FORGET CHURCH?

However many faults we know it has, the haranguing against our country, the good, ole U.S.A., will get an immediate protective response from most of us. With all its hang-ups, blights, and problems, we know that we are blessed to live in this country. We feel strongly about it. We realize America isn't perfect. Yet, we know we have been recipients of a great privilege to be one of its citizens. Our country does not need apologized for; it needs applauded. Never in the history of the world has any nation been responsible for the freedom of so many, given so much to the unfortunate and victims of catastrophes, made so many advancements from which all of humanity have profited. It's a little early for Fourth of July accolades. But, this article isn't really about the U.S.A. It's about the Church. Never has the Church received such ridicule, scorn, disdain, and criticism. Some of it is deserved in matters where the Church has not behaved as the Church. What is disturbing is that much of it comes from those who were once a part of the Church. Critics are turning many against the Church. As I type this, next to me is a newsmagazine. On the front cover is a full page of a man of modern clothing wearing a crown of thorns. The label is "Forget the Church, Follow Jesus." Books and articles have been written and speeches given to propagate this contemporary ideology. It arises from "Christians." However, a closer look only reveals it is the hijacking of a pop trend of our pluralistic society. The pluralistic theme is "Spirituality without Religion." That's all the rave now. Pollsters are touting that people are becoming less religious but more spiritual. People are admitting to spiritual hunger but want to pick and choose eclectically whatever they feel will meet that spiritual hunger. Their conglomerated "god" is one unrecognizable to any but themselves. In fact, they may not even label it "god." It may just be the practice of meditation. We know that man's real spiritual hunger can only be satisfied by the God who created that hunger for Himself. "Forget the Church, Follow Jesus," is just a churchy expression of "Spirituality without Religion." Probably underlying both is a desire for spirituality without accountability. Sadly, both expressions represent ideology that is turning Church youth against Church. The truth of the matter is, it is seriously questionable whether any can truly follow Jesus without Church. Come tonight to hear more on that. Truth is, I don't like hearing criticism against the Church that has done so much for so many including me. I don't want to forget it.