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TechnoratiIf Colson is right (and I believe he is), how can Islamofacism and Neo-atheism threaten a culture that claims to be overwhelmingly Christian? The answer lies in understanding the real threat to Christianity is not the philosophies we face but the faith we lack. It is what I call “Regressive Christianity.” Regressive Christianity’s main problem is the lack of standing room. In fact, every Church in America could use a sign posted prominently over the pulpit that says, “Standing Room Only.” The Apostle Paul, after reminding the Ephesians that our fight is not against “flesh and blood” but against rulers, authorities, the world powers of this darkness and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens” exhorted them to “stand therefore…”(Ephesians 6:10-17). He essentially called them to fight not with the weapons of the enemy but through the enablement of God with “truth like a belt, righteousness like armor, faith like a shield, salvation like a helmet, God’s Word like a sword, all while standing in the shoes of the gospel.”
A strange thing happened at the first Battle of Bull Run during the Civil War. People packed up their picnic lunches and loaded up in their fine carriages to ride out and watch the opposing armies do battle. But shortly after the battle began those sideline thrill seekers realized being mere bystanders was not an option. Three times in this passage Paul says the key to the fight is to stand. It really doesn’t matter how well equipped we are to charge the gates of hell if we retreat or outright refuse to enter the battle. We must replace “Regressive Christianity” with the mystery of an aggressive yet gentle faith that is firmly grounded in God’s Word and faithfully demonstrated in the lives of God’s people.
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Dr. Tony Beam is Director of the Christian Worldview Center at North Greenville University in Tigerville, South Carolina.
