This Christian Life

The coming evangelical collapse

This article was passed on to me by a good friend, and I thought it too interesting to pass up. It seems to resonate with the things I’ve been reading and observing over the last few years in the churches where I live, although it is probably considered a strong part of the Bible belt, and may slow down the effect.

As the author says, not all of his predictions may be correct, and his view of evangelicalism is not authoritative or infallible. Nonetheless, my experience tells me the groundwork for this is beginning to happen.

Here are some passages (with small additions) from the article:

We are on the verge - within 10 years - of a major collapse of evangelical Christianity. This breakdown will follow the deterioration of the mainline Protestant world and it will fundamentally alter the religious and cultural environment in the West.

Why?

Among other reasons… we Evangelicals have failed to pass on to our young people an orthodox form of faith that can take root and survive the secular onslaught. And, despite some very successful developments in the past 25 years, Christian education has not produced a product that can withstand the rising tide of secularism. We will soon see that the good Evangelicals want to do will be viewed as bad by so many, and much of that work will not be done. The money will dry up.

What will happen?

Two of the beneficiaries will be the Roman Catholic and Orthodox communions. Evangelicals have been entering these churches in recent decades and that trend will continue, with more efforts aimed at the “conversion” of Evangelicals to the Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

A small band will work hard to rescue the movement from its demise through theological renewal. This is an attractive, innovative, and tireless community with outstanding media, publishing, and leadership development. Nonetheless, I believe the coming evangelical collapse will not result in a second reformation, though it may result in benefits for many churches and the beginnings of new churches.

Is all of this a bad thing?

Some Evangelicals will work to create their own countercultures, rather than try to change the culture at large. Some will continue to see conservatism and Christianity through one lens and will engage the culture war much as before - a status quo the media will be all too happy to perpetuate. A significant number, however, may give up political engagement for a discipleship of deeper impact.

Will it shake lose the prosperity Gospel from its parasitical place on the evangelical body of Christ? Evidence from similar periods is not encouraging. American Christians seldom seem to be able to separate their theology from an overall idea of personal affluence and success.

Will the coming collapse get Evangelicals past the pragmatism and shallowness that has brought about the loss of substance and power? Probably not.

Despite all of these challenges, it is impossible not to be hopeful. As one commenter has already said, “Christianity loves a crumbling empire.”

We must change the conversation from the maintenance of traditional churches to developing new and culturally appropriate ones.

We need new evangelicalism that learns from the past and listens more carefully to what God says about being His people in the midst of a powerful, idolatrous culture.

Full Article

Being Content Is Harder Than It Appears

So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.

1 Peter 5:6-7

Give Me “Those Days”

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

10 Perfect Foods

Lately, an article appeared in our local paper about the “10 perfect foods”. I’m intrigued by this, especially when it comes to trying to eat healthier, and watch what goes into my body.

There’s a nice summary of them all in this article, “10 perfect foods”, on the Women’sDay magazine website.

10 Perfect Foods list

1. Almonds
2. Avocados
3. Broccoli
4. Eggs
5. Kale
6. Quinoa
7. Raspberries
8. Sweet Potatos
9. Teff
10. Yogurt (plain)

And the 5 almost perfect foods

1. Apples
2. Canned tomatoes
3. Oats
4. Beans
5. Dark chocolate

Obviously, the quality of these foods and where they’re grown makes a big difference as to how “perfect” they are. Buy local, organic and be more certain that your food is quality.

I’m eating more of these things!