Thanks for this. I wholeheartedly agree. The challenge I’ve found is in the appetite of the Church (or at least my church) to even talk about how we redress cultural decline in a practical, long-term way. It’s almost seen as worldly to get involved or faithless, instead of being seen as a Kingdom responsibility.
Yes, that is precisely the problem. I would recommend suggesting a study group on Joe Boot's Mission of God book to get things going on that front (you may have seen my review pieces on that). Christian Concern also regularly go into churches to do teaching days on these kinds of topics. Ultimately, it will depend upon the appetite of the pastors/leaders themselves, to think about these issues and do something about them. Those that keep their heads in the sand will pay a high price in the end. But pastors/leaders also appreciate help and encouragement from time to time, from those who might be willing to take responsibility for implementing the ideas they suggest.
Malcolm Guite wrote a great poem based on Psalm 74's lamentation at the destruction of "everything in the sanctuary." It expresses the sorrow all of us should feel at the wanton destruction of Christian culture in our country. It's from his poetry book on the Psalms ( his best yet!), "David's Crown". Here it is:
Thanks for this. I wholeheartedly agree. The challenge I’ve found is in the appetite of the Church (or at least my church) to even talk about how we redress cultural decline in a practical, long-term way. It’s almost seen as worldly to get involved or faithless, instead of being seen as a Kingdom responsibility.
Yes, that is precisely the problem. I would recommend suggesting a study group on Joe Boot's Mission of God book to get things going on that front (you may have seen my review pieces on that). Christian Concern also regularly go into churches to do teaching days on these kinds of topics. Ultimately, it will depend upon the appetite of the pastors/leaders themselves, to think about these issues and do something about them. Those that keep their heads in the sand will pay a high price in the end. But pastors/leaders also appreciate help and encouragement from time to time, from those who might be willing to take responsibility for implementing the ideas they suggest.
Malcolm Guite wrote a great poem based on Psalm 74's lamentation at the destruction of "everything in the sanctuary." It expresses the sorrow all of us should feel at the wanton destruction of Christian culture in our country. It's from his poetry book on the Psalms ( his best yet!), "David's Crown". Here it is:
When we awake in you all will be well,
But now we feel your absence and we cry
“How long will the destroyers work their will?”
The random vandals who don't even try
To understand the good things they deface.
They trash the past, and cast a jaundiced eye
On all the works of beauty, art and grace
That once made-up our culture. In their pride
They ruin things that no one can replace
As, making havoc of their lives, they slide
Back into chaos. Rouse us up, oh Lord,
Who rode upon the seraphim. Divide
Once more the waters, draw the flaming sword,
Bring order out of chaos, as you did
When darkness fled before your holy Word.
That's excellent.