The Secular Scotland

David Hume portrayed as a Greek Philosopher

Secular Scotland.  That's a label I've heard often in regards to Scotland's spiritual condition.  Is that a fair label? While I was standing in a paved parking lot in Edinburgh with only an unmarked small yellow square on the ground to mark where the Scottish reformer John Knox was buried, I thought it was fair.  Then I found out that his statue, which once stood proudly outdoors, was now hidden in St. Giles Cathedral. While I see David Hume, the Scottish philosopher, idolized on the Royal Mile with a great statue, I thought it was fair.   Is it true that there is a general disinterest in Christ throughout the country?  Yes.  So perhaps as a whole, the term "Secular Scotland" is warranted.  However, hope is not lost.

After a wonderful week with Rob Bell of the Herald's Trust in Scotland, week two continues to be a huge encouragement to me.  We are currently in a little town called Lossiemouth, a place where the architecture is declaring a rich history.  Not only was the scenery breathtaking on our journey to Lossiemouth Baptist Church, the congregation blew us away with their unending hospitality. 

These people have never met us before this trip and yet have bent over backwards for us time and again in our short stay.  I was overwhelmed with the feast prepared for us on the very day we arrived and we are still learning that that was only the tip of the iceberg.  Now before you begin thinking to yourself, "Hmmm, this sounds more like a vacation that a ministry trip," I need to clarify something.  While the countryside is beautiful, and the food is seemingly infinite, I have treasured ministering alongside our Scottish brethren.

The students performing at a community coffee time

The pastor is a young man by the name of Rae Mackenzie (I say young because he's my age).  He is a man of great vision and a huge heart for the lost.  Lossiemouth is not a financially poor community and yet there is great need.  Secular Scotland is a fair label even in areas that have rich Christian tradition.  Yet God is at work.  I cannot believe how many times we've been able to get in the public schools and preach the gospel.  We even had the opportunity to present in Gordonstoun school where Prince Charles and other members of the royal family were educated.  Even the youth group within the church is reaching the unchurched.  On Thursday we will be participating in 5-aside football outreach (translation: 5-on-5 soccer) which, like the U.S., is using sports ministry to reach the lost.


Is Scotland Secular? Perhaps, but God is not gone.  He is working through his people.  We keep hearing more reports of girls getting saved as a result of the first girl that was led to Christ by Vanessa.  There are now four total girls that have made profession of faith in Christ Jesus that we are aware of.  Is this beginning of a revival?  Why not?!  I consider myself a realist but unfortunately, I'm usually not.  A realist is somebody that believes that God can realistically do anything He pleases.