Are we a post-Christian nation?
We are no longer a Christian nation. I consider us a post-Christian nation.
Rick Howerton
I heard those words tonight from pastor and small group specialist Rick Howerton. I have a great deal of respect for Howerton, as a former pastor at my church and the man who baptized my husband. Howerton travels the country teaching and leading small groups, and has written numerous books on the subject.
And I think he is right.
This past week we have seen thousands take to the streets in California to protest the passage of Proposition 8, which amended the California state constitution to restrict the definition of marriage to that between a man and a woman. The proposition passed with a majority of 52% of the vote, and went into effect the day after the election.
Crowds marched and protested in front of churches, particularly the denominations that had come out strongly in favor of Prop 8. There have been threats of burning churches down in retaliation. Just a few years ago, such statements would have been unthinkable; Thousands more would have taken to the streets in defense of our faith.
What can we do? We can’t afford to sit idly by and let our faith be commandeered by those who want to destroy it. We can’t allow ourselves the luxury of letting others fight the battle for us.
Each of us must take up the banner of Christ! We must defend our faith, we must grow in our faith and be prepared to stand up for our Christ. Silence is the same as denial. To sit in a crowd and hear others trash our beliefs, and not respond, is to deny God.
It isn’t easy. It never is. We are not the mainstream in many ways now. We are the “outsiders.” Our path is rocky and full of dangers… but it is the path of righteousness.
I don’t think it is too late; it is never too late for a revival within a church, city, nation or world. But we must be willing to fight for our faith, to raise our children to be strong in their faith. We must be prepared.
Press on!
April 8th, 2009 at 12:13 am
[...] have talked here before about how this nation does appear to be moving into a post-Christian time. (Click here to read “Are We a Post-Christian Nation” from November 11, 2008). But what exactly does that mean? The article cites polls that show that people who identify [...]
April 15th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Definitely agree. It’s not the same value system at all! People want their selfish desires met rather than honoring and obeying God because he is holy. Unfortunately this is happening in the church’s as well as outside. Check out http://www.alittleleaven.com to further see what I’m talking about. The Truth of Christ / Sin / and Judgement is not being preached and we are told just to Love Jesus and Believe rather than repent and confess and Love and believe. Completly different.