(Part 5, and last, in a series)

I’m reminded of a song by the Beatles which was written by Paul McCarthy – Lady Madonna.  It begins:

Lady Madonna, children at your feet
Wonder how you manage to make ends meet
Who find the money when you pay the rent
Did you think that money was heaven sent

And ends:

Lady Madonna, children at your feet
Wonder how you manage to make ends meet

Influence is not the same as power.  America still can wield tremendous influence in the new era that is coming upon us.  Just as the “British Invasion” brought a new music to America after America had established itself as a world leader in the new sound of rock-and-roll, the Christian Church in America can continue to offer influence.  The coach is still a powerful influence although not the power player.

The power centers of the world are becoming progressively less Christian.  This is the key.  As we move to a new position for world power, we (America will have to take a seat at the table alongside the rest of the nations.  The support and identity of “Christian America” will cease (if it hasn’t already).  It will be up to those in the new power centers to bring about a continuation of Christian belief in whatever new form it takes.  It is up to us to seek it identify it and pray about it. 

The Protestant Church was not viewed politely by the Roman Catholic hierarchy 300 years ago but much of that has since been forgiven.  Similarly, we may not think politely of the new order that we see in Christianity.  What shape will it be?  What will be its face and how will it emulate the teaching of Jesus and the apostles?

To these questions I have no answers.  What I do know is that it will look a lot different than what we have now.  The major players will be from "over there" bring ideas that are not American.  The face of Christianity will look quite different - not only in ethnic composition but in its rooting.  Just as American Christianity has been influenced by those who immigrated here for religious freedom, Christianity "over there" will be influenced by cultural heritage.  Just as Christianity here sometimes gets mixed up in politics and conservatism/liberalism, the new face of Christianity will express issues that are true for non-Americans over what Americans may like to see.  More importantly, because Christianity "over there" is much closer to many other types of religions, we may see a number of influences and expressions that are not "traditional" but which still support and espouse the Gospel as Jesus gave it to us.

If you're from"over there" and reading this, you have a pretty good idea about what I'm talking about.  The non-American flavor will be the predominate taste.  Americans (and Anglos in general) should be willing to embrace what God is offering in this new face of Christianity.  Personally, I'm glad that there are no photographs, portraits or sculptures of Jesus or the apostles that are based on what they actually looked like.  We know that they weren't European but sometimes we forget.  This new face will similarly represent non-European characteristics.  I know not what that will be.

I only pray that I am able to see clearly enough when the time comes to recognize Christ in my brother and the Holy Spirit in my sister when the time comes.  I pray you will too.