Christian Recession- Factor #2

“Hated” but “Good”-

A. Quotes from Chapter 2: Hated

1. …the ‘prince of this world (John 12:31)’ is advancing…
2. One professor and social worker from Arizona State University, Dr. David Hodges, suggests that the present academic system is inadvertently training “prejudice against Evangelicals” into social workers (p. 48). Ten years after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, and as Islamic extremists continue bombings and shootings around the world, the teachers of our children’s teachers view Islam more favorably (78%) than they view evangelical (52%) Christianity (p.48). To understand the Bible literally, to believe that homosexual sex is a sin, is political and career suicide in the 21^st century America (p. 56).

B. Quotes from Chapter 8: Good

1. “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God…For it is God’s will that by doing good deeds you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men (1Peter2:12, 15)”.
2. Living in a pagan and hypersexual culture may be new and frightening to us, but it was the norm for New Testament churches (p. 137). We must suspend judgement, demonstrate unconditional acceptance, and anticipate that well be misunderstood (p. 140). We have, in many cases, treated the souls in our mission field as if they were the spiritual enemy- rather than hostages we are called to liberate from the enemy (p. 142). Don’t focus on changing behavior. Focus on changing relationship to God through Christ (p. 144).

 

C.  Reaction:

1. I don’t remember the author talking about how or why the church failed to create or maintain Christian culture in America. Perhaps it is implied in these descriptions. We let our children be discipled by humanistic schools which taught humanistic morality and a humanistic worldview. We were told the Bible doesn’t claim to be authoritative on topics of science and history but only on salvation and general moral principles like love. We accepted the separation of church and state because of political pressure (fear, discomfort) and theological pessimism (dispensationalism). Why polish brass on a sinking ship? We need to get back to the authority of Scripture, victory of Jesus and sacrificial discipleship.

2. It’s ironic but I am thrilled to remember that Jesus and His disciples lived in a pagan and hypersexualized culture. The Gospels and Epistles really are sufficient for equipping believers for every good work (2Tim.3:16). We need a new boldness in preaching, dare I say, “Like the old days”, when believers understood that the Bible was God’s “users manual” for all human life on earth. Jesus and Paul gave us examples of how to live and speak to those outside the faith with grace and respect even when others responded viciously. I can “suspend judgement” with the understanding that Jesus’ way is to “take my yoke upon you and learn from Me”. The great commission starts with baptism (including water and baptism of the Holy Spirit) then is followed by “teach them to obey everything I commanded you”. God forgive us for focusing on behavior before new birth.