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Angst?
Posted by Bowden McElroy in Bible & Theology, News & Culture
A quote from one of my favorite writers/speakers/bloggers.
Christianity Today asked several of us to answer, “What was the most significant change in Christianity over the past decade?” I gave more than one answer (I could not resist) but they chose one focused on North America.
Here was my answer:
“Evangelical angst about its current state and future prospects. Evangelicals are trying to figure out who they are and who they should be. We see that in the ‘Evangelical Manifesto,’ the Gospel Coalition, in This We Believe. There are all these movements trying to define who evangelicals are and what evangelicals should be. Since evangelicalism is the only growing segment of American Christianity, its angst and future will matter deeply to the church in North America.”
-Ed Stetzer, editor, president, LifeWay Research
So… what is the current state of evangelicals in North America? What do you see as our prospects? Feeling much angst?
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I know that tension is not necessarily a bad thing; depending on how it is perceived, how it is handled, and perhaps other factors, tension can result in creativity and productivity. I would imagine that angst is similar. If we assume that it is bad, that it is destructive, and that therefore that it must be surpressed or eleminated at all costs–it becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy, and an all-consuming process. Time, resources, and energy are directed to the elemination of this angst, which means there is less time, resources, and energy available elsewhere. So then the questions are (1) is Stetzer accurate (and I suspect he is), and (2) if he is, how should it be approached, if at all? To do anything other than attack it, however, will require us to admit we are not in control of the outcome. That is somewhat uncomfortable to most people, and VERY uncomfortable to some, especially fundamentalists. But then. . . isn’t to admit we are not in control Biblical?
Bowden,
I agree with Stetzer’s assessment.
Many people are talking nowadays about how best to understand who we are as Evangelicals. One of the most thoughtful and most helpful, in my opinion, is D. A. Carson.
Here are a few links to talks by Carson on this subject, as well as to an upcoming book on this very subject. I would highly recommend all of them.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/01/12/carson-lecture-on-evangelicalism/
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2009/08/07/two-of-d-carsons-forthcoming-books/
(check out, especially, the links at the bottom of the second post)
Bowden,
I liked this one from the same CT article.
“The speed with which the emerging church movement has dissipated, or lost momentum. At the beginning of the decade, ‘emerging’ was a huge buzzword. It peaked in 2002 or 2003; in the time since then, it has become a stigma or albatross that people don’t want to associate with. You don’t hear anyone talking about the emerging church any more. It doesn’t really sell the books that it used to. People thought it was going to be the next big thing and revolutionize the way we do church and change everything, but it seems like the reaction against it has been even more significant.”
Brett McCracken, author, Hipster Christianity: When Church and Cool Collide
First of all, it is the exact opposite of the answer to the question: “What was the most significant change in Christianity over the past decade?” as the answer documents the massive insignificance of the Emergent(TM) movement. But aside from that, it is a perfect complement to Stetzer’s observation that Evangelicals are searching for an identity. By and large they’ve decided Emergent(TM) is not it. But that doesn’t mean they’ve settled on what the identity is.
Reminds me of those youth in the 1970′s who were trying to “discover” themselves. Maybe they should read: http://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Evangelicals-Their-Habitat/dp/0060836962
Bowden,
This topic reminded me of the instruction given to Timothy….
1 Timothy 6:3-6 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, (4) he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, (5) and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. (6) But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.
It seems godliness has taken a back seat to this new search for the evangel born out in the name evangelicalism.
Being content is always a struggle.
I like what Rick had to say…….
Blessings,
Chris
I think that we get too wrapped up in definitions. I agree with David that D.A. Carson’s treatment of the subject is worth the time you must invest to listen to the audio (he finishes his discussion on defining evangelicalism about midway and then moves on to ecumenical concerns).
Carson basically boils it down to this: an Evangelical is someone who strives to be faithful to the gospel. There’s more to it than that, but I think if we focused more on being faithful to the gospel we’d have less angst about what defines us and we’d be more focused on seeing the gospel redefine the world.
Today I was reading 2 Cor 6:14 “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” The thought came to me about the activity within the church. I have discovered that between 10% to 20% (closer to 10%) of the people in the church are true believers. That means that 80% to 90% are not believers. It came to me that we may think being “unequally yoked” is what goes on outside the church. I wonder if we are being affected by those from within more that without? Maybe our greatest change is that the world feels more comfortable in the church than without.
Seriously, Bruce? 80-90% of your church membership is unregenerate?
How did you arrive at this startling finding?
Whether or not only 20% of the church is regenerate, there is a significant number of non-Christians filling our services each Sunday. Perhaps part of the angst some people fell comes when regenerate and unregenerate church members try to define “Evangelical” together.
Rick,
I am a layman in southeast Texas near Houston. The churches we have available are very political, entertaining or corporate. There is a statistic that says 20% of the people do 80% of the work and it is the same with tithing. Not here. It is even worse. You may lead your church and set the bar high for spiritual growth, however, I have been involved in at least 3 large local churches that would qualify for the stats I have mentioned originally. The local First Baptist Church preacher and I had a meeting as I was visiting his church. He asked me how many I felt were saved in the local congregations and I said about 10%. I was amazed that he agreed and he told me that many of the other pastors along with associational leaders said the same thing. I don’t use the percentages loosely, but, I cannot honestly say they are accurate; I don’t think anyone can. The main point is that even if it was 50-50 I think my comment above would be correct.
Churches in this area are neither Evangelistic nor Calvinist and use almost every method to get the numbers. One event with an evangelist that the larger Baptist churches put on had a Ford Mustang to give away to the person who brought the most to the last meeting. There were 3 who brought the most people. The bait-and-switch was that they had to throw a Frisbee 75′ through a cut-out about 4′ X 12″ to win the car. What are the odds? With things like that, one has to agree that these churches cannot have much to offer. The FBC had 31 baptisms and had them in a swimming pool on the church grounds. That church had no “new believer” class going on and none of those who were baptized where still going to the church. One thing I have noticed is that all of the local preachers (Baptist, Non-Denom, Methodist, etc) meet together each week and are also involve in the Rotary Club.
I think any church that has lost people, that think they are Christians, involved in influential positions in the church are creating an unequal yoking of believers in many ways. When the leadership is more concerned about the politics within the local Baptist Association I see their church weakened by that and it allows the body to be influenced by non-believers who feel comfortable or welcomed to their church. I am not advocating trying to run certain people off. I think that is ultimately the job of the Holy Spirit and those equipped spiritually to go to those who express very carnal activity. A weak or liberal church leadership produces the percentages I have given. Also, if the percentage of Christians were greater than 50% nationwide we would be seeing revival and Muslims would not really have an influence in the USA.
Gentlemen,
I hope my comments have not affected further responses to this great topic. I was hoping to hear about what others have experienced or belive. I appreciate Rick’s challenge and would welcome more. Rick, I hope my answers were appropriate. I would like to hear your percentages, as well. Houston has some of the largest mega churches in the USA and the mind-set among many of the smaller local churches are to try to be like them. Our association is promoting its churches that have “methods” that “bring’em in” to have the pastor speak in annual pastor conferences or other local churchs. They are turning the work of the Holy Spirit into something to be peddled. Maybe they should award for retention. Of course, that may create more of a circus atomsphere. If our churches do not have the spirit of being pro-Christ then they must have the spirit of being anti-Christ. I’ve always thought the spirit of anti-Christ was more obvious and people would act more demonic, however, I think if we are not for Him we must be against Him.
By the way, in my comment #9 the slot the Frisbee had to pass through was 4″ high by 12″ wide and it was a 10″ Frisbee.
Bruce, I appreciate your perspective. You said, “I think if we are not for Him we must be against Him.”
I prefer a different perspective:
Luke 9:49-50 (English Standard Version)
John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”
Perhaps it depends on the context:
Luke 11:23 (HCSB)
“Anyone who is not with Me is against Me, and anyone who does not gather with Me scatters.”
Rick,
I agree with the verse you use, however, I do not see the church operating by allowing some from within the body of Christ to function questionably as was mentioned in Luke 9:49-50. The premise of my statement came from these verses.
Matthew 12:30 & 33
V30 – He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
V33 – Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by [his] fruit.
The church is obligated to “live” in concert and unity with the commands of Christ. I just believe that the worldly methods some churches have incorporated into their ministry work against the commands of Christ even though they are subtle. The difference is what I said about the work of the Spirit in contrast of the work of mens methods and the peddling thereof. I just see too much “method” and too little of Prayer and the ministry of the word in today’s church. How we have arrived where we are can be detected but the ship is difficult to turn. The turning must come by the Spirit alone. He awaits for a reason, too.
Thanks to all for the comments. (Yesterday was one of those over-scheduled, busy days for me so I’m just now getting around to reading your comments.)
Angst is an interesting word for Stetzer to use. Kierkegaard used Angst to refer to the anxiety one experiences when worried our choices will not please God.
In that context, Evangelical’s anxiety over trying to decide who “they are and who they should be” may be a good question. It is really asking, “Are we pleasing God in the way we “do church” in North America?”
While I have many ideas and opinions about that, I keep coming back to my personal responsibility in my own little corner of the world. One question Stetzer’s comment raised for me is do I have any responsibility for the identity and practice of “Evangelicalism” or is my plate full enough just doing what I believe God would have me do in my own church and community. In other words, is it even worth debating what it means to be an Evangelical? Is Stetzer right when he says how we answer that question is of primary importance?
Crawford Toy and Lottie Moon; Paige and Mohler and Tony Cartledge
Forgive me for seguewaying or distracting from this conversation but wanted to bring the discussion at http://www.tonycartledge.com , Mohler’s Blogandthe BP Story on Paige and Lottie to your Attention,hoping one of you may pick up on it here.
It’s is quite provocative todate
Also ongoing discussion at http://www.baptistlife.com
Bowden,
Perhaps the actual term “evangelical” is not all that crucial. Although, literally, it just means, pertaining to the gospel. And, the gospel itself is absolutely essential.
While each of us must, first of all, seek to understand God’s will, and obey it in our own life, in our own context, I believe it is also important to correctly understand the Body of Christ, and how we should relate to others who claim the name of Christ. It is important to understand that not all who say, “Lord, Lord,” are really and truly participants in the Kingdom of God. And, it is important to know (to the degree we are able to know, on this side of heaven) who really is, and who is not, and for what reasons. As I understand it, it is the ones who really and truly embrace the gospel.
One way of describing this group is by the term “evangelical.” However, regrettably, the term “evangelical” has come to mean different things to different people. And, presently, in the Christian world at large, there is a lot of confusion over these issues.
While I may not choose the word “angst” to describe the proper response, I do think these issues merit a good bit of collective “soul-searching.” I think the doctrine of the unity of the Church is one that has been swept under the carpet in certain circles, and, in some ways, the great pending subject matter (or, at least, one of the important ones) in God’s work on earth, in which He invites us to join together with Him.
“So… what is the current state of evangelicals in North America? What do you see as our prospects? Feeling much angst?”
I think one has to take into account the theological underpinnings [which, of course, involves "theologies"] of the different groups within evangelicalism. And there is the flavor of what is practiced as well.
I think my suspicion has been that the “emerging church movement” would be like pouring gasoline on a fire that lights up powerfully, but then quickly dies out. It’s not doctrinal enough IMO. In contrast to that, I have thought that the “New Covenant Theology movement” would [at the least] continue to be something small that would grow bigger and bigger in time.
Not too long ago I think Billy Graham cast a long shadow over evangelicalism. So, what is going to fill the vacuum of Grahamish evangelicalism? That might be the question right there.
Grahamish evangelicalism was revivalistic and cooperative in nature and I think both revivalism and [large scale] cooperation are fading.
Doctrinally speaking, I think Dispensationalism used to have the corner on what was standard evangelicalism, but I no longer believe that may be the case. So, what is going to fill [or has filled] that vacuum?
Whatever it is, it might not be very clear and hence maybe that is where the angst comes in for some. If it’s not going to be some “ism” we have already heard of, then what will it be?
IMO: Dispensationalism is fading. Revivalism is fading. Moderate theology [from the angst of wanting to hold onto both Darwin and Jesus I think] is fading. Emerging church is fading. Calvinism is growing and making its presence felt in different spheres of evangelicalism. Covenant theology is growing. New Covenant Theology is growing.
Prospects: I am encouraged by the prospective fruit that could come from the seeds that these two Christian teachers have planted and may continue to plant: Tom Schreiner & D.A. Carson.
Bruce,
You’re not the only one worrying about unregenerate membership. Here is what David Cloud in the Indy-Fundy Baptist ranks has to say:
JUSTIFYING 95% FALSE PROFESSIONS (Friday Church News Notes, January 15, 2010, http://www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) – The following is excerpted from The Technique Catastrophe: An Explanation of the Multitudes of False Professions in the Independent Baptist Movement by Bob Creel (865-712-4537): “Many years ago, in order to answer the criticism of the mounting number of false professions, I heard a brother say, ‘I would rather lead 100 souls to Christ, knowing that 95 of them were false professions, and see five of them go to heaven, than to not attempt to be a soul-winner.’ The first tragedy of that statement is assuming that those are the only two options: either to rack up false professions while winning a few, or to not witness at all. How about the option of being a witness within the guidelines of scriptural teaching, which produces very few false professions! The second tragedy is the flippant attitude about the 95 people to whom you gave assurance of salvation that will one day wake up in hell! Most of them will not allow a genuine witness to approach them about their souls, because they’re banking on that false assurance that you gave them.”
Speaking of Billy Graham here on MLKing weekend, fascinating archival footage shown last night on many PBS stations in the Southern Lens series; documentary on Clinton (tn) 12 and chaos of 1956.
Great witness and sermon footage of FBC pastor Paul Turner and the price he paid (he was brutally assaulted) for taking a stand.
Graham came the next year and held crusade.
Story fits in nicely with the larger themes in Steven Miller’s recent book on Graham, Nixon and Race.
But for this effort witness of Paul Turner is grand.
check http://www.greenmcadoo.org
Rick,
Your response just came in today, thanks. It seems that my previous statement may have a little more merit regarding “unequal yoking”. Even when unbelievers, or those who have “dead faith”, operate in the church, the real believers would have to be affected because they are observing so much carnal Christian activity from non-Christians that they would be confused. Every level of Christian maturity would be affected to some degree and as the generations go by it would continue to get worse. I think that is where a majority of churches are today.
The person who uses the percentages to win some is, in fact, doing more to damage the gospel. The 5 he has won to the Lord will be influenced by the 95 with dead faith in some form or fashion.
Thanks for the information.
Bruce