As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it’s crucial for Christians to be aware of the challenges facing their faith. In this blog post, we’ll explore two significant threats to Christianity as we move through 2024: one from without and one from within. By understanding these challenges, we can better equip ourselves to maintain a strong and vibrant faith in an ever-changing world.
The External Threat: Declining Social Acceptance of Christianity
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in how society views church-going Christians, particularly in Western countries. Once considered a cornerstone of community life, regular church attendance is now often associated with what some perceive as outdated or even regressive values.
The Changing Perception of Christianity
Christianity, especially in its more traditional forms, is increasingly linked with conservative political views. This association includes stances such as:
- Support for traditional nuclear family structures
- Pro-life positions on abortion
- Belief in gender being determined at birth
- Opposition to same-sex marriage
While these positions have long been part of Christian doctrine, they’re now often viewed as backward or old-fashioned by a significant portion of society, particularly younger generations.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, ESV)
The Rise of the “Nones”
One of the most striking trends in recent religious demographics is the rapid increase in those who identify as having no religious affiliation – the so-called “nones.” According to Stephen Bullivant’s book “Nonverts: The Making of Ex-Christian America,” this shift has occurred at an unprecedented rate.
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1)
Challenges for Christians
This changing landscape presents several challenges for Christians:
- Increased social pressure to conform to secular values
- Potential ridicule or dismissal of beliefs in academic or professional settings
- Difficulty in passing faith on to younger generations
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4, ESV)
In the face of these challenges, it’s crucial for Christians to stay anchored in scripture and to regularly contemplate spiritual realities. The evidence of God’s hand in creation remains as compelling as ever, even if society at large is less inclined to acknowledge it.
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20, ESV)
The Internal Threat: Liberal Shifts in churches of Christ
While external pressures pose significant challenges, perhaps even more concerning are the shifts occurring within some congregations of the churches of Christ. These changes, often made under the banner of grace and inclusivity, risk compromising core doctrinal beliefs.
The Danger of Loose Interpretations
Some congregations have begun to adopt a more relaxed approach to scriptural interpretation. The argument often goes like this:
- No Christian is perfect in all things.
- We’re all saved by God’s grace and mercy.
- Therefore, anyone sincerely trying to be a Christian is equally right, regardless of specific beliefs or practices.
This line of reasoning, while appealing on the surface, can lead to a dangerous erosion of essential Christian doctrines.
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4, ESV)
Concerning Trends
This loosening of doctrinal standards has led to several troubling trends in some congregations:
- Acceptance of Unauthorized Worship Practices: Some churches have begun incorporating instrumental music or adopting “contemporary” worship styles not sanctioned by New Testament teaching.
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24, ESV)
- Inclusion of Women in Leadership Roles: Despite clear scriptural guidance on gender roles in church leadership, some congregations have begun appointing women as elders, deacons, or preachers.
“I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” (1 Timothy 2:12, ESV)
- Denominational Self-View: There’s a growing tendency to view the church of Christ as just another denomination among many, rather than as the one true church established by Christ.
“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6, ESV)
The Fallacy of “Not Knowing Everything Means Not Knowing Anything”
It’s true that no one has perfect understanding of all spiritual matters. However, this doesn’t mean we can’t know anything with certainty. The Bible provides clear teachings on many essential matters of faith and practice.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)
Six Unchanging Truths
Despite the emphasis on God’s grace (which is indeed essential), there are certain biblical truths that remain constant:
- Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, followed by dedicated Christian living, is necessary to avoid condemnation.
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16, ESV)
- Doctrine and lifestyle matter in the Lord’s Church, as evidenced by Christ’s messages to the seven churches in Revelation.
“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:5, ESV)
- Persistent immoral living can keep a person out of heaven, even if they’ve been baptized.
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, ESV)
- Biblically valid baptism must be by immersion and for the remission of sins, not merely as a symbol of salvation already received.
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38, ESV)
- A saved Christian can live in such a way as to fall from grace and become lost again.
“You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.” (Galatians 5:4, ESV)
- There are essential beliefs in Christianity that must be believed and defended.
“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3, ESV)
Balancing Grace and Truth
It’s crucial to acknowledge the critical role of God’s grace in our salvation. None of us could be saved without it. However, we must be careful not to use grace as an excuse for doctrinal laxity or continued sinful behavior.
The Apostle Paul addressed this very issue in Romans 6:1-2: “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”
Conclusion
As we navigate the challenges of 2024 and beyond, Christians must be aware of both external pressures and internal doctrinal drift. While the world around us may become less accepting of traditional Christian values, we must remain anchored in the truth of God’s word. Simultaneously, we must guard against the temptation to water down our beliefs in an attempt to be more palatable to the world.
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13, ESV)
The path forward involves diligent study of scripture, steadfast adherence to biblical teachings, and a commitment to living out our faith authentically. By doing so, we can maintain a vibrant, meaningful faith that stands firm against both external and internal threats.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18, ESV)