The Triumph of Thomas Paine?

A recent Harris poll confirms what many of us suspect. America is not only secularizing, but Evangelical Christians are more and more apt to think and act like deists--echoing the view of Thomas Paine that morality is far more important than theology.

Some of the Harris poll numbers are not surprising (see read the raw numbers for yourself, Click here: While Most U.S. Adults Believe in God, Only 58 Percent are 'Absolutely Certain': Financial News - Yahoo! Finance) 

For example, only 58% of those polled are absolutely certain of God's existence.  That's down from 66% in 2003.  This doesn't really surprise me, especially during a time of war and after the events of 911.  In a world of continual violence and uncertainty, people become increasingly sceptical about God. 

More revealing of the state of Christianity in America are the following numbers:  "Do Jews, Christians and Muslims worship the same God?"  "About half (51%) of all adults, including a majority of Catholics (63%), believe that Jews, Christians and Muslims all worship the same God.  One-third (32%) believes they do not and 16 percent are not sure.  On this question, as on the others, the views of Born Again Christians are different - a 54 percent majority believes they do not worship the same God and only 34 percent believe they do."

While a slim majority of evangelicals understand that the Triune God of Christianity is not Allah of Islam, more than one third of Christians polled do not understand this fundamental point of Christian theology.   

And then when asked "How much control does God have over events on earth?"  The result was that "less than one-third of all adults (29%) believe that God `controls what happens on Earth' (this includes 57% of Born Again Christians).  A plurality (44%) believes that God `observes but does not control what happens on Earth.'"  While a slight majority of Christians believe that God controls what happens, a deistic world-view is commonplace among Christians.

So, what can we say?

1).  America is a nation of doubting deists who practice a moralistic religion which often times bears little, if any, resemblance to biblical Christianity.

2).  Many Christians echo the views of a secularizing culture.  The numbers show that many Christians are functional deists in terms of their views of God's relationship to the world.  I guess people aren't really buying Rick Warren's "God has a purpose for your life" argument--but then, maybe they are.  After all, according to Warren, God's purpose for your life is that you control your own destiny through the choices you make--and how is that different from a practical deism? 

3).  The default setting of many Christians and non-Christians alike is that everybody worships the same God.  The differences among the religions stem from prejudice, or personal experience, or preference.  This is no longer seen as a matter of competing truth claims.  Many people see no possibility of one religion being true and the others false.  It is all a matter of subjective and personal factors.

4).  Given the depth of moralistic deism in the culture, it is no wonder that Reformed theology is hated in so many quarters (even in the churches). 

5).  Reformed Christians should see this as a moment of great opportunity.  Our Christ-centered covenant theology (the mediator of the covenant is the Word made flesh) is a powerful antidote to moralistic deism.  Therefore, let us be fully prepared to give to everyone who asks, a reason for the hope that is within (1 Peter 3:15).

Any thoughts?

We Are What We Read . . .

As part of Christianity Today's on-going reflection upon American evangelicalism, comes a list of the 50 books (written after World War II) which have done the most to shape modern evangelicalism.  If this list is correct, it is no wonder that evangelicalism is in the sorry shape that it is.  While there are some real gems on this list (from Lewis, Packer, Schaeffer, Piper), some are not "gems" at all (and are more like dirt clods).  As you can tell, neither Mere Christianity nor Knowing God is number one on this list.  Click here: The top 50 books that have shaped evangelicals - Christianity Today Magazine

On Baptists and Booze

At the annual meeting of the Southern Baptists, the following resolution was approved.  The spirit of prohibition lives on!

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Resolution No. 5

ON ALCOHOL USE IN AMERICA

WHEREAS, Years of research confirm biblical warnings that alcohol use leads to physical, mental, and emotional damage (e.g., Proverbs 23:29-35); and

WHEREAS, Alcohol use has led to countless injuries and deaths on our nation's highways; and

WHEREAS, The breakup of families and homes can be directly and indirectly attributed to alcohol use by one or more members of a family; and

WHEREAS, The use of alcohol as a recreational beverage has been shown to lead individuals down a path of addiction to alcohol and toward the use of other kinds of drugs, both legal and illegal; and

WHEREAS, There are some religious leaders who are now advocating the consumption of alcoholic beverages based on a misinterpretation of the doctrine of "our freedom in Christ"; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina, June 13-14, 2006, express our total opposition to the manufacturing, advertising, distributing, and consuming of alcoholic beverages; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge that no one be elected to serve as a trustee or member of any entity or committee of the Southern Baptist Convention that is a user of alcoholic beverages.

RESOLVED, That we urge Southern Baptists to take an active role in supporting legislation that is intended to curb alcohol use in our communities and nation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge Southern Baptists to be actively involved in educating students and adults concerning the destructive nature of alcoholic beverages; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That we commend organizations and ministries that treat alcohol-related problems from a biblical perspective and promote abstinence and encourage local churches to begin and/or support such biblically-based ministries.

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For a thoughtful and pastoral response from Justin Taylor, Click here: Between Two Worlds: The SBC Resolution on Alcohol

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Meanwhile, I went shopping for a new refrigerator.  I think I found the one I want.

Any thoughts?

What Will They Think of Next?

With the large numbers of Hurricanes expected this season, some of you might want to get one of these . . .  Yup, its a waterproof Bible!  From Thomas Nelson no less (surprise, surprise).

According to the publisher . . .

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Finally, a Bible that can go anywhere you go! The first-ever water-resistant Bible is available in lime green and orange. With the pages 100% water-resistant and a zipper for enclosing the pages, this Bible is a wonderful addition to any mission trip, a weekend at the beach, hiking, or even when you get baptized! More importantly, as you read the pages of the Bible you will be immersed in God's love for you and His wonderful plan for your life!

Click here: Thomas Nelson, Inc. - Publisher of Christian Books, Videos, Software, Bibles and Children's Books#

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(H. T. John Chitty)

I might have to get one of these for my Baptist Brother and White Horse Inn compatriot, Ken Jones.  Those of us in earthquake country in Southern California, would appreciate a "crush-proof Bible," with all of judgment passages highlighted in red.

The "Moses Model" of Ministry Backfires . . .

No doubt, Chuck Smith is one of the most influential figures in the modern American church.  He's the father of "contemporary worship," he give life and vitality to the charismatic movement when it had no credibility, and he served as an important father figure to a generation of kids from the 1960's who did not have fathers--the so-called "Jesus People" movement.

But his theology has long been suspect.  He's not only made a number of nutty end-times predictions (see my last "Who Said That?"), but he is militant in his opposition to Reformed theology in particular and Reformational theology in general.  At best, he's a classic Arminian.  At worst, he's a thorough-going Pelagian.  His theology is characterized by an ecclecticism typical of independent Bible Church fundamentalism. 

Having attended Calvary Chapel back in the 1970's, I've long thought one of his most erroneous (and dangerous) notions was his view that church government is grounded in a one-to-one relationship between the pastor and Jesus (called the "Moses Model"--see Click here: The Philosophy of Ministry of Calvary Chapel). 

The Moses Model positions the pastor as the one who communicates the will of God to the church--not only in terms of theological teaching, but also in terms of overall ministry management and direction.  The pastor is elevated above other church officers (pastors) and "board members."  What the pastor says, God says . . .  Calvary Chapels have always been secretive about money and their finances--a fruit of this approach to church government.

Chuck Smith does not see a proper role for deacons and elders as is so clearly taught in the New Testament.  Many people consider "ecclesiology" the least important loci of Christian doctrine and don't give things like this much thought.  But this is what happens when you don't.

And so, not surprisingly, the chickens have come home to roost with the sad scandal going in Albuquerque and Southern California as reported recently in Christianity Today (H. T. my friend and colleague Danny Hyde--http://dannyhyde.squarespace.com/).

If you've ever attended a Calvary Chapel (or still do) you need to read this article carefully (see the link below).  This is what happens when ministers place themselves above Scripture ("just me and Jesus") and above other church officers (i.e., a group of elders who watch the pastor's life and doctrine).  This is what happens when church business is conducted in secret and when budgets are hidden from the congregation.  If this is not a good argument for Reformed/Presbyterian church government--which protects both ministers and church members from each other--I don't know what is!

It is all very sad.  But it is not at all surprising . . .

Click here: Unaccountable at Calvary Chapel - Christianity Today Magazine

More of "You Can't Make This Stuff Up."

If you can't get enough of lovable ole Joel Osteen from his books or on TV, now there's the "Your Best Life Game."

Click here: Press Releases from Endless Games

The cynic in me wants to ask, "what happens if two players each claim victory and they have equal faith?  Who will win?"

(H. T. J. V. Moore)

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Jesus has appeared again, this time in the drywall of a church in Saraland, Alabama, which had been severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

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"Many have been healed," said Pastor Ella Roberts. "One young man that belonged here was scheduled to go on dialysis. "The next week, he laid his hand there on the wall on the image, went to the doctor and they said they can't see where, why, how."

Church members say miracles occur when you touch the wall. "From touching that, my eyesight began to clear up completely," said Benita Bogan.

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To read the entire account (although I can't imagine why you would want to--if you've seen one Jesus appearance on drywall you've seen them all) click here: 

Click here: WLTX News19 FYI Jesus on the Drywall 

Any thoughts?

Welcome Visitors--Come and Eat and Drink Judgment Upon Yourselves!

According to a recent post on ChristianityToday.com, Jack Hayford actually recommends that we invite non-Christians to the Lord's Table to make them feel welcome and so that we do not exclude them from anything in the worship service. 

This is utterly remarkable in light of Paul's very clear warning not to do this in 1 Corinthians 11:27-32.

"Welcome visitors!  Come to the Lord's Table without discerning Christ's body, and then get sick and possibly die . . ."  

Reformed Christians "fence" the table because of Paul's exhortation.

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A less traditional means we use to encourage commitment is the Lord's Supper. We invite all the people to gather around the Lord's Table and partake in small groups. We believe it is the Lord's Table we are invited to, the Lord is doing the inviting, and no one is excluded. To us that means unbelievers are invited, as well.

We explain clearly, of course, what we are doing, and what an unbeliever is doing by partaking: making a commitment to Christ. We stress the gravity of the event to reflect the serious nature of faith in Christ.

At the same time, we want people to know that they are welcome. For example, I might say, "If you are visiting with us today, you are not only welcome to participate, you are urged to. If you were at my house and it came dinnertime, I wouldn't leave you sitting in the other room while I went to the dining room. And if you said, 'Well, I'm not really hungry,' I'd say, 'Come in and sit with us anyway.' Now, as we come to the Lord's Table, join us. And when the bread is served, take a portion."

To read the rest of the article, Click here: Including Non-Christians in Christian Worship - BuildingChurchLeaders.com

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While Reformed churches could learn a thing or two from others about how to be friendly and how to better welcome visitors to our churches, this is not exactly the way to do this, bringing them under God's judgment.

(h.t.--Click here: Slice of Laodicea)

Ever Dreamed of Building Your Very Own Mega-Church? Now You Can!

If you are a fan of Sim City or Roller-Coaster Tycoon, you'll love this one! 

Ever wanted to get rid of the praise band and replace them with mariachis? 

Would you like to try a polka-liturgy?  Or a Disco service complete with Bee Gee sing-a-longs?   

Do you think you can do a better job in the pulpit than Joel Osteen or Rick Warren?

Now is your chance!  This is a great parody!  Thanks to Mr. Wolfe for sending this my way. 

Click here: Amazon.com: Mega Church: Networked Special Edition (PC Game): Computer & Video Games

Come to Church! Win a Big Screen!

A local church is passing out these sticky notes to promote their "Grand Re-Opening."  Apparently, it is anticipated that giving away a big screen or a playstation will bring better results for the "re-opening" than whatever they did when they opened the first time.

I thought about blacking out this church's name and website, but then changed my mind.  They deserve scrutiny for this tacky stunt. 

The deacon who gave me this asked me, "I wonder what we could give away to get people to come to our church?"  He was joking, of course.  But after some thought it occurred to me that we do need more money in our budget next year for passes to the local shooting range, concert tickets for the Orange County symphony, tour passes for one of the local wineries, or even gift certificates for the Archives used bookstore in Pasadena (Click here: The Archives Bookshop Homepage).  That might encourage a visitor or two . . . 

Any thoughts? 

"I Exalt Me"

OK, this is probably the funniest clip I've seen in a long time!  Make sure you've got your speakers turned on!

Click here: Sermonspice.com