Where in the world, are we going?

When I think about where the church here in the States is heading and I comment to Ruth, or maybe a better way of putting it, I complain to Ruth about what I see happening, she says, "Maybe it's better just not to think about it." I think that we have an advantage or disadvantage, depending how you look at it, because we have seen the church or I should say, experienced the church on other continents where issues that we are divided on here are non-issues because these folks believe what the Bible says, in other words, they take Biblical doctrines seriously. What we do take seriously, and it's not Biblical doctrines, it's the belief of getting along with everyone, "Let's try to get along with other religious views like, after all, didn't our Born again President once say that Christians and Muslims pray to the same God?"

The word compromise means that when an issue divides two parties, both parties must alter their stand on the issue and give in to the other's position. Usually, the one with the most rigid position must give up the most and be reconciled with the one with the loose position. I could mention a couple of positions that the church has waffled on but that is not the purpose of this writing.

Let me share some thoughts from conservative columnist David Brooks of The New York Times. He says that Americans no longer take religious doctrines seriously, we assume that religious differences are temporary, that denominational distinctions will eventually fade away, and we will all be united in God's embrace.

Americans are inclined to think all people of goodwill are "basically on the same side." Remember our president's quote?

The result says Brooks, is a religion that is easygoing and experimental rather than rigorous and intellectual. To fill their pews Brooks writes, pastors emphasize the upbeat and the encouraging and play down the business of God's wrath. In modern "seeker sensitive" churches, "the technology is cutting edge, the music is modern, the language is therapeutic, and the dress is casual." OUCH, I added the ouch.

Is it possible that those who are on the outside of the church looking in, like Brooks, see us more clearly than we see ourselves?

Charles Colson says that, "We must fight the temptation to treat our faith the way we treat our careers—as a source of entertainment, fulfillment, and happiness. Remember the warning of C. S. Lewis: If you're seeking happiness, don't choose Christianity, choose port wine. When it comes to the culture, there's no such thing as peaceful coexistence. If we're not defending the truth, fighting for Christian values in all of life, the truth will be sacrificed on the altar of mainstream secularism.

So, once again I must ask myself the question, "Where in the world, are we going as the Church?"