Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Polarization, Not Decline

This week’s article in Newsweek, “The End of Christian America” claims that Christianity is on the decline in America. What the article really uncovered is that those who identify as Christians, but who have never lived for Christ –“pseudo” Christians- are now more willing to identify as Agnostics or Atheists. The mushy middle is disappearing, as the Bible teaches us would happen. (Revelation 12:11, 12).

On the other hand, every day of the week two new mega churches are opening their doors (Churches with more than 2,000 in attendance, according to Churchgrowthtoday.com.) So it becomes clear that what is happening is not a decline in Christianity –real Christianity- but rather a polarization in America.

Yes, there are two Americas, not as defined by John Edwards, during his presidential bid, of the “haves” and “have-nots,” but two Americas defined by a fundamental worldview that either acknowledges God and the legitimacy of the Bible, or it does not, or put another way, those who believe in “One Nation Under God,” and those who do not.

It’s been said that God has no grandchildren. Americans who have grown as traditional or cultural Christians, are being compelled to decide for themselves who they will acknowledge as the only true God: the God of the Bible, or the god of their own creation. This polarization will continue, as the godless crowd gains the support of government and major institutions, like the media and public education.

Sadly, the reality is that as we move away from our identity as “One Nation Under God,” we will find ourselves to be many nations under many gods. This will mean an accelerating decline in American life. We can look forward to more violence, less prosperity, and an overall continuing degeneration of our culture. The only answer is a spiritual renewal that will call us back to the faith of our Founders: a faith reflected by our greatest leaders, like President Lincoln who told us that

“It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependency upon the overruling power of God…”[1]

Since it is illogical to expect ungodly institutions to teach the truth of our godly traditions and history, it is up to the Church to proclaim the truth, even when it brings division. It is time to see a decline of the mushy middle. Let the polarization continue while we pray for revival.


[1] On March 30, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a Proclamation Appointing a National Fast Day:
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1 comment:

Crying In The Wilderness said...

It is becoming obvious to me that the real Body of Christ is leaving the organized "church" in favor of following and having a RELATIONSHIP with Christ rather than a religion. (Religion - a whole lot of man made rules and regulations to control people.)
In the future, I see - Ichabod (The Glory has departed (ref: http://www.understandthetimes.org/commentary/c71.shtml) written on the door of many "churches" as the emphasis changes from a RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST to RELIGION. In our pluralistic, post-modern society many are being deceived and taught (in our schools)and via the liberal media that there is no absolute truth - that there are many ways to the Father. In the not to distant future to say otherwise - to witness for Christ - will result in Hate Crime charges and civil punishment and persecution.
The solution - know that as His people we will experience persecution but we have been called to be His witnesses- and we have eternal life through the Blood of the Lamb. Nothing in all of creation can take this from us - including the government!(Rom 8:35) If not us who? If not now when!
Wake up Church - you must make a choice - to serve the LORD God or to serve Baal.
PBob