While the world seems to trumpet the decline of Christianity in the modern west, I'd argue it is merely the decline of 'christianity' or as C.S. Lewis would put it, the decline of 'christianity and...' or perhaps the endangerment and extinction of the lukewarm lutheran. I don't think America was ever truly a Christian nation, was it founded on Christian thought, morals, and philosophy, certainly, but I don't know if it has ever been a 'christian nation' and it really doesn't matter, because the Kingdom of Heaven has never been and will never be of this world, it wasn't when old Rome was at its height nor America in its decline or even Israel at any time in history. The idea that any temporal nation can equate with or compete with the eternal and incorruptible Kingdom of God is ridiculous. Should christians work to make their communities and countries a better, more 'christian' environment and culture, certainly, but to mourn the death of something that never existed is ridiculous or to despair because we now live in a more culturally secular age is preposterous, such has been the state of the earthly church since its inception: we are outcasts, pariahs, laughingstocks, those who believe in things unseen and rejoice in the foolish things of the world, lunatics, strangers, aliens, and foreigners to the world and culture of our birth. The first disciples were accused of turning the world upside down, but rather they were setting it right side up. The church will always be upside down and backwards to the prevailing earthly culture, no matter where or when, that is its very nature. Christ would not have come from outside our reality to save us if salvation could be contrived from within by human efforts, ergo His kingdom will also be something outside our current understanding of what a country is.
Until the end of the 1990s or perhaps the early 2000s it was still culturally okay to identify as culturally Christian, most people did so just to blend in or find cultural acceptance or because they weren't Hindu or Jewish or because grandma was, no matter their personal beliefs or practices. It didn't mean anything then and it doesn't mean anything now, the only difference is that now it isn't safe or acceptable to identify as Christian. Instead, the conformists are migrating over to other causes, trends, movements, and organizations. The heart of christian belief and practice hasn't changed in 2000 years but our current culture has moved on from identifying such as 'normal' or 'acceptable' rather now identifying that same belief and practice as 'fundamental extremism' or 'whatever-phobic' or 'myopic and dangerous.' The church hasn't changed, rather society's perception thereof has done a complete 180. Society finally figured out that this horse wasn't going to get them where they wanted to go, so they dismounted and found a new ride. Any other cause can be used as a means to an end, to get you wherever you want to end up, but the true church will never be a means to an end, that doesn't mean people won't try, but eventually they'll figure out it is an express train going somewhere very particular not a horse one can whip and kick and rein around to suit one's own whims.
So all those mediocre, lip-service 'christians' have jumped ship. Proclaiming themselves 'nones' or whatever and the world rejoices at this sudden decline in the church, only it really isn't a real decline. We're losing dead weight, the people that were only here for themselves and their personal endeavors not for the good of others or the kingdom of God. The people who contributed nothing and demanded everything be done exactly their way and who caused 95% of the problems. If I was the world, I wouldn't be celebrating this mass migration but rather dreading it ending up weighing down any and every other cause, trend, or organization. These same folks are going to be joining ranks with the rainbow alphabet and the climate change enthusiasts among many another cause or belief or organization. They'll demand attention and resources and that everything be done their way or they'll make a fuss about it and cause strife within the ranks. Good riddance!
The church is getting into fighting trim, the fetters are falling off and the labyrinth of people pleasing has fallen down. While public opinion is against us, at least there will be less squabbling amongst ourselves! In Revelation Jesus warns people to be hot or cold towards Himself, not lukewarm, lest He spit them out of His mouth and that's exactly what is happening. And all these loafers, hangers-on, and parasites are going to be seeking something else to fill that void. World beware, they are coming your way! 'Rejoice O Heavens and ye who dwell in them, but woe to you oh earth and sea, for the Devil has come down to you in great wrath for he knows his time is short...'
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