In fact, there is as much interest in religion today as there has ever been.
Whereas in the past religion was 'owned' by the Church and other religious institutions, for better or worse we now live in a kind of religious 'free market'.
Most bookshops stock large numbers of books in religion and philosophy sections, sometimes called the mind, body and spirit' sections.
It is also true, of course, that we live in a society of multiple religions and that Christianity is by no means the only kid on the block'. Some Christians react to this situation with alarm.
Others take entrenched positions, attacking people of other faiths and the diverse world of spirituality we find around us.
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I take a different line and believe we need to be welcoming and accepting of the varied spiritual world we find ourselves in.
It is true also that there is a lot of mumbo-jumbo and weird and wonderful ideas running around too.
But then the Christian Church has promoted its fair share of hogwash down the years!
It seems to me that if people are seriously and honestly looking for a spiritual dimension to their lives, then that is something to be welcomed, even if the shape it takes does not conform to traditional Christian patterns. One of the greatest scourges of the modern world is fundamentalism - whether it be of the Christian, Muslim, Hindu or atheist brand.
And yes, there are certainly atheist fundamentalists about.
I believe in a form of religion that is free from dogmatic fundamentalism and I was glad to see that Tony Blair recently advocated a 'faith rescued from extremism' as a force for good in the world.
Indeed, only if religion avoids extremism can it be such a force - religion doesn't have to mean fundamentalism.
My kind of religion is one that is open to a whole range of spirituality and I want to encourage people to find a pattern and path that is right for them.
Furthermore, though it often seems that it is the conservative forms of faith that are flourishing, I believe there is an appetite for churches that promote an open and inclusive form of Christianity.
That is certainly the variety I have encouraged and shall be advocating in the years to come!
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