Faddish Faith

Always something to distract the eyes of the church away from the simplicity of Christ. Some distractions are well meaning, some about nothing more than money. The latest, and I don't know into which motive category it falls - is Godmen. Before that is Experiencing God, The Purpose Driven Life, The Prayer of Jabez, Promise Keepers, Left Behind, etc, etc, going back to 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Could Be in 1988, and before ad nauseum. Not that all these things are completely void of good motive ( though some are) but it is the faddish aspect of these "movements" that disturbs me most I think. Instead of genuine moves of God much is just so much marketing using Christian lingo, but somehow adding a new twist. THIS move, THIS book, THIS teaching is for today, and always marketed in such a way as to be understood that the Christian of today is missing out if he, or she, does not participate in the latest "wave" of God.

Problem for me in all the new takes on promoting the gospel is the text says what it has always said. Those whom God has chosen are still brought into the fold by the same thing - the preaching of the gospel- Jesus died for sinners. We are still strenghtend by the same thing - a daily walk with Christ. Nothing replaces time spent in reading scriptures and prayer in the life of a believer.

It seems to me in our culture that too many people don't read their bible, and become susceptible to the marketing schemes that use biblical "language".

Are there things of value in some of the books, or events that get promoted in Christendom as the next big thing? Sure, sometimes, but we have to be familiar with the scriptures, and have a relationship with the Lord for ourselves, to discern what is beneficial, and what is simply commercial.

Godmen for example. The article about it in Newsweek says of the event attended by the reporter - "Inside, strobe lights flashed, and tracks by the Killers thumped from speakers stacked on either side of a stage. Four large video screens showed clips of karate fights, car chases and "Jackass"-style stunts."

How did Jesus ever preach the Sermon on the Mount without this?

And I know I'm just being an old fashioned prude and all, although I am only 42, but why is it that language we once wouldn't have normally used, lest we distract from hearing the real message by its intentional crudeness, is now ok to use if the gathering is for just one sex? Consider this from a, I am sure, well meaning brother -

“A lot of guys out there wouldn’t have the balls to be here,” he shouted. “Are you ready to be a man? Are you ready to kick ass? Are you ready to grab your sword and say, ‘OK family, I’m going to lead you?’ Buckle up. This is GodMen!”

Are stunts and trash talk really the way to "inject masculinity" into our Christianity? Is this even considered trash talk anymore? Am I the only person left who views such speech in public crude and irreverent when employed to teach of the goodness of Christ? Is this speech with grace, seasoned with salt? How about leading the family by living the example of a humble life, in word and deed, before God?

Is Christianity really not masculine, or is that accusation a marketing ploy for this "next big thing"? Jesus, Paul, Peter, John: anyone really believe these men were not masculine? One Man the Son of God, beaten and crucified, and resurrected. The others imprisoned, beaten and martyred for their faith. These were MEN standing in the righteousness of God. I tell you that a man is not drawn to stunts for anything but the spectacle, and a spectacle is fine for fluff as far as that goes, but if we really want to draw men into the church let us concentrate on truly manly characteristics of love, courage, righteousness. Set the example of Christ before us and let us know His ideal of an honest Godly life is attainable by the power of His character being formed within as He lives in us!

Nothing attracts, nothing draws the chosen (men and women) like the message of the cross, and the love of the Man who died in our place. That message - pure and without distraction - makes me want to live my life as He who died in my place would have me live it. It makes me want to be a better husband, and dad. It makes me want to be a better.......man.

The gospel only need be presented as it truly is and there is a simplicity and beauty to the life of Christ that those who are the chosen will heed. The faith will stand on its own. I fear the emphasis on tools of entertainment devised to bring others to a place to hear preaching have become a goal within themselves. "Preaching" of the gospel, once the goal, is traded for pep talks that bring no growth in Christ, and in fact promote life as it always been with a Christian label. The gospel is the only thing that changes hearts and to accomplish that it must be unashamedly heard! "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

Fads and causes pass, and a faddish borne faith may well pass too.

But a son, or daughter, drawn by the Father is home forever.