Christianity, PRIME TIME?

Christianity Today has covered the "phenom" of some evangelical leaders rise to network prominence. In a recent article, the writer of the editorial posits the following:

"So, we've been mainstreamed. Now what? First, we can thank God. Jesus Christ's unique message and values will gain a larger and more respectful hearing. Second, as noted, we really can't play the persecution card anymore. As "players," we will be criticized sharply still, but that's just part of life in America. Third, let's remember that how we got here is how we will stay here: Careful scholarship. Measured proclamations. Majoring on the majors. Grassroots organizing. Patience. Prayer. Now that we're prime-time, we don't want to start acting like American idols."

Not sure how "we" got here--but a few things that were left off the editor's list were: faithfully proclaiming the gospel of sola fide and the doctrine of imputation; preaching uncompromisingly the Word of God; calling all men to repentance; living holy in a pagan society; church discipline of sin; and worship of the one Triune God in spirit and truth. But wait, if we were doing those things, we wouldn't be mainstream at all--we'd be on "PBS."

Has CT forgotten these powerful words of our Lord Jesus? "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his Master, if they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you...'" (John 15:18-20b). Doesn't sound "prime time" to me, does it to you? And what of Paul's words to timid Timothy before being beheaded by Nero: "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim. 3:12). Listen, the very fact that we can no longer "play the persecution card" and that evangelicalism has been legitimized by the networks (ABS, CBS and NBS) suggests that how we got here isn't by biblical means at all.

One clarifying thought here: I am not suggesting self-made-martyr's is to be endorsed or championed. Far from it. And I do know that the Lord can give favor with unsaved people in preaching His Word and heralding His gospel. But it's the imbalance that's in question here. We can do acts of kindness and mercy that produce encouragement to us--not a problem. But if that praise is obtained absent of living and proclaiming what genuine biblical Christianity is, then isn't it just the tickling of the ears? Both deed and doctrine need to be done to His glory. Having been in CCM industry for over twenty-five years you get used to seeing everything measured by money, numbers and noteriety; rather than measured by the depth of ministry; biblical truth; and godly character. May the former not eclipse the later in our daily serving of the Lord and His creatures.

The editorial suggests that we "arrived" because of "careful scholarship." Would they consider Open Theism; New Perspectivism; Oneness Theology; ECB; ECT; pragmaticism; psychological sanctification; postmodern ecumenism, inclusivism "careful scholarship?" And what about their claim of "measured proclamations?" Translation, sounds like "playing politics with the gospel" to me.

When the world applauds and accepts what we do, it's time that we measure afresh what we are actually saying and doing. Constantine eliminated persecution for a season with the stroke of a pen by making Christianity the national religion. It has consequently been asserted that Constantine favoured Christianity merely from political motives, and he has been regarded as an enlightened despot who made use of religion only to advance his policy. He certainly cannot be acquitted of grasping ambition. Where the policy of the State required, he even could be cruel. Yet, in the aftermath, history proves that this political blending of church and state was one of the most catastrophic blows to Christianity and the gospel.

This world is not our home beloved; give me the lions any day if they must--just don't give me "prime time" watered down, pabulum based, cream of wheat, status quo, culturally processed, network friendly Christianity. Christ's gospel does not exist to gain "a larger and more respectful hearing." so that we can become "players" in the media circus. It exists to call men to repentance for the salvation of their souls and for the glory of God.

The Cross is a Radical Thing,
Steve Camp
Galatians 1:10-12