All the demographics about Christianity in America appear to paint a sad picture. It looks like we are losing the culture war. “But God…” is a phrase found to be a source of great encouragement in His Holy Word. It implies hope. Real Hope. It is possible to experience another great awakening in our land. Gerald Harris’ recent editorial in The Christian Index speaks of the radical change we need:
“Matthew Parris is an avowed atheist. He recently traveled to Nyasaland (modern day Malawi), the country he knew as a boy. In Malawi, Parris viewed the work of a small British charity that had been at work in the African country.
“Parris admitted, ‘It inspired me, renewing my flagging faith in development charities. But traveling in Malawi refreshed another belief, too, one I’ve been trying to banish all my life, but an observation I’ve been unable to avoid since my African childhood. It confounds my ideological beliefs, stubbornly refuses to fit my worldview, and has embarrassed my growing belief that there is no God.
‘Now a confirmed atheist, I’ve become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa; sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects, and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa, Christianity changes people’s hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.’
“The Christianity Parris encountered in Africa is the kind of Christianity we need in America—not a diluted cultural Christianity but a vital, authentic Christianity that is dynamic in nature. That kind of Christianity would quell much of the criticism being hurled at the Church.
“It would help restore the consensus that Christianity has lost in this nation. That kind of Christianity would impact the educational system, entertainment industry, press, politicians, and every major area of our society.
“Unfortunately, what we have parading around as Christianity today is such a poor imitation of the real thing that atheists are confirmed in their godless ideology. Let’s live in such a way that atheists question their foolish worldview and Christ is revealed as the answer to our most adverse circumstances.”
Thank you, Gerald, for a very clear word!