations about Christian belief. Spirituality as a whole is not such a challenging subject, but Christian faith is coming close to being a taboo subject. This is due in part to the rise of the new atheists and the challenge to prove the logic of a Christian worldview.

In November 2011, Olive Tree Media carried out research to determine what it is that blocks Australians from Christian faith. The outcomes were both expected and surprising. The usual issues were included: difficulties believing in the miraculous, why people suffer, believing what the Bible says, and issues around science and faith. What was surprising was that half of the ten top blockers were about the church. These included the church being seen as an obsolete institution, the church’s involvement in religious wars, hypocrisy as demonstrated in cases of abuse as well as the vexed issue of homosexuality.

But the situation may not be as dark as it seems on the surface. The research, carried out by McCrindle, revealed that 49 per cent of respondents were open to considering changing their views on religion, 46 per cent were open to having religious conversations and 25 per cent of those who did not believe were warm towards faith. This last statistic is an interesting one to consider. The researchers asked a set of questions which determined where a respondent would sit on a modified Engel Scale of Belief. This ranged from -7 —reflecting militant anti-faith or an atheistic view—up to zero, indicating an acceptance of the Christian faith and taking steps of belief. Those who scored -3 to -1 showed they were warm to faith, though they were not Christian or attending church. Twenty five per cent of respondents fell into this category.

If this is the case, why is there so much strong negative press toward faith, belief and the church? Keep in mind the lesson learned by anyone dealing with difficult organisational change. The noise, on most occasions, comes from the passionate early adopters or “innovators” looking for change, or at the other end of the scale, the “laggards” who are passionately opposed to change. Up to 70 per cent of those in the middle ground are mostly silent.

When we hear many passionate and angry dissenting voices to Christian faith and the church, let’s not be fooled into believing it’s the whole community; it’s more likely the 10 per cent who are passionately opposed. Let’s remember that the research says that at least 25 per cent are warm, open and ready to listen.

In this environment the church needs to help quiet Christians be more open and positive. The same sex marriage discussion and Christian leaders involved in child abuse have made some areas a toxic place to talk about Christian belief.

The Australian Communities Report has provided a necessary background for Olive Tree Media to create its new DVD series, Towards Belief. It will help individuals and churches be better equipped to address the blocker issues, giving confidence to Christians and answering the questions of those who are warm and open to take steps…towards belief. www.olivetreemedia.com.au.