Coping with a Culture Hostile to Christianity
Introduction:
More
and more believers across the religious spectrum feel that our nation is
becoming more hostile and negative toward Christianity. Two thirds of Americans
who attend church regularly, read the bible, and pray have experienced the
negativity of others directed at their faith-based beliefs. When interviewed,
one minister remarked, “ministry is more difficult than ever before because
people are increasingly hostile and negative toward Christianity.” Have you
experienced this? How?
I. The Problem:
A.
George Barna:
“Only 16% of Non-Christians, aged 16-29, say they have a good impression of
Christianity.”
B.
Many regard
Christianity as out of touch with modern life & inconsistent with modern
knowledge.
C.
It goes
deeper: There is a growing body of
opinion that is actively hostile to Christianity and regards the destruction of
positive religions as absolutely necessary to the advance of modern
culture. (Dawson: Christianity & European Culture p.
119, 1998 CUA Press).
1.
There is a
segment of our society that believes “radical” Christianity is just as
threatening as “radical” Islam.
II. The Perception:
A.
Christianity is
too judgmental.
1.
87% - in a list
of negative perceptions about Christianity, this one topped the list.
2.
Perception:
Christians are prideful and quick to find faults in others.
3.
What should be
our attitude? Romans 12:3;
Philippians 2:3-4
B.
Christianity is
hypocritical. (85%)
1.
Too many who do
not follow through on what they profess.
2.
In many cases,
our lifestyle does not look much different from the world.
3.
Our lifestyle must
be conformed to Christ. 1 Peter 1:13-19
C.
Christianity is
old fashioned and out of tune with the modern world.
1.
How to change
perception? Build relationships
(talk to people) and merge our faith into action.
III. The Solution:
A.
Respond with the
right perspective.
1.
We must have
“ears to hear” and “eyes to see” what we are being told and observe.
2.
Can’t get angry
or defensive. Is God trying to teach us something?
B.
Connect with
people & build relationships.
1.
Spiritual influence
occurs most commonly though relationships.
2.
Hebrews
10:23-25; Romans 12:3-18
3.
1 Corinthians
13:13; 1 Peter 4:7-8
C.
Serve people. Cultivate
an atmosphere of concern for those outside of Christ.
D.
Isaiah 58:10;
Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:44; Matthew 25:34-40; Mark 9:35; Luke 4:18; John 3:17; Colossians
1:21-22; Titus 3:2; 2 Peter 3:9; 1
John 3:16-19
E.
Demonstrate a
lifestyle of compassion. Isaiah 58:1-4; 6-12
1.
Many come to us
today under an intense load of difficult experiences and deep hurts.
Conclusion:
A.
While we can
expect the Christian lifestyle to be different from the world, which can cause
some friction…There are good things we can do to make a favorable impression on
those around us & change the perception one person at a time.