As we celebrated this Christmas, one wonders what the future holds for Christians in the United States. In the past 50 years, fewer people are celebrating Christmas as Christians; more are celebrating Christmas as simply a festival of giving. Christianity is under assault from our politicians, our media, and Hollywood. Christians have become fair game in a world where all other religions and social morays, no matter how bizarre, are sacrosanct. Churches are going defunct every month; it’s even worse in Europe. Make no mistake, there is an element within the liberal and/or progressive movement that wants to see Christianity disappear from America. Why? Many of the things they advocate are forbidden in the Bible. They first want to destroy Christianity then rewrite the social morays of this country to suit their lifestyles. Government will become the new religion.
How far has this gone? Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, told Newsmax reporters: “Chaplains in the United States military are not allowed to pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Isn’t that a shame that a chaplain in the Christian faith is not allowed to pray in the name of Christ? So yes, there is a war, no question about it.”
Newsmax further reports that Franklin Graham himself has felt the sting of the hostility, when Pentagon officials excluded him from participation in this year’s National Day of Prayer event, citing his controversial comments about the dangers of radical Islam.
The assault will continue until enough pressure is applied to secularists for them to back off.
The big question is: Can these assaults on Christianity be stemmed in the U.S.? If so, what will it take?
The big question is: Can these assaults on Christianity be stemmed in the U.S.? If so, what will it take?
Yes, the assaults can be stemmed. Like the conservatives of the Tea Party stepped up and are now positioned to substantially curtail government spending, Christians could step up to curtail anti-Christian acts. The problem is getting Christians to STEP UP. Many Christians think that to step up and confront their enemies would be a betrayal of their core beliefs, like "Love thy neighbor" and "Turn the other cheek" etc. They think it would be hypocritical to be confrontational. Some denominations have elected practicing homosexuals to leadership positions in the Church. In others their leaders have been exposed in sex scandals. That is seen by others as hypocritical, even heretical. It erodes faith in and respect for Christians in general. Such things adversely affect the political influence of Christians with city, state and federal governments and have a lightning rod effect on Christian events, icons and religious practices.
The conservatives were willing to organize (Tea Party), strategize (team with Republicans) and fight (get out the vote). If Christians aren't willing to do the same, then they will continue to be mocked, denigrated, and shrink in their numbers. Self pity will not win the day. Talk of glories of the past will not sway. Christians must put their denominational differences aside and band together as one to be effective. But FIRST they must have faith in Christ and be willing to live by the teachings of the Bible in order to regain their lost credibility and the respect of the public at large. Hypocrisy is their greatest enemy!
Posted by: Rook | December 26, 2010 at 11:43 PM
Well said Rook. I'm not optimistic about the future of Christianity. I wouldn't have ever imagined that the Crystal Cathedral would go broke. They will have to become more politically organized, and we're going to have to start fighting back against TV stations who follow an anti-Christian agenda.
Posted by: Franklin | December 27, 2010 at 03:09 PM
The assault began many years ago and has gradually picked up speed as liberalism/progressiveism gains strength. It won't be long until our ministers will be threatened with arrest if they preach against abortion, same sex marriage, gays in the military, the treachery of Islam, or against secularism in general.
If you're not familiar with the ACLJ (American Center for Law & Justice) it would behoove you to check it out. This organization actively fights against this assault all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. By the way, I've read the book and I know how this "war" ends. It's all the pain and agony during the interim that worries me.
Posted by: Ernie | December 27, 2010 at 05:54 PM
We realize the true worth of happiness when we are in sorrow.
Posted by: Shox R4 | January 07, 2011 at 05:51 PM