Frazee defines and attacks "individualism," -- the notion that most of us are on our own island, slogging through life without really connecting deeply with others or with the root of what is common among us. Consider the following statement:
It seems undeniable that individualism erodes a sense of community ....
American's should be literate about and share a common understanding (of key
people, places, and events that define America's vision and values.) For
example, when Abraham Lincoln's name is mentioned, there should be a shared
knowledge among Americans that he was the 16th president of the United
States. In addition to the factual piece of information, an emotional response
should arise concerning an important document signed by Lincoln -- the
Emancipation Proclamation. A bedrock value of the American society is the
belief expressed in this proclamation, namely, that "all people are created
equal."
Frazee goes on to write that "if we cease to share our history and belief as people, we will cease to be Americans. There is a huge gulf between being an American and being a group of people who happen to reside on American soil."
The spiritual tie here is an easy one to grasp, isn't it? Frazee continues by laying out the hypothesis that if Christians cease to share our history and belief as a people, we're not really a church (or Christian community), but instead just a group of people who happen to show up for a meeting at the same building every Sunday.
This past month, George Barna has released a new book, "The Revolution," that hypothises the church is dying (perhaps already dead) and that future disciples of Christ will connect to their Savior through faith outside the church. In other words, the church has failed, and its relevency questionable.
What do we make of all this, in the context of our own church experiences? What will we do concerning it, in light of the church being described by God in the Bible as the "Bride of Christ?"
Your feedback is especially welcomed.
2 comments:
Brian,
I haven't read that particular book but would have to agree with the comments you made.
Concerning Barna's new book, I've read some positive and negative feedback on it.
Overall, I would say that the church in America is facing difficult times ahead. One of the problems for that is because of the blending together of American patriotism and the Christian faith. Unfortunately, though, those two things cannot and will not always go hand in hand. So if push comes to shove I think a lot of "christian" people would side with the kingdom of man instead of the Kingdom of God.
I'm currently reading Transforming Discipleship by Greg Ogden. I think he does a good job talking about the failure of the church to make disciples. Also just read a book by Larry Crabb, The Safest Place on Earth, where he does a good job talking about the role of the church as well.
A lot of our problems revolve around the separation of secular and sacred -- thinking that God has a role in one area of life but not in others. That's a big, big problem as well.
Overall, the church has failed to be the church -- where people are living as aliens and stangers here in this world and with the realization that their citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20).
Any chance you'd be interested and able to get together Sunday night in Waterloo for supper?
Curt Gallmeyer
I admit to occasionally being pessimistic about the church in America; however, there are (at least) two things that I try to keep in mind when discouraged.
(1) The church in America is not the entire church.
(2) Jesus said He would build His church and that the gates of Hades would not overcome it. (Mt 16.18) The church, the community of believers, is Jesus' chosen instrument and it will not fail.
So, today at least, I'll choose to be optimistic!
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