Evangelicals’ Collapsing Cultural Influence

[David]

I agree with every observation in this column. I see it in my own Church. Very little focus on preserving the family. Terrific ministries for newly divorced. Adultery survivors. Porn addicts. The culture rot invades Christians' lives. If things get uncomfortable switch Churches. Or better yet, make it up as you go solo.

SOURCE

[seattlegal]

from the article:

In our time, American social conservatism has much to be proud of as a movement for justice: Social conservatives devote themselves to the pro-life cause, to human rights, and to the plight of the poor abroad. But American social conservatism has almost entirely lost interest in the cause of order—in standing up for clean living, for self-discipline and restraint, for resisting temptation and meeting basic responsibilities. The institutions of American Christianity—some of which would actually stand a chance of being taken seriously by the emerging lower class—are falling down on the job, as their attention is directed to more exciting causes, in no small part because the welfare state has overtaken some of their key social functions.

I agree. Focusing on individual transformation and building understanding is more effective than trying to legislate morality. Legislating morality does not encourage the soul searching and introspection needed for this individual transformation, as energy is directed outward towards fighting tyranny rather than inward towards contemplation. (aka--dumbing down.)

[luknikfan]

Interesting article which states the obvious.

but the rise of church-switching and do-it-yourself faith

Two things combine to make the collapse of Christianity inevitabe in the West.

The emphasis on the individual/individual rights. Me, me, me. I am the center of everything. I determine the truth.

Rather thank seeking truth - even if it means one has to abandon personal beleiefs/vices. Christians generally shop for the congregation which teaches doctrines that fit their personal beliefs. If the don't find one they start their own denomination.

A large factor in the rise of the Gospel of Prosperity in recent years.

The other thing is the Christian teaching that an individual who reads the Bible will be led to truth. Personal interpretation can't be challenged no matter where it leads someone.

So there are 30,000 denominations teaching wildly different things but all coming from the "Spirit" who has lead each group to their own set of truths.

This was and is a recipe for disaster/chaos and stands in sharp contrast to Islam which has remained unified with one teaching.

Islam's strength and appeal to the growing number of converts in the West is, unlike Chritianity which is a subjective religion that allows believers to find a denomination which conforms to their "truth", Islam demands that believers conform their themselves to the external truth which doesn't change.

[seattlegal]

Originally Posted by luknikfan

This was and is a recipe for disaster/chaos and stands in sharp contrast to Islam which has remained unified with one teaching.

What have you been smoking?
Sunni (Salafi, Maliki, etc,) Sufi, Shia, Yazdani, Ahmadiyya, etc. Those who accept the Hadith and those who stick to the Koran only. Not to mention the Baha'i, who came out of Shia Islam and are widely persecuted by Islam.

Islam's strength and appeal to the growing number of converts in the West is, unlike Chritianity which is a subjective religion that allows believers to find a denomination which conforms to their "truth", Islam demands that believers conform their themselves to the external truth which doesn't change.

By way of violence, if necessary?
Collateral damage, anyone?