Power with Purpose!

I am currently reading Dr. Michael L. Brown's book, "Revolution: The Call to Holy War." It is indicting of American Christians to say the least, and with good reason.

Can I be honest with you for a minute? I know it may hurt your feelings and it may stir up something negative in you towards me however, what I am feeling and experiencing in all this is not of my own doing. I believe the Lord is stirring something within me and it makes me very uncomfortable. Nevertheless, I understand the source and reason behind it and the more I read this book, the more tangible my discomfort.

Then again, Dr. Brown's excellent; almost lyrical, writing style spells out exactly why I should feel this way and tells me that their is still hope for the Christian who languishes in the American style of Christianity (Not going there, read the book!).

I tell you what: instead of me going there, I'll let the book speak for itself. Here is an excerpt from chapter 5, "Exposing the gods of This Age."

"Professor Tony Campolo relates this amazing story. Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, he received a call from a friend with the Christian College Coalition, notifying him 'that a group of top educators from the Soviet Union were coming to the United States' and that 'they were interested in seeing the thing religious groups here in the United States are doing in the way of social service.' That was right up Campolo's alley, since he was not only an educator but the head of several inner-city ministries as well. So he rolled out the red carpet for his guests: 'With great enthusiasm I took them to our various latchkey programs. I showed off our youth clubs and explained how we communicate Christian values to ghetto teenagers. Finally, I took them to a special Christian school we have established for disadvantaged children.'"

"The Russian guests - which included the heads of two of Russia's most prestigious universities, along with the deputy minister of education - took full advantage of their opportunity: 'Everywhere these Russian visitors went they interviewed people - children and teenagers, as well as adults. Their questions were probing and astute. They listened with intensity and took copious notes.' And what were their impressions? Campolo gives the surprising report: 'Those teenagers are so materialistic!' was one response. Another added, 'All that these young people talked about was making money.' But the most unexpected answer came from the deputy minister of education who reluctantly remarked, 'I am somewhat disappointed in your children. Since they are Christians, I expected that they would be concerned about spiritual things. Instead, they are more materialistic that the Marxist youth in our country. They seem to be devoid of any lofty, idealistic vision.'"

This was almost 20 years ago! It has only gotten worse since then. I watch, I see, and I listen. And I hesitate to post this because I only know of a handful of people who will agree with me. The rest will most certainly be offended not because I am wrong, but because deep down in their hearts, they know I am right; and their pride wells up within them to bring offense, not from without, but from within.

Materialism, is it the real god of the American Christian church? I am beginning to wonder. Your comments are welcome here. Dr. Brown can be contacted on the web at Ask Dr. Brown.

More to follow...