"Thus it is not that we as the church face a crisis of belief, rather the church faces a crisis of commitment."
I think there is some truth to that. Although it is obvious that there is also a crisis of people without belief in Jesus Christ as their lord and saviour. But perhaps lack/fear of commitment plays a greater role than we give credit.
What do you think?
I've not read the linked article, and I wouldn't use the word "crisis", but lack of commitment is evident - and problematic - in the church.
ReplyDeleteI saw his post. I think he's getting at something that's a big issue in Western Christianity.
ReplyDeleteBecause we are so individualistic and materialistic, we have compartmentalised life in Christ, putting Jesus in a neat box alongside our work and hobbies and friends.
I think it really is a crisis. It means Christians aren't actually living with Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, even if they 'believe' that's who he is.
In other words, even if it's a 'commitment' problem, it actually boils down to a belief problem.
What did you reckon Chris?
Arthur
Yeah, I think people who don't commit to serving God and the church as fully as they can, they do have a belief problem. If they don't make meeting together with other believers a priority to encourage others and themselves, then it seems like they are more interested in serving their own interests rather than God and his churches interests.
ReplyDeleteIf you believe Jesus died to save you from yourself, how could you not be totally committed to His church in your local context and be totally committed to seeing your friends become part of that community with their faith and trust also placed in Jesus!