Every religion has its own story comprising specific beliefs and characteristics that makes it unique from all others. The Thorndike Barnes dictionary defines religion as a particular system of religious beliefs and worship of God or gods. Another observation concerning religion is the fact that it is external and cultural. [For example, the use of dress codes, hair styles, laws and traditions]. Brackets are mine throughout.
The United States and much of the Western world are undergoing a total transformation of their societies today. I’m not sure that we are aware of the incredible negative affect multicultural, post modern and post Christian attitudes are forcing that change. Our own national life and thought over the past three or four decades has done an about face on God. In the mind of the world, Christianity is equated with Western culture; the current anti-Western wave discredits our traditional Christian beliefs, values and biblical worldview right along with the culture. The Holy Spirit can adapt biblical faith to any culture. But because of American greed, materialism, secularism, and multiculturalism all of which flow from sinful human nature, the biblical God and absolute truth are fast becoming null and void to many who know better across this nation and the world.
True Christianity is unique to religion in that it is exclusive, “You must be born again,” (John 3:3; 1 Corinthians 15:44-48). It dares not to be inclusive as main stream America and many religions demand. For example, Chrislam which says, an individual neither “converts” nor turns from their previous religion. The individual simply claims Jesus as Lord, and therefore, becomes a religious dual citizen. In its role in the world as salt and light; the church must be counter-cultural in obedience to the Word of God. Unlike the various religions, overloaded with traditional belief systems full of dead founders and laws; Christianity is more than a system of beliefs. It is a life [in Christ], with a Founder who is alive and dwelling within His followers. No religion has that claim. Yet! Knowing this to be true as a people we are turning our backs on Christ in the most blessed nation in the world. At a very fast pace the gospel is being intellectualized and redefined to such an extent [the word “gospel” today is thought of more as a “music style”] than “the power of God unto salvation.”
Additionally, there is little or no mention of true faith, nor the need to trust Jesus Christ, and His many promises of abundant life. Therefore, His mandate to “make disciples” of all nations is also going unheeded or unknown in many local churches. Academic achievements and speaking ability are held in high esteem while spiritual maturity, character, being Spirit-formed, and manifesting the fruit of the Spirit are relegated to little or no importance. They are treated as being irrelevant or antiquated in church work and the work of the church. Grasping such a position is totally ungodly. The absence of true confession, repentance [turn-a-round], and commitment is inviting the wrath of Almighty God upon this nation. No matter what humanity thinks, Almighty God is God over the secular as well as the sacred. This was the one nation truly blessed of God for its biblical worldview. It was founded under the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who’s virgin-born Son died for the sins of the whole world.
I believe the god of this world is making inroads through a highly recognized worldly system of deception known as multiculturalism [with its many imported gods and religions]. This belief system trains its students to view the world and its people from a global and pantheistic perspective rather than from a national and Judeo-Christian perspective. This clash of religions and Christianity has placed a tension between the world and the authenticity of the Word of God. In other words, it is designed to speed the paradigm shift through transformation toward a radical new way of thinking, believing, and relating to our so-called inclusive “global family.” Satan is putting forth a great effort to diffuse Christianity through high-tech superhighways and a common set of secular values.
Tragically he has been able to dupe many of our foundational institutions especially the governmental and educational systems; which in turn are affecting the local churches and redefining our critical cultural-building blocks of marriage and the family. The aim of multiculturalism is to mold cosmopolitan world-class citizens. It is constantly reported in the media that social engineers are testing the latest techniques in behavior modification on our children. Our society has reached the point where children must either reject their old church and home-taught faith or stretch it far beyond the limits of a viable biblical worldview in order to accommodate the world’s pantheistic [equates God with the forces and laws of the universe], polytheistic [belief or worship of more than one god]; which requires the total abandonment of the authentic Jesus Christ. Listen to words shared to a graduating class of Hampden-Sydney College: