Tuesday, March 10, 2009

iMonk on the Collapse of Evangelism

Thanks to my friend Mark for sending this link.

I do not always agree with Michael Spencer aka internetmonk, but on this topic I think he has a lot of good insight. Spencer shares reasons for the prediction he has for a coming collapse of evangelicalism in the U.S. and the fall out that will occur, all of which is not that bad. There was one paragraph that really stood out to me that I adamantly agree with, it is sad but so true.

The evangelical investment in moral, social, and political issues has depleted our resources and exposed our weaknesses. Being against gay marriage and being rhetorically pro-life will not make up for the fact that massive majorities of Evangelicals can't articulate the Gospel with any coherence. We fell for the trap of believing in a cause more than a faith.
Click here for the rest of this provocative article

American Christianity today is more about what we are against in politics and morality than the person and work of Jesus Christ. We are more passionate about winning someone to our cause whether it be anti-gay marriage or pro-life. I am very pro-life, but that cannot be the Christians soapbox, or mission, we should protect the lives of the innocent, but this has to be an outpouring of the truth of Jesus.

Our first and primary mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Sadly we have lost that and have become more passionate about legislating morality and turning America back to "Christian Nation" which we never were by the way.

Disagree with me?

That is ok, let me ask you this, when is the last time you shared the gospel with someone? When is the last time you argued against a cause? Which one do you do more often?

Maybe a better question, do you know the cause you are against and can articulate that better than the gospel of Jesus Christ??

(Disclaimer: This is not a plea to stop activism against abortion, I think we should by word and deed talk out against this mass murder of babies and be passionate about adoption. Like my boy Z and his friend JT are. What I am pleading for is an understanding of what comes first and most importantly, Jesus and His name and work being known.)

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