The Wussification of Christianity

[tinytim]

This is a very good article...

In our modern, democratic, “sensitive” age we have crafted a church that for many people emphasizes love, acceptance, grace, mercy, and the more “friendly” aspects of the Bible and Jesus’ character. We talk a great deal about receiving Jesus as our Savior but don’t usually emphasize what he saved us from or another all-important aspect of Christ’s identity.

Sovereignty.

In “modern” Christianity we want to be sensitive to perceptions of those outside the church. We take our cue from the Apostle Paul who instructed us to be “all things” to all men (I Corinthians 9:22) and to maintain a good reputation with those outside the church (I Timothy 3:7), and not to give offense, unnecessarily. Yet there is another side to Christianity that in our day of modern sensibilities we often overlook. It is the side that emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus Christ above all else. It is the side that emphatically and unquestionably stands for truth, righteousness, and authority. It is the side that sometimes in the midst of over-sensibilities must stand up and say without reservation – there is only one God, and one truth, and one authority that is over and above all others.

http://tomthinking.com/2006/12/11/the-wussification-of-christianity/


So what do you all think... Has American Christianity became a namby-pamby, wussified version of the truth?

 

[gb93433]

Think of who is leading the way.

 

[stilllearning]

On the surface, it sounds like a call for the Church to become “militant” again.
I am all for that!

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

The test of 'wussification' will come when the persecution starts.

I don't see much of a pattern of a militant church in the books of Acts or in the New Testament epistles. I see passage like 1 Thessalonians 4v11-12 and don't have much success reconciling that to a Christian militancy.

But, back to the question in the OP. Yes, I do think the church has, in many circles, become soft and complacent. The fear related to the persecution that so many are panicking about is evidence of that softness. We have come to think that the government should be on our side and have grown dependent on the law for our protection.

When the persecution comes we will see the true church standing for the Saviour. The 'wusses' will then fall by the wayside.

 

[rbell]

The test of 'wussification' will come when the persecution starts.

I don't see much of a pattern of a militant church in the books of Acts or in the New Testament epistles. I see passage like 1 Thessalonians 4v11-12 and don't have much success reconciling that to a Christian militancy.

But, back to the question in the OP. Yes, I do think the church has, in many circles, become soft and complacent. The fear related to the persecution that so many are panicking about is evidence of that softness. We have come to think that the government should be on our side and have grown dependent on the law for our protection.

When the persecution comes we will see the true church standing for the Saviour. The 'wusses' will then fall by the wayside.

Agreed.

Smaller....but stronger.

 

[blackbird]

I heard someone say long ago

Christianity is like Tea---the real flavor comes out in hot water!

I'm with Roger here!! You let the church experience hot water and see who among the church is able to hang in there!!!!

 

[gb93433]

But, back to the question in the OP. Yes, I do think the church has, in many circles, become soft and complacent. The fear related to the persecution that so many are panicking about is evidence of that softness. We have come to think that the government should be on our side and have grown dependent on the law for our protection.

When the persecution comes we will see the true church standing for the Saviour. The 'wusses' will then fall by the wayside.

They have already begun by their lack of discipline. They will go to work everyday to make money but not spend time praying and reading their Bible. I find that it is impossible to put new wine into old wineskins. You can try but they quickly become the expert at making disciples. The fruit of their life tells everything. The fruit of their life is wasted time and no production.

 

[Bob Farnaby]

This is a very good article...




http://tomthinking.com/2006/12/11/the-wussification-of-christianity/


So what do you all think... Has American Christianity became a namby-pamby, wussified version of the truth?

Sadly I don't think it is simply an American problem, it also happens in much of Australia. Ultimately though I think it's a church/christian issue rather than a national one, it reflects how christians react to the situations God has placed us in.

Regards
Bob

 

[stilllearning]

Hello C4K

Thank you for correcting my mistake in referring to “a militant church”, when I was really talking about “militant Christianity”.

As for your statement.......

“I don't see much of a pattern of a militant church in the books of Acts......”

Maybe....we are talking about two different kinds of militancy.
(Because I see it all through Acts.)

God’s people standing up for the Gospel and following God’s instructions, even if it involves chasing down a chariot.
--------------------------------------------------
I thought that might be I was using the wrong term, so I Googled it, and this is one of the things that came up.........
“I have no idea what to do about my militant Christian friend
Fellow atheists: I have a friend who is a militant Christian, meaning, she thinks it's her job to convert everyone who isn't Christian into one, including me. She knows I'm atheist, but it really bothers me when she tells me that I'm going to hell for not believing in Christian ways. I've told her many times that I don't believe in a god, afterlife, or book of worship. Yet, she still has the nerve to constantly bring up "god" and how I NEED to be a Christian. Other than that, she's cool. Are there any ideas on how to get through to her that I really don't want her help when it comes to religion? I'm going to snap if she comments to me one more time.”

I also think that this Christian young lady is “cool”, especially if she if following the LORD’s leadership in what she is doing.
--------------------------------------------------
The OP is talking about a “sensitive” Christian, who is more concerned with being liked, than following the Lord’s instructions.

I think “militant Christianity”, hits the nail right on the head here!

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Hello C4K


Maybe....we are talking about two different kinds of militancy.
(Because I see it all through Acts.)

God’s people standing up for the Gospel and following God’s instructions, even if it involves chasing down a chariot.
--------------------------------------------------
I thought that might be I was using the wrong term, so I Googled it, and this is one of the things that came up.........
“I have no idea what to do about my militant Christian friend
Fellow atheists: I have a friend who is a militant Christian, meaning, she thinks it's her job to convert everyone who isn't Christian into one, including me. She knows I'm atheist, but it really bothers me when she tells me that I'm going to hell for not believing in Christian ways. I've told her many times that I don't believe in a god, afterlife, or book of worship. Yet, she still has the nerve to constantly bring up "god" and how I NEED to be a Christian. Other than that, she's cool. Are there any ideas on how to get through to her that I really don't want her help when it comes to religion? I'm going to snap if she comments to me one more time.”

I also think that this Christian young lady is “cool”, especially if she if following the LORD’s leadership in what she is doing.
--------------------------------------------------
The OP is talking about a “sensitive” Christian, who is more concerned with being liked, than following the Lord’s instructions.

I think “militant Christianity”, hits the nail right on the head here!

With this explanation I would agree with you.

 

[Bob Alkire]

Go into truck stops or break rooms at plants and see what folks are talking about. I've worked with a guy or I should say I've seen him having coffee in truck stops for years, tried to speak to him about Christ many times and didn't get anywhere. Found out a while back he is a deacon in his church. I could multiply that by thousands of times of the carnal or hidden Christians I've met over the years.

I know a few Christians that are much like this man, they know very few or have fellowship with very few members of their church. I recall the day when most would talk about their church and their walk with the Lord, not so much today.

Ball teams, new car, golf, fishing and so on are what we talk about today, much more so than God. Nothing is wrong talking about those, but most talk about what they care the most about. As a lost friend said to me, all you Christians want to do is tell the other Christian he is full of him self, he is wrong on his theology. He ask me, why do I want to get into that, he is a history professor and he says that is all history professors do is tell the ones who disagree with them is they don't know what they are talking about.

 

[gb93433]

Go into truck stops or break rooms at plants and see what folks are talking about. I've worked with a guy or I should say I've seen him having coffee in truck stops for years, tried to speak to him about Christ many times and didn't get anywhere. Found out a while back he is a deacon in his church. I could multiply that by thousands of times of the carnal or hidden Christians I've met over the years.

I have met several hundred just like him and the majority of men I have met with to help them grow are just like him and with some help they radically change.

 

[Luke2427]

This is a very good article...




http://tomthinking.com/2006/12/11/the-wussification-of-christianity/


So what do you all think... Has American Christianity became a namby-pamby, wussified version of the truth?

Absolutely. As the culture grows more sensitive and effeminate so do many churches in their effort to reach it. The greatest sin in society and the pulpit today seems to be being offensive.

The greatest thing in our churches given the highest accolades today is "becoming relevant" to a society.

How about challenging, chastising and changing our society rather than adapting to it?

We don't have many Criswell's any more. I wish every young preacher would read Spurgeon's "Lectures to My Students".

 

[freeatlast]

The issue is not with the so called "wusses" who will fall by the wayside should persecution come, but with those who claim to be in the number that will stand, but for some reason are not standing at this moment. If we recognise that the church has fallen away from the truth then why do we not stand up in our local churches and do something about it. We should start with confronting the Pastor and leaders on the milk toast leadership and a call to return to obeying the bible. Now that would bring a shocking change instead of waiting on persecution to weed out the tares! :thumbs:

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Absolutely. As the culture grows more sensitive and effeminate so do many churches in their effort to reach it. The greatest sin in society and the pulpit today seems to be being offensive.

The greatest thing in our churches given the highest accolades today is "becoming relevant" to a society.

How about challenging, chastising and changing our society rather than adapting to it?

We don't have many Criswell's any more. I wish every young preacher would read Spurgeon's "Lectures to My Students".

4 year stints in the USMC would address that for sure. Just dont mention Texas.

 

[ReformedBaptist]

Last Sunday our church sang "This is the air I breathe" and I felt wussified. :tear:

 

[gb93433]

When was the last time anyone heard a sermon on acting like men? Sometime listen to men in the church talk and see how many feminine words are used.

 

[FR7 Baptist]

When was the last time anyone heard a sermon on acting like men? Sometime listen to men in the church talk and see how many feminine words are used.

What exactly are "feminine words"?

 

[gb93433]

What exactly are "feminine words"?

Words that characterize women. The song Onward Christian Soldiers would be the opposite of a feminine song.

 

[rbell]

What exactly are "feminine words"?

"does this outfit make my butt look big?" are eight feminine words.

Any words in these colors are feminine.

Did you cry while reading this sentence? Then it was a feminine one.

And most of....OW!!! Scarlett, put that rolling pin down!!