The vocation of pastors has been replaced by the strategies of religious entrepreneurs with business plans.
- Eugene Peterson
Over a billion Protestants and an equal number of Catholics might find the question absurd. By many leading indicators, not only is the institutional church alive but thriving. Trillions of dollars in assets and billions of believers, hundreds of thousands of facilities and an even greater number of programs, unprecedented media and exposure, billions of Bibles and free internet access to millennia of teaching all suggest that Christian faith is skyrocketing towards Heaven rather than plummeting to Earth.
Statistics and experience reveal all is not well. An honest appraisal of key components to Biblical and living faith, righteous character and lifestyle (or lack thereof) reveal a troubling if not disastrous fall from grace. As tracked for decades by the Barna Group, the leading Christian polling agency, statistically there is less and less difference between believers and our unbelieving counterparts in nearly every lifestyle indicator including the following: Prayerlessness and Biblical illiteracy, Worldliness and Entitlement, Promiscuity and Divorce, Pornography and Abortion, Greed and Gluttony, Alcohol and Drug use, etc.
Such damning evidence demonstrates a rapid and unprecedented decline in the nature and Spirit of Christ among modern Christians. Additional compelling evidence abounds, such as the deteriorating conditions of societies all over the globe resulting from a nearly wholesale downward spiral into deception and disobedience, unbelief and entitlement. Given Christians are called to be the salt and light of the world, such spoilage and darkness in and around us strongly suggests the modern church has lost much if not all of both.
While the reasons for such a condition are many, one in particular is rarely if ever addressed. Without question Christianity originated in the first century. Developed in the New Testament era, it's tenants and theology were perfected over the next 1,500 years. With the Protestant Reformation and the invention of Gutenberg's press, Bibles were printed in common language and finally available to the average man. During these days and for the next several hundred years, missionaries would cover the earth with the Gospel, evangelizing every major and most minor people group.
While many understand the above historic timeline, far fewer appreciate the relevant reality that for nearly two millennia Christianity, and the world in which it lived, possessed little of the boon and burden of modern technology. In point of fact, the gulf between modern life and that lived by the vast preponderance of Christians throughout the ages, not to mention citizens of third world countries today, represents so great a divide that few among those more fortunate can even imagine such conditions.
Though most in the modern world hardly feel rich, it's no stretch to say the average person fortunate enough to live in the Developed World is fabulously wealthy. In comparison with more than half the Earth's current population and 99.99% of all human beings throughout history, we live lifestyles that in many ways exceed those of ancient kings to the point of approaching those of mythological gods. It's as if we've inherited the hopes, dreams and prayers of all generations and then some! Constantly taking for granted such unparalleled blessings, we live largely unaware of our opulence. Even something as commonplace as a grocery store would be a marvel to billions today and through the ages.
When considering the broader blessing of modern convenience and technology, measuring wealth would include, but hardly be limited to, the following:
1. Economic prosperity: Globally over a billion people make less that $1 a day. By comparison, "every man's a king" within First World Nations.
2. Nutrition and hydration: The choices of food and drink available in the modern world are unprecedented in human history. An average supermarket contains 45,000 various products. Meanwhile over a billion are without safe drinking water and every 16 seconds someone dies of hunger.
3. Housing and sanitation: Eighty percent of the world live in substandard housing. Two billion are currently without electricity. Less than one percent of those who have lived on Earth have known the enjoyment of modern housing.
4. Science and technology: Those of us living in the First World would be lost without our modern advances. Thousands of products and services provide instant access to everything from essentials to extravagances. Just to meticulously catalogue and describe all the modern conveniences we benefit from would literally fill volumes.
5. Health and dental care: Our quality and quantity of preventative and diagnostic health care would seem miraculous for more than ninety nine percent of humanity having walked the Earth. Far from perfect, modern medicine adds decades to our lifespan while vastly improving the quality of our lives.
6. Safety and security: Like health, the blessings of safety are often overlooked until they are endangered. From stable geo-political boarders and a standing military to dependable law enforcement and legal system, we currently enjoy unrivaled security and peace of mind.
7. Knowledge and education: It's almost impossible for modern society to appreciate the knowledge we've gained in the last few generations. How incredibly blessed we are, from our understanding the marvels of creation and insights into the human condition to public and advanced educational opportunities.
8. Communication: Half the planet's current population have never made or received a phone call. With T.V. and radio, smart phones and the internet our ability to communicate rivals that of mythological gods. We take for granted instant access to people and information the likes of which over ninety nine percent of humanity never dare dreamed.
9. Business and employment: First World citizens enjoy fantastic advances in the workplace. From shortened work days and weeks to paid vacation and sick leave, half the world and all our ancestors would marvel at our ease. Unemployment benefits and worker's compensation were undreamed of in earlier times. As is true of our nearly endless possibilities for employment and advancement.
10. Transportation and travel: Only 7% of the world owns an automobile. Most today, and nearly all in ages past, traveled less in a lifetime than we might in a weekend. Not to mention the style and amenities we enjoy whether speeding around in air conditioned cars, flying through the air in jumbo jets or sailing the sea in a luxury liners.
11. Entertainment: For millennia children, pets and rudimentary musical instruments provided daily entertainment. Today, tens of thousands of TV shows and movies, music videos and recording artists instantly come to life where ever we are whenever we want. Add to this access to everything from art and science exhibits to common and extreme sports and we've got entertainment that would make Julius Caesar envious.
12. Clothing and accessories: Ninety nine percent of those having been born on Earth have struggled to cloth themselves and their families. Today we're drowning in apparel, often paying for a single garment what for billions might be a years wages. It goes without saying that most of humanity would have given just about anything to be in our shoes.
Again the above shortlist represents but the tip of the iceberg of modern blessings being poured out on a generation becoming ever less thankful for or worthy of them. In truth, the list of all that we have and commonly take for granted would likely include tens of thousands of services and items. Such a sentiment was caught in the movie "The Book Of Eli" when an older Denzel Washington who once enjoyed modern comforts explains to someone from the next-generation living after a nearly extinction level global nuclear exchange and the total collapse of civilization, "We used to throw away things people kill themselves over now."
So the question that few today are willing to ask is: Has our use, or more aptly misuse, of the myriad of comforts and blessings afforded by modern life, as well as the onslaught of previously unimaginable technology and it's accelerating returns deadened our sensitivity, if not our souls, to the warnings and comfort, commands and promises of the Cross (Christ's and our own). As in the case of the Rich Young Ruler, are unprecedented levels of personal wealth and health, luxury and beauty, distractions and amusements negating the attractiveness and centrality of discipline and self-sacrifice in the service of God and others? Is it possible that we are so entrenched in our current and ubiquitous culture of Me-ism that we are daily complicit even when moderately resisting? Might such a mindset be so ingrained that even the small percentage cognizant of some or all of the above still fail to recognize the worldliness of our own modern philosophy and lifestyle? Unable or unwilling to recognize the forest for the trees, could the best informed and intentioned among us be like those aboard an immense cruise liner sailing directly in the direction of disaster, comforting ourselves and others that at least we are moving towards the stern (rear) of the ship?
Given the sad fact that ubiquitous levels of temptation and deception, worldliness and sin are now part and parcel within modern life, such questions are far from rhetorical or simply stating the obvious. Nor do they represent unimportant diversions or attempts to rain on Churchianity's parade. Rather, they are meant to address a growing disconnect between "the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people" and an increasing number of Christian factions and schisms, worldly doctrines and lifestyles, unrealized hopes and unanswered prayers. All the more so when the results of such challenges are largely the substitution of presumption for faith, false intimacy for worship, wishful thinking for prayer and a disdain for Christ’s warnings and more costly demands.
They suggest the distinct possibility we’ve fallen so far from grace that to remain calm and keep up appearances it's necessary redefine what passes for acceptable. Today nearly anything goes. Yet consider the apostle Paul's stinging rebuke to the first century church regarding something as trivial as lawsuits:
- "The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters. Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:7-11 NIV)
- Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you. But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God. (1 Corinthians 11:1-16 NIV)
- Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored. (1 Corinthians 14:34-38 NIV)
- A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety. (1 Timothy 2:11-15 NIV
One can only imagine what the apostle Paul would have to say given the litany of far more grievous sins of modern Christianity. Yet instead of contemplating such unpleasantries, most simply redefine expected behavior, dumbing down Churchianity and weakening any chance we might have for repentance or revival much less reformation. Given Christ’s harsher sayings and His judgments of His church, it can be a costly and even eternal mistake to simply assume salvation. For those endeavoring to know God’s will, discerning between faith and presumption is essential. Particularly when genuine faith by definition requires some level of expectation.
The answer to the puzzle is this: presuming is not presumptuous to the degree we exchange our all for God’s. Yet be warned. while gifts of God like faith and grace are generally viewed as an encouraging forces for good nevertheless Scripture directly and indirectly repeatedly warns that God is not mocked. Many well meaning believers have at times willfully or even inadvertently moved beyond presumption to profanity (treating the holy as common). A serious and sometimes deadly mistake. For this and a myriad of reasons, it’s best to approach God with brokenness and contrition, repentance and reverent fear. Honesty, what God desires most from mankind, is always the best policy. Frequently confessing that Omnity is the great I AM, and I am nothing great is good start. As is creating and memorizing a strategic daily prayer that respectfully yet purposefully weaves back and forth in ever increasing levels of repentance to intercession. For examples see Rob’s Daily Prayer and Acceptable Worship.
Even among the "remnant" with so many other pursuits to choose from few allow their souls to be grieved and vexed as did Lot in Sodom. Armed with presumptive positivism as exemplified in modern evangelism and discipleship, prayer and song, we content ourselves with the fact that while our parents or spouses, sons or daughters, brothers or sisters, friends or neighbors may have fallen prey to worldliness or even be steeped in sin, we are of better stock. When or if we do get around to beginning to intercede over the calamity around us, most quickly tire and claim premature victory based on a Scripture or two, rather than do the difficult work of genuine faith which was the earmark of the apostle Paul. Tellingly, the most prolific writer in the New Testament offered a different insight regarding intercession. Amidst all his other great tribulations and sufferings he travailed in birth pangs until Christ was formed in those for whom he cared.
So how might modern convenience conspired to produce spiritual weakness and apathy? In every way. This is not to say that the freedoms we enjoy are not gifts, but rather we have failed to pay heed to Scriptures warning:
- "It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows." (Galatians 5:13 MSG)
- Amusement literally means "not to think."
- The average family routinely spends 100's of hours a month watching TV and less than 10 diligently seeking God.
- The proliferation of what was considered soft porn infects everything from cartoon to prime time TV advertisement to shows.
- Thousands of immoral and hard porn, occult and gore scenes, not to mention entire episodes and series, movies and music videos dedicated to such programming.
- Short and longer term detritus effects of such exposure if not brain washing.
As has been noted, "born between urine and feces" we are "soulish spirits in bloody meat-cycles on skeletal sticks fearfully and wonderfully made with little or no comprehension of the demands of our Maker that we be obedient, productive and thankful."
Aught not beings momentarily alive in such fragile mortality know better than to be casual and/or cavalier over the state of their eternal soul and those of others? We once did. Prior to the scientific age following the industrial and predating the technological revolutions (for which we owe God a great debt) religion was universally a preeminent concern. For better and worse, during the entirety of human history up to and including the advances and excesses of the Dark, Middle and Renaissance Ages, men and women were forced to daily admit many unpleasant realities regarding our perilous existence in both time and eternity. The overwhelming majority found keeping body and soul together a Herculean effort. Unlike our modern virtually painless and bloodless society, scores of billions spent/spend their lives unable to pop into Walmart or drive thru KFC. Dinner required raising and catching, killing and plucking, cleaning and cooking a chicken over an open fire. To live was/is to kill and eat.
Take an hour to quietly contemplate the hardships of life without electricity and indoor plumbing, stocked refrigerators and stoves, stuffed closets and cabinets, air conditioning and entertainment centers, toilets and showers, tooth paste and medicine cabinets, windows and carpeting, sofas and recliners, newspapers and photos, cell phones and computers, cars and planes... along with hundreds of convenience items made of steel and aluminum, glass and rubber, cotton and wool, paper and plastic...
Now add to your premodern life the daily pressures produced by the lack of basic health and dental care, pharmaceuticals and pain killers, news and information, education and understanding combined with such constant and real specters as famine and drought, accident and injury, violence and war, disability and premature death and it's easy to see why preindustrial peoples viewed themselves and even God quite different than our postmodern society.
As a bumper sticker notes, "In the Dark Age religion ruled the world." On the other hand, it's never wise to "throw the baby out with the bathwater." Particularly if the "baby" is the universal reality of our incredibly precarious situation corporately and as individuals. Nevertheless, for the most part this is exactly what we have done. As tragic as it is ironic, the first generation given the technology to begin to glimpse the intricacies and glories of creation, from the subatomic to the cosmos, is rejecting God in unprecedented numbers. Though scientific evidence for anthropomorphism and intelligent design, and thus an immanent Designer, grows daily so too do the rolls of atheists and agnostics.
More alarming is the trending of Christians towards functional agnosticism. Increasing levels of Biblical ignorance and illiteracy, personal and corporate prayerlessness, worldliness and apathy account for numerous doctrinal and lifestyle errors. Worse still, rather than entertaining the discipline and correction of guilt and shame we grow ever more brazen and emboldened. Adding insult to injury, to assuage any sense of Holy Spirit conviction, we’ve gone so far as to create at least seven different gospels and thus many Christs when there can be only One true.
Even with great moral and social opposition and reversals, while we may talk and sing a good story, few if any churches and families have responded appropriately. Few are the serious and strategic intercessors not to mention weekly if not daily prayer meetings. Few are those willing to discuss, much less embrace the anguish required to raise families and transform lost children within modern Christianity much less the society at large.
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