Christianity, Today

[Tony Mel]

How would you appraise modern Christianity in general? Is it at its peak? Is it largely apostate? Is it the dominant religion of the world (thus validating Constantine's IHS vision), or is it more like the Great Whore of Revelation 17?

[pastor's wife]

Great question. I really don't know. I was in fundyland so long, hearing people say stuff like "there is no Bible-believing church in this entire area" only to find out there actually WERE plenty of Bible-teaching churches, so I don't know what to believe about Christendom in general.

In the IFB, I was told that most so-called Christians really weren't. But now I realize that there really ARE true believers in other denominations. How dominant are the true believers versus those who just "do the church thing" but don't really follow Christ? I have no idea.

I still hold to the fundamentals of the faith. I believe to be saved one's faith must be in Christ alone. But I know that this faith doesn't always look like it did in my IFB church. I am encouraged by Christian music. I love to listen to all kinds of music from lots of different groups and still here the basic truths: we're sinners, we need Jesus, God loves and forgives us, we need to love others. I also am excited to connect with other Christians who are serious about doctrine but also serious about being part of our culture and showing God's love in tangible ways to our communities. Those seem like good and healthy signs. But I don't know how many churches in America are excited about living for God or how many are just going through the motions. And then you have to consider Christians outside the USA which I really don't know about!

So put me down for a solid "I don't know."

[boymom]

If you look at modern American Christianity, then I would say it is waning. However, I think great miracles will be done in Christ's name from those Christians currently undergoing persecution; i.e. those living in Muslim countries, communist countries, generally the Middle East and Far East.

[Don]

I am glad that Americanized Churchianity does not Christianity make. I believe that the Americanized version is a bombastic, self absorbed version of some hybrid inferior species. (and yes I believe I am a major contributor to the American version being in that condition.) I believe that the Church Universal is in Christ's hands and will continue to be victorious in spite of our best efforts to the contrary. I believe that the Gospel is stronger and healthier in many of the poorest, most oppressed, and wretched places on the earth than it is in most if not all of the Grand Facades and "monuments to man" that litter our nation.
I believe the Americanized Churchianity version perceives the power of the Gospel and true Christianity about as much as a spoon perceives the tase of food.

[paul]

Personally, I believe there is a difference between "real" Christianity and the religion of Christianity. I think this difference will become more and more obvious as the gap between the two widens.

Real Christianity is based on the finished work of Christ on the cross (the gospel) for the payment that I cannot pay and the redemption of my dead spirit.

The Christian Religion is based on work and effort (no matter how it is portrayed) in order to "be" right.

The Christian Religion is growing as fast as any religion can grow. God is supreme, though, and real Christianity is also growing according to His provision.

[DahktahBahb]

(07-06-2011 04:54 PM)paul Wrote:  Personally, I believe there is a difference between "real" Christianity and the religion of Christianity. I think this difference will become more and more obvious as the gap between the two widens.

Real Christianity is based on the finished work of Christ on the cross (the gospel) for the payment that I cannot pay and the redemption of my dead spirit.

The Christian Religion is based on work and effort (no matter how it is portrayed) in order to "be" right.

The Christian Religion is growing as fast as any religion can grow. God is supreme, though, and real Christianity is also growing according to His provision.

Agreed. The hard part is we don't know people's hearts, which makes the question a bit difficult. I think "Real Christianity" is growing well as well. It's all due to fundy churches going into the streets and beating people senseless with their 1611's of course.