Blows to the Kingdom

It's fair to say 2011 has been a rough year for Evangelical Christianity. There have been a number of occurrences that have made it difficult to stand against external criticism. In that way it's interesting that we're looking at Romans 12:1-2 tomorrow.

First, this spring, Pastor Rob Bell produced a new book that dealt with the subject of Hell. In all fairness, I haven't read the book. But it's undeniable that, in a series of press interviews, Bell gives the distinct impression there is no Hell and that everyone is redeemed by God's love. It's hard to argue with the idea that redemption comes through God's love, and that redemption is available to everyone, but he seems to be taking that too far. Again, I don't know if that's the impression one gets from reading his book, but I watched his interviews a couple of times, and that certainly seems to be the impression he gives during those interviews. Either way, a conflicting time for the Kingdom.

Over the summer, the PCUSA officially changed it's requirements for ordination of clergy and leadership. This has been a possibility for some time, yet it was hard not to feel a little deflated that the denomination appears to be caving to external societal pressures. Now a number of "Christian" denominations — PCUSA, Unitarian, United Church of Christ, Episcopal, and Lutheran are ordaining and affirming lifestyles that contradict Scripture. It's hard not to see this as a cultural erosion of our faith.

Finally, there has been a great deal made about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of late, thanks in large part to the looming Presidential election. Now, Evangelicals have taken to the air to defend this faith system. First, a respected academic and theologian wrote a piece for CNN in which he defended it as a faith system, not a cult, and even said many Mormons share similar beliefs to evangelical Christians. Then, this week, Joel Osteen went on TV and said Mormons are Christians, the same as every other Christian in the Evangelical movement. It's hard not to see this, too, as a gross misrepresentation of Christianity and a watering down of the tenants of faith.

And, of course, who can forget the damage Christians continue to do with their public proclamations and prophesies. We had not one but two dates when the Rapture was supposed to occur in 2011. When each date passed, it heaped more and more scorn on all Christians.

Since the beginning, it's always been hard to be a Christian, and it doesn't seem like things are getting any easier. But the prize belongs to those that persevere despite trials.

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12