From My Perspective - - -

The Church – especially The Roman Catholic Church -  has been in the news lately. It is largely a Church-State issue regarding whether or not the Federal Government can mandate all-aspects of The Affordable Health Care Act be imposed contrary to a Church’s Teaching and Conscience regarding contraceptives and medical procedures that could either impact or terminate a life. The Protestant Church – and those who profess to be Bible-Believing followers of Christ – have either been silent or  have offered a diluted or mixed statement in terms of what it believes and practices. One can only wonder whether or not The Church in general has gotten itself enmeshed in The Cultural Drift regarding matters of Faith and Practice that has resulted in a bland and mixed message.

The Christian Post contains an article that may explain part of the reason for such a drift. The Headline is: “Half of All Americans Believe Bible, Quran, Book of Mormon Hold Same Truths.” In that article -  Stoyan Zaimov , Christian Post Reporter – (April 17, 2012) – reports: “An in-depth study released by the Barna Group on behalf of the American Bible Society found that 50% of Americans believe the Bible, Quran and the Book of Mormon hold different expressions of the same truths. The survey also found that Americans' reliance on the Bible has decreased slightly in 2012 from 2011, although the Christian holy book retains an important place in people's lives. The study, which was conducted in March and surveyed over 2,000 adults through phone and online interviews, found that 85 percent of American households own a Bible – although that number was down from 88 percent in 2011. Similarly, 48 percent agreed that the Bible has all the knowledge needed to live a meaningful life, while that number was 53 percent in 2011.” Is it accurate that less than half of all Americans find The Holy Scriptures as being viable and valuable  - a necessity “to live a meaningful life” within this changing culture? Is this a factor that is contributing to The Cultural Drift in both The Church and Country today?

The Christian Post report goes on to state: “The survey's findings suggest that Americans desire to read the Bible more and turn to it for the answers to life questions but have an increasingly less reverent view of its contents…People's motivation for reading the Bible also slightly changed…17% of respondents, a growing number, said they were turning to the Bible to help them solve a problem in life, or because they needed direction. In terms of faith and politics, people were largely split on the role religious belief has to play in the political realm…a significant majority (79%) disagreed that the Bible teaches Americans should vote for people of the same faith, while 33% of people said they would vote for an atheist. The more secular, younger generation (between ages 18 and 29) were more open to the idea, and 47% said they are ready to vote for an atheist candidate.” The Church is really caught up in The Cultural Drift.

Whatever happened to the foundational truths taught to children: “The B-I-B–L–E, Yes! That’s the Book for me! I Stand alone on The Word of God – The B-I-B-L-E”…? Whatever happened to the belief system that caused the Church to once sing with deep conviction: “The Bible stands like a rock undaunted- ’Mid the raging storms of time…The Bible stands though the hills may tumble, It will firmly stand when the earth shall crumble; I will plant my feet on its firm foundation, For the Bible stands!...? Whatever happened to the basic-belief of Psalm 119:105 – “Thy word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path!...? Whatever happened to the firm conviction that held and believed II Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work!...? The Church and Culture has become loosed from its moorings and has lost its anchor and Moral Compass. The Church is becoming more and more a part of The Cultural Drift. The Church and Nation needs to re-focus on God and His values and His Word. Any further delay will prove to be disastrous. Consider these things with me!