Cultural Christianity

[Dr. Shane]

Christianity is dying in the developed world and it is tempting to look at the churches that are growing, see what they are doing and try that.  There is a type of Christianity I will call cultural Christianity that may not be growing much but seems to be maintaining itself - perhaps at the expense of some traditional churches.  The message of cultural Christianity tends to be twofold.  The first part is personal peace.  The second part is financial prosperity.  Those two issues are what are promised to its followers.

The Bible does promise believers personal peace.  That much is true.  But peace does not come to the believer because all of life's circumstances fall into place.  Peace comes because the believer trusts God has the endgame taken care.  No matter what happens to us in this life, our blessed hope is the second coming of Jesus, the resurrection and our new home with Him for eternity.  The trials of this life are small issues compared to the endgame.  Throughout much of Christianity, including the first century when the New Testament was being written, Christians have been persecuted.  The peace of Christ was never about all of life's circumstances falling into place.  The peace of Christ has always been about growing in a relationship so much with Him, that the believer trusts Him with their soul.

The Bible also calls for us to test God with our finances.  He promises to take care of us financially if we are faithful with tithes and offerings.  However, that doesn't mean prosperity as the world defines it.  It means food on our table and a place to sleep.  At times, that might be a jail cell.  At least, that is what it meant for the apostles.  They spend plenty of time in prison.  The Apostle Paul wrote part of the New Testament from prison.  Cultural Christianity is closely tied to our materialistic cultural.  Many that are wrapped up in it live in luxurious homes, drive fancy cars and cover their Facebook and Instagram accounts with pictures of their exotic vacations. That is a far cry from the blessings God has in store for those faithful with tithes and offerings.