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(Part 3 in a series)
Now we are moving into a new era. With a coming dominance of “other powers” we should learn from those prior powers and see what went right and what did not go so well. England was one of the great powers of the first era as was Spain, France and even Portugal. China was a power but secluded unto itself, as was much of Asia. The Ottoman Empire was at the end of its push with the Turkish nationalism setting up the empire for a similar “unto itself” attitude.
During the transition between eras Germany rose up to challenge the old order only to come to the realization that there was a new order and a new power. The military and economic power of America stood up and preempted the prior power players. Similarly, the Church of England took a second seat to the new Episcopal Church and the protestant churches in America unleashed themselves from European influences. Even the Roman Catholic Church began to generate its own unique “flavor” which has been tolerated by the Vatican. Christianity and America became to be identified as the same. Rightly or wrongly, the idea of Christianity was moved to the new power, west of the Atlantic. During the first era, Roman Catholicism was the strength. During the next era, it was the resurgence of Protestantism and the counter moves of Roman Catholicism that marked the Christian church’s activities. What will this new order bring? In the last part of the first era, Protestants moved up. In last part of this era, Evangelicals have moved up. But will there be Evangelicals located in the countries with the new power base? We are looking at a time where the shift in power is moving from countries with strong Christian roots to those with minimal Christian roots and stronger roots in other faiths (or no faith at all). Will the church in America take a back seat to the upcoming powers as well? In many areas that is already happening. Ask Ragland about what’s happening in India. Check out what’s happening in Korea (can anyone say “world’s biggest church?”). And the African Christian missionaries are there before any Europeans (or those of European descent) arrive. McDonald’s and KFC are recognizable and non-offensive images of America. So is the church for the most part. But is “non-offensive” what we should be or must we be offensive at all?
(to be continued) |
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| Good historical analysis Gene. I think we need to be a little more offensive in that we stand for what is right and do not back down from it. However, we above all else need to be known as people of love and mercy. I am sure that does not always come off with the rest of the world. The mid-eastern countries associate Christianity with America and Europe and see us as immoral, and greedy. Whether that is accurate or not, it is a perceived image. The church needs to come together as a universal church and work together to reach the lost for Christ and to be salt and light to the world and to be the hands and feet of Jesus on the earth. I think America is already moving in that direction as we see God raising up Non-Anglo ministers throughout the world. Ravi Zacharias, Benny Hin, TD Jakes, Joseph Useph, Rhinehart Bonke (non American) and others like Rodney Howard Browne (South African). The world is getting smaller and cultures are clashing and influencing one another like never before. America is going to have to deal with a smaller world and dwindling influence both socially, and economically and yes spiritually as well. Perhaps I have taken too long, but I think you are right that we are moving into a new era. |
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| We live in a time of "offense"...constantly having to walk on eggshells and watch what we say. Jesus became a Rock of offense, so offend we shall! |
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| I agree with the comments above me and this should be an interesting read to continue you on with. |
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Gene |
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May 21, 2008 at 4:08pm |
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Thanks, Todd for your insights. You are so right! We are seeing a much greater influence by non-Europeans in Christian areas of influence.
Joey, Standing up for what is right and wrong will always be the best thing to do. And, in our own circles and local communities we won;t see much change, yet.
I agree, Lara - but only to a point. Jesus became that Rock of offense - but only to the religious structure in place at the time - not to the general people. All people were precious to him, even Samaritans. He never avoided tough decisions but once disappeared and walked through the crowd but neither do I see Jesus taking aim at the people other that the moneychangers (who were allowed by the religious leaders to set up shop there). I don't think we need to be in people's faces to spread the Gospel. Acting intentionally offensive for the sake of proving we're right doesn't really imitate Jesus or any of the early church. So we can be strong but not intentionally offensive.
Angel, I look forward to your comments tomorrow! |
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Kathy |
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May 21, 2008 at 6:06pm |
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Gene, I think, as a whole, American Christianity has lost its edge. It has become a part of our cultural fabric, but has evolved into merely a religion for most of the nation. We say certain words, go through certain rituals, and find personal comfort in it, but it is not "offensive." It is not world-changing.
I was in PA Sunday and heard a message by a young minister from Nepal. He was gracious and loving, but said in so many words that America is missing out on God's great movement across the globe, because America doesn't need God. We have bank accounts and internet, he said. God is a platitude to us, but we have no understanding of what it is like to choose Jesus and lose our family, our work, and our community because of it. We don't understand what it is like to choose Jesus and fear for our lives because of it. We value the Bible, but not enough to read it cover to cover and study it as if if could be taken from us one day.
We do "offend," but I think sometimes we offend for the sake of offending. I read an article today, for example, in which Republicans were offended that Democrats were "stealing" their positions on issues like gun control and abortion. The article stunned me! If one group believes itself right on its issues, how thrilled should they be if their opposition comes to their side! Are we really more dedicated to our political factions than we are to the issues we supposedly fight to defend? (Of course I am not only referring to national political parties, but to Christian factions as well.) |
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Gene |
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May 22, 2008 at 11:13am |
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Kathy, I agree with you, wholeheartedly. We often have a hard time understanding "offense" in terms of our faith. Too often we end up as either trying at appease and backing down or else trying to get in someone's face so that we're sure we're heard. There is a middle ground where we can adhere to our faith without compromise - expressing strength, not oppression. That is an expression of a true disciple.
Your example of the speaker from Nepal was an excellent illustration. Americas brand of Christianity has been spoken from the position of wealth and prosperity. Our views on Christianity are forged in our suburban churches and Bible study classes. The view that will be presented in the future will be radically different as Christianity comes at us from outside locations rather than internal ones. Will American churches be able to adapt or will they go the route of those on the European continent?
next post. . . . |
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Joey |
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May 22, 2008 at 11:32am |
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Gene... we are moving into a new era, but we must persist. I agree with Brother Todd. We have to stand up for what is right and what is wrong. We move forward, showing the world who we are. We are God's children, with the values and integrity that we've been taught.
I just have to remember what Jesus and the Disciples went through... it is up to us and the generations to come after us to keep up the work. Therefore, we must teach them what God is about, what love, mercy, forgiveness and grace is all about.... so many things. |
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Gene |
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May 22, 2008 at 3:55pm |
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Hi Joey. I agree. Individually it may not mean much to us. Corporately though, as a community of Believers it may make quite a difference as we attempt over-seas missions, messages and ministries. It may also mean that many of our teaching materials will be provided from sources outside America and that the largest portion of Evangelicals and missionaries is beyond our boarders.
Sitting in our own house with a Bible and walking to church on Sunday's may not change for us individually. But the rest of America, when it sees the global condition, may deem American Christians less relevant and opt for new churches based on an overseas model. In which case the current boom in independent churches and decline in mainstream churches may be one in the same - decline. |
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Glenn |
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May 23, 2008 at 11:14am |
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Kathy makes me think of Matt 23 where Jesus pronounces the woes against teachers of the law and Pharisees, sometimes I feel that we as a church have become similar to those very people who Jesus was describing in these passages. We have be come a nation full of churchianity. People who espouse the right things but fail to live those things out in our own lives. I realize that I am probably not talking to those here, but I do believe that many churches, both local church bodies and national denominations have fallen way off the mark that Jesus called us to.
Gene you are giving us a very good glimpse of things that are coming. I can't wait to see where you lead us next. So I will turn the page and read on. Thanks
peace |
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| lol I think you misread me. lol What I mean is unintentionally offensive. Just by telling ppl the truth: that Jesus is the only way, offends many, yet this is a truth we must tell ppl, in a spirit of meekness and love. There. Hope that clarifies what I'm saying. :) |
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Gene |
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May 24, 2008 at 11:05am |
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Glenn, thanks for your comments. You point out a wonderful distinction: True Christianity will be able adapt. Churchianity will continue to do the same thing over and over expecting different results as society and the world changes around them. Do we have the ability to turn those big institutions in the right direction?
That sets things straight, Lara. thanks for following up. |
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Glenn |
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May 24, 2008 at 6:37pm |
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"Do we have the ability to turn those big institutions in the right direction?" now that is a good question. I don't know if they will want to be turned. Either way, Christ must do the turning through His Spirit, or it will never happen. peace |
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