During the past few months I have found myself coming back to a particular conversation topic – how relevant is God and Christianity in 2009? As a Christian I would say that God is extremely relevant. But how relevant is God in America? By many accounts it would appear that God and Christianity are doing great in the U.S. We had a president serve for two terms who reportedly represented Christians across the nation. Christian radio stations and book stores are very popular. The former Heisman Trophy winner is an active Christian. I am sure the list of America’s Christian accolades could go on. By some standards it would appear that politics, media, and sports all have the seal of approval from God, and that our nation is accurately living as Christians.
I am not one concerned much with appearances, though. My concerns are not so much about the state of the world, but more so about the state of how Christians are influencing the world. Are we really sharing the truth about God and His plan by the way we live? Would Jesus really limit himself to a political party, or specific media outlets? Should God only be relevant in the lives of those who profess to believe?
As a Christian, I am charged by Jesus to share the truth about God with those around me. This seemingly simple call to action has proven to be very difficult. One of the reasons I have found this to be difficult is because we are living in a time where everyone in the U.S. has heard of Jesus, and everyone has formed an opinion. In many ways we are not only called to share the truth about God and His plan, but we are also obligated to correct misguided opinions of Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit, and what it means to be a Christian.
I do not believe that this generation is any further from God than previous generations. I do, however, believe that the world today has different obstacles to accurately see God than previous generations. Through means of travel and the internet our world has become much smaller. We have more access to information and ideas than ever before. The procession of technology is exciting and can be a great tool, but as Christians we need to find a way to keep the truth about God relevant amidst all the information the world has to offer.
Each conversation I have had about American culture and Christianity has left me with more questions than when I first began. Even the act of typing this blog was difficult because with each thought many more questions came to mind. The main reason I am focused on American culture is because I am American, and because I believe our country has a certain level of religiosity that it needs to reconcile with the God it claims to follow. I am on a quest to understand the obstacles that stand between American culture and God. I am not sure that I will ever have exact answers to many of the questions I have – I cannot begin to assume that I know God’s thoughts – but I do believe that looking into some issues deeper will be of some benefit, even if the benefit is as simple as stirring up conversation.
1 comment:
I wonder about how much we are doing for the poor. Actively. My heart has grown and continues to grow in this area as out trip to India approaches (I'm a ltiile worried to see how it will change my walk with god.) I have also grown up in the church and been taught to give under forced and unforced circumstances. I talked to Anne Vines lately because I was realizing that I am ina place where I am able to give and fill in a small gap where others are having a hard time giving (due to lay offs, economic issues, ect.). The early christians gave WHENEVER they saw a need. They did not wait for a Sunday service or a special contribution or a benevolence contribution, no they sold their land, if someone had a need for money (Acts 2:45.) I do not do the same. I need to. I think that as Christians in 2009 I want to be known as a giver, I think God set up the body in such a way that when one is weak the other is strengthened... so it also applies financially. Additionally, when we can meet a need, we feel that we have worth among a congregation of so many. This protects us and guards our hearst from satan's schemes. I know it has protected mine. I cannot believe that no one else is struggling because I am outward focused when I am trying to meet needs. I cannot believe that if I am not there or if I show up I am not missed because, I was needed by atleast one. Each part is indipensible. I want to be a woman that gives. A woman that gives on all levels but, in my immediate congregation to begin with because how can I help others if I cannot even help those in my own family?
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