Finding the Roots

The church is freaking out. Well, the parents in it are. All over the United States Christian teens are going off to college and coming back home not so Christian. Sometimes its a phase, but its becoming increasingly permanent. Many parents and religious authorities are blaming this trend on things like entertainment, drugs and culture in general. While there is some truth to the direction in which these people point the blame, the old addage is true. Whenever you point a finger at someone, there are always three pointing right back at you. The church cannot continue to pass the buck if it is to emerge from this century with any power at all. Christians must demonstrate that they are willing to face their own demons and reform, where necessary, if they expect to regain a healthy witness.

 There are several major stereotypes and/or doctrinal errors that are either common or inherent within the church system today. These things must be corrected and overcome  in order for the church to continue to exist, much less function properly. The problems the church faces today are threefold:Stereotypes, Doctrines, and Cultural Issues.

Stereotypes – Christians are:

Hypocrites, Judgemental, Ignorant, Not Creative (lame)

Key Doctrinal Issues:

Church Discipline (Accountability), Tradition/Preference vs. Biblical Commands, Gods Blessings (Health Wealth & Joy)

Where American Ideals clash with Christ’s Teachings:

Ownership/Stewardship (who is the true owner of your possessions?)

Individualism (We are not our own highest priority, instead we work for God’s glory and the best interests of others)

Materialism (We are not here to accumulate wealth, power or fame)

 

These are some serious problems that are sinking the ship that is the church. Some of these are merely surface level expressions of deeper issues within the church, while others, such as the doctrinal issues, are indications of where we went off course and pursued what God never intended us to.