More UK Reflections

How can one understand centuries of Christian influence and culture in an old Christian country like England—in just one week?

You can't.

At best, one can tiptoe through history, stopping occasionally for a deeper dive. Along the way, one encounters inspiring stories of ordinary yet extraordinary men and women who were willing to lose everything—even their heads—for the sake of the Gospel.

At one end of the spectrum stands the simple parish church of St Mary's, Lutterworth. It is famous largely because the "troublemaker" John Wycliffe was removed from his scholarly influence at Oxford and appointed Vicar here for the remaining years of his life. Surrounded by tombstones where the dead far outnumber the living, one cannot help but wonder how such a parish could ever "grow."

Then one steps into the sanctuary and is greeted by a large, rather haunting medieval painting of the Last Judgment (see photo). One might ask, with a smile, "How seeker-friendly can a church get?"

At the other end of the spectrum stands the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral. Rich in history, architecture and culture, she reportedly requires almost S$50,000 every day simply for her upkeep. Visitors stream through her doors from around the world, though one cannot help but wonder how her immense historical influence translates into spiritual influence today.

Then there was St James' Church in Colchester, an Anglo-Catholic parish with all the "bells and smells." While some aspects of the liturgy were unfamiliar to many of us, the service was led with warmth, reverence and a clear focus on the Gospel. We left deeply blessed.

Yet perhaps the most encouraging insight came not from an ancient building but from two knowledgeable guides in Oxford. They spoke of what they described as a "quiet revival" among younger generations and a renewed openness to Christianity.

That was deeply encouraging.

The Church has survived empires, reformations, wars, persecution and cultural revolutions. Across two millennia she has repeatedly found ways to renew herself because her life does not ultimately depend on buildings, institutions or even traditions. Her life is found in her living Lord.

It is not difficult to imagine God doing something similar in Singapore.

As I reflect on the week, I am increasingly conscious that those who are younger among us must be given room to lead, to imagine and to dream. We must pray that the Gospel will once again take deep root in our schools, colleges and universities. Those of us who are older—including myself—must resist the temptation simply to recreate the methods that served previous generations. Faithfulness to the Gospel does not always mean repeating familiar forms. Sometimes it means discerning where God is already at work and having the courage to join Him.

Singapore, like many modern cities, shares the same global culture and challenges as cities such as London, Oxford, Cambridge and Canterbury. We would do well to learn from churches elsewhere that are at the frontiers of modern cultural influences.

Finally, after bringing home many memories—and perhaps a little inspiration—I also managed to bring back an international strain of the flu! I trust I will recover sufficiently to worship with everyone this Sunday.