Stop Blaming Politians

[Michael Shanlian Ph.D.]

I was recently teaching a large adult SS class in a medium size church and asked if anyone could tell me something about the Protestant Reformation. Many in the class were prominent church leaders and teachers. Not one person knew what I was talking about. I was appalled to say the least. It is sad when Christians who attend church every Sunday for decades know only religious cliches' and talking points. Many church leaders cannot articulate a clear apologetic to a seeker. They do not possess a basic understanding of theology as it relates to Scripture, church history and culture. They embrace the mantra, "ignorance is bliss."  Don't ever confuse them with the facts!

Bible illiteracy should not surprise us. Our public schools and universities rail against Christianity as a religion for idiots and bigots. Education no longer produces critical thinkers. Young people are spoon fed socialism and taught America was not founded on Biblical principles. They are told most of our Founding Fathers did not embrace Christianity and were only interested in owning slaves and land. Many of our educators believe Christianity is the scourge of our nation and needs to be silenced. It is no wonder 75% of young adults leave the church once they get on their own.

Add to the fact many pastors are ill equipped themselves to feed their flock. They spend most of their time putting out fires and attending meetings with little time spent in study. Parents are busy taking the kids to sporting events and dance recitals instead of teaching them the Scriptures. Why should we be surprised the average church attender loves syrupy sermons which neither comfort the comfortless or convict the comfortable! America's economic and social problems have their roots in ignorance and disobedience to God and His Word. The hope of America is not in which political party wins the upcoming election. America must turn back to God and pursue knowing Him over the pursuit of mammon. The church can blame Political leaders and bad policy all they want. But the truth remains, the church has lost its saltiness and we have no one to blame but ourselves! "When the righteous rule, the people rejoice!" (Proverbs 29:2)