In A World Plagued With One Crisis After Another

This is the first half of an article written by M. Gingrich and printed in the 4 May edition of a periodical with the unlikely name of The Fishwrapper. I found it a well-stated and timely piece I wanted to share with you. Reprinted here with permission, naturally.
In a world plagued with one crisis after another: incurable epidemics, economic disasters, international aggression, terrorist extremism, ... to list a few, where can we turn to find relief and answers to these unrelenting calamities?
Some would say that the country is progressing, leaving obsolete traditions and religious values behind, while others find it offensive to support such a secular society. Traditional, historical American values have in the past included a faith in God, prayer, and the Bible. These have been the foundation of other national traditions, including such things as honor and respect for the family, diligent work ethics, and so forth.
Traditions lose their value and importance if the only reason we keep them is because that is how we always did it. Without a good, valid reason to uphold a tradition, time and distance will cause its importance to fade into oblivion. However, traditions based on biblical principles have lasting value. They are not culturally sensitive, nor do time or distance lessen their importance or value. The founder of the Salvation Army, William Booth, once said, “I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be: religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, politics without God, and Heaven without Hell.”
Author Daniel Sweet said, “American Christianity is already there: In a society in which there are no absolutes and every individual is a free agent, we are taught to be self-reliant and independent.” In other words, the mentality for many is that we don’t need God! The words of William Booth were prophetic in his day but they are an unfortunate reality today, and they have come toting a huge price tag.
Christianity in our modern world no longer seems to have the appeal it once had. Why is that? Why are churches closing their doors? Why are people ignoring the moral principles and the standards on which America was founded? Do those standards no longer apply? Have they become obsolete? Are they no longer in vogue? Or, have they simply lost their clarity?
Is it possible that our Christian faith has become so diluted with self-righteous pride and arrogance, hatred and animosity, unforgiveness and ill will, that those who testify of its grace mar the message of its power to transform lives? Has it become polluted with political renderings,humanistic philosophy, and halftruths? Have we compromised the faith and watered it down to a feelgood religion that no longer provides an anchor of hope for those looking for something to latch on to?
Pride and selfishness are traits we all have instilled in us to a certain degree. When left unchecked, they open the door to a host of unbridled characters who create all kinds of havoc and lead to all kinds of misconceptions. Christianity in name only clouds the picture of what true Christianity is. It distorts the message for those who are seeking. Based upon the instruction from the Word of God, might I suggest that Christianity as portrayed in American culture today is a far cry from the teachings of Jesus. In fact, in many ways it has little resemblance to the sacrificial love, the compelling humility, and the willing servitude that Jesus exemplified.
“What used to be basic, universally-known truths about Christianity are now unknown mysteries to a large and growing share of Americans--especially young adults. For instance, Barna Group studies in 2010 showed that while most people regard Easter as a religious holiday, only a minority of adults associate Easter with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”1 This is foundational. This is pivotal. “The theological free-for-all that is encroaching on Protestant churches nationwide suggests the coming decade will be a time of unparalleled theological diversity and inconsistency.” What does this all mean? Keep track of this part and see more next month! ~~Pastor Geoff                                                                                                                                                                                                            If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.                   2 Chronicles 7:14                                                                                                                                                             My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge,    I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.                   Hosea 4:6