Dark Ages-- Barbarians in the Pew
“Whole tracts of our religion are bare of spiritual passion, or spiritual depth. Modern Christianity speaks the language of our humane civilization; it does not speak the language of Christ. The age, and much of the church, believes in civilization and is interested in the Gospel, instead of believing in the Gospel and being interested in civilization” (P.T. Forsyth)
Again, borrowing from Charles Colson’s book Against the Night. Quoting a George Gallup poll at the time of his writing, he says “religion is up, morality is down.” The poll indicated that 81% of Americans claimed to be Christian (1989). But, while true, their values were shifting and tended to be devoid of Christian truth from scripture. How could that be the case if 81% were truly Christian? The percentage may be way below 81% today, but the observation is still true.
So, here’s another interesting statistic to compare to the above. Sociologist Robert Bellah said at the time that 81% of Americans also say they agree that “an individual should arrive at his or her own religious beliefs independent of any church or synagogue.” The indication is that so called Christians tend to grab beliefs from wherever they want, whatever is convenient, often what appeals to them, and not from a God-given source like the Bible as it is taught in faithful churches. Bellah quotes a woman named Sheila he interviewed who said, “I believe in God, but I can’t remember the last time I went to church. Still, my ‘faith’ has carried me a long way. I admit, it is ‘Sheila-ism,’ just my own little voice.” The still quiet voice of God is hard to hear when we shout and are shouted at by so much.
The problem is that the “feel-gooders” of modern faith tendencies reflect the same individualism that we have talked about in previous articles of this series. And as the focus becomes self, we say in essence, “I believe in Jesus, but beyond that I form my beliefs and values and practices through what appeals to me as I observe things around me.” Little wonder the unbelieving world looks and shrugs their shoulders, recognizing that the Christian is often no different than them.
One pastor confided to Charles Colson that, “I try not to talk about subjects that make people uncomfortable. My job is to make sure they come back here week after week.” Side note: Certainly, what I’m saying in this Cross Point is about generalizations. There are exceptions. Our local church at Southern Heights Christian is a general exception to much of this (though far from perfect). Our preacher (Kyle) preaches the truth of scripture in a loving, caring way, truly wanting decisions to follow Christ in obedient faith with the Bible as the guide. Sadly, you must be decerning to find such churches.
Many churches set aside the Bible when it comes to subjects like whether homosexuality is an acceptable lifestyle. Just recently I’ve heard of a church in our small town that has people leaving because they are now accepting gay marriages. Loving the sinner is not the same as accepting their sinful ways. A tough balance at times, but needed by everyone, you and me included. I’m a sinner who wants to be loved, but the key is for me to seek a lifestyle that abandons sin (repentant).
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, not frightened by your opponents.” (Philippians 1:27, 28) We make a difference when we are different by complying with the love, characteristics, and standards of our Lord, as we learn these things in his Word.
Cross Point: There are other barbarians, in media, in Hollywood, in music. Minimizing those barbarians, there must be another influence we focus on. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Again, borrowing from Charles Colson’s book Against the Night. Quoting a George Gallup poll at the time of his writing, he says “religion is up, morality is down.” The poll indicated that 81% of Americans claimed to be Christian (1989). But, while true, their values were shifting and tended to be devoid of Christian truth from scripture. How could that be the case if 81% were truly Christian? The percentage may be way below 81% today, but the observation is still true.
So, here’s another interesting statistic to compare to the above. Sociologist Robert Bellah said at the time that 81% of Americans also say they agree that “an individual should arrive at his or her own religious beliefs independent of any church or synagogue.” The indication is that so called Christians tend to grab beliefs from wherever they want, whatever is convenient, often what appeals to them, and not from a God-given source like the Bible as it is taught in faithful churches. Bellah quotes a woman named Sheila he interviewed who said, “I believe in God, but I can’t remember the last time I went to church. Still, my ‘faith’ has carried me a long way. I admit, it is ‘Sheila-ism,’ just my own little voice.” The still quiet voice of God is hard to hear when we shout and are shouted at by so much.
The problem is that the “feel-gooders” of modern faith tendencies reflect the same individualism that we have talked about in previous articles of this series. And as the focus becomes self, we say in essence, “I believe in Jesus, but beyond that I form my beliefs and values and practices through what appeals to me as I observe things around me.” Little wonder the unbelieving world looks and shrugs their shoulders, recognizing that the Christian is often no different than them.
One pastor confided to Charles Colson that, “I try not to talk about subjects that make people uncomfortable. My job is to make sure they come back here week after week.” Side note: Certainly, what I’m saying in this Cross Point is about generalizations. There are exceptions. Our local church at Southern Heights Christian is a general exception to much of this (though far from perfect). Our preacher (Kyle) preaches the truth of scripture in a loving, caring way, truly wanting decisions to follow Christ in obedient faith with the Bible as the guide. Sadly, you must be decerning to find such churches.
Many churches set aside the Bible when it comes to subjects like whether homosexuality is an acceptable lifestyle. Just recently I’ve heard of a church in our small town that has people leaving because they are now accepting gay marriages. Loving the sinner is not the same as accepting their sinful ways. A tough balance at times, but needed by everyone, you and me included. I’m a sinner who wants to be loved, but the key is for me to seek a lifestyle that abandons sin (repentant).
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, not frightened by your opponents.” (Philippians 1:27, 28) We make a difference when we are different by complying with the love, characteristics, and standards of our Lord, as we learn these things in his Word.
Cross Point: There are other barbarians, in media, in Hollywood, in music. Minimizing those barbarians, there must be another influence we focus on. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).