The continuance
of the Roman Catholic church is a mystery. Corruption within the church led to
the reformation under Luther and Calvin, and today’s numerous stories of child
abuse by the priests has led to a sharp demise of adherents.
Ireland,
which has always been a Catholic stronghold, has finally broken ties with the
Catholic Church, closing its embassy at the Vatican. Disgust at the corruption,
cover up, and guarded apologies, has reduced the church going attendance in
Ireland from about 65% in the 70s to about 17% now.
Not that the
protestant church has a record to be proud of. Recurring scandals such as Jimmy
Swaggart, Koran burning by a foolish pastor, and recent intemperate remarks by
a Alberta election candidate, continue to confirm public distaste for the church.
The recent
education bills promoted in Ontario and Alberta are perhaps the first frontal
assault on biblical beliefs. They place in jeopardy those who hold and teach Christian
beliefs in regard to sexual conduct. Is this the first wave of open persecution
against the western church? We’ll see.
Christianity’s
final demise is lauded by various commentators and an aggressive atheism rides
the wave. Yet the rise of problems facing the west—debt, sexual disorientation,
increased self-centredness and violence to press demands, and greater
governmental control, all parallel the retreat of Christian belief.
If the
church fails, perhaps it will be the actions of those calling themselves
Christians who are largely to blame. The Gospel is the most compelling message ever
proclaimed, but it can’t be heard over the noise of its proponents’ actions.
Of
course, each Christian is a microcosm of the believing church. We all carry
within us, during this period of grace, the propensity to both good and evil.
We have to ask ourselves if our
lifestyle and beliefs will attract others or deter them from the faith.
We should be
a testimony to the truth of God’s love, but need the ongoing grace of God to
cover our failures. Which brings us back to the church. Considering its poor
record, it’s a wonder it does still
exist. That can only be attributed to the grace of God to his people
individually as well as the church community at large.
And if the western
church is in for a period of persecution, perhaps this will sort the sheep from
the goats and open a new wave of true witness. Even the apparent defeat of the
church God can use to increase His Kingdom.
