It has occurred to me that most American Christians are just as much in love with a certain style of Christianity as they are with fast food, and for very similar reasons. It’s fast, it’s easy, it’s cheap, and it requires no real personal involvement to get fed. But is it the right model?
When Christians respond to critiques with “brand protection”, they block the possibility of repentance, and risk speaking against correction brought by the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps the truest test of a relationship is what happens when one of the people changes. It’s also the best chance to learn and grow.
“They will know we are Christians by our love.” Sometimes, we need to minister God’s love practically, not by preaching at people. I’m sorry to say I used to think the most loving thing I could do for needy people would be getting them saved, and that would lead to any necessary physical benefits in their lives. But now that seems immature to me.
Can 330 million Americans actually agree on anything? Did the Founders expect us to solve problems at a national level? Are those problems even solvable, or is our trust in a political solution misplaced?
Deconstruction is causing a sharp reaction in church circles. It’s as if faith has become a form of works. It’s paradoxical that not being unquestioningly faithful to what we were taught reveals a works-like tendency, among those who otherwise believe in justification by faith and not works. In those circles, apparently one must be “faithful enough” to remain saved.
Our sense of individualism has become toxic, both politically and religiously. We organize ourselves into collective groups ever more strongly. And those groups actively oppose other groups that we perceive as infringing on our own collective’s individuality.
