Are you a Cultural Christian?
I am currently re-reading Real Christianity by William Wilberforce and he talks about the state of Christianity and cultural Christians. In his book Wilberforce describes a cultural Christian as one who:
These are just some of the items Wilberforce mentions about cultural Christians. These observations were done 215 years ago! Not only have things not changed much, but they appear to have gotten worse. I have to admit a few years ago I was a cultural Christian. During conversations with friends, family, and co-workers I see many people who fit the mold of cultural Christians. It is no wonder that Christianity is under attack and those that call themselves Christian are unable or unwilling to defend it. It is sad to think that people are more concerned with getting into a good school or good career than they are about their faith. As I re-read this book it becomes apparant quickly that this is a hard hitting book that calls it like it see's it. In my opinion this book and "The Almost Christian Discovered by Matthew Mead should be mandatory reading after their bibles.
In my next post I will talk about what Wilberforce considered authentic Christianity and look at how that translates to today's Christians.
- Believe themselves to be a good person and are against bad things, your faith is adequate.
- May not be a Christian, just a moral person.
- You know some of the basic facts of Christianity but have no idea how those facts should apply to your life.
- No understanding of what constitutes authentic faith.
- You believe your Christian because your family is.
- When questioning or challenged about your faith you abandon your "inherited" faith you are unable to defend.
- Think one's faith is a private matter and should not be spoken of so publicly.
- Everything is subjective.
- Your conduct is not measured against the standard set by the gospel.
- You do not read or study your Bible.
- The content of the Bible is a mystery to you.
- Claim belief in the bible as the Word of God and who claims to have committed their lives to Jesus Christ, but show no evidence in their life that this is true.
These are just some of the items Wilberforce mentions about cultural Christians. These observations were done 215 years ago! Not only have things not changed much, but they appear to have gotten worse. I have to admit a few years ago I was a cultural Christian. During conversations with friends, family, and co-workers I see many people who fit the mold of cultural Christians. It is no wonder that Christianity is under attack and those that call themselves Christian are unable or unwilling to defend it. It is sad to think that people are more concerned with getting into a good school or good career than they are about their faith. As I re-read this book it becomes apparant quickly that this is a hard hitting book that calls it like it see's it. In my opinion this book and "The Almost Christian Discovered by Matthew Mead should be mandatory reading after their bibles.
In my next post I will talk about what Wilberforce considered authentic Christianity and look at how that translates to today's Christians.
Comments
Post a Comment