In this current state of affairs, there are way too many voices, events, incidents, and media analyses that we are expected to sort through in order to really understand what is going on.

Not to mention that we are surrounded by personal friends, family, and acquaintances who angrily tell us what is true and then demand our compliance with their views.

All because they care deeply. While we supposedly don’t.

Therefore, they are good. We are bad.

So, let’s just take a moment and talk about this “care-deeply” thing today.

Because it’s popping up more and more. I’ve even noticed online ads, mixed in with a host of other weird stuff, where you can find someone “who cares deeply”. Who not only has a great personality, but who “cares” as well!

Which looks like some new spin on dating, I guess. As in dating apps for the young Progressive.

But there’s an even bigger problem than that. Namely that we are increasingly getting this “caring” guilt trip pushed on us by our churches!

Those People Who “Care”

Now, as far as the general culture is concerned, this “care-deeply” issue is a much bigger can of worms. Which will lead into a discussion about what the “news” really is, what journalism is, and the overall nose-dive the American culture has taken in philosophical and spiritual matters.

That’s a matter we’ve discussed before.

But what’s happening in the church is a different story.

We really don’t expect to get lectured by the church on the how active we are in societal or political matters or whether or not we are “dealing justly”.

Or do we?

Strangely, if a Christian believes some errant doctrine about salvation, then it is very likely that the leadership today will not want to make a big deal about it. As long as the “errant believer” talks about loving Jesus, believing the Bible, and loving others.

And isn’t running naked in the aisles.

Leadership, as well as most Christians today, do not exercise the spiritual courage to stand upon any issues like that. Because it would be “divisive” and “not humble” to do so.

In their minds.

Instead, I’ve heard more references to social justice, equity, “doing justice” and a host of similar things in Evangelical churches and in Christian media than I have about the desperate need to be saved from sin and to be born again.

Why?

Moving Away from Our First Love 

Because the church has begun to think of itself as being “under occupation” by the culture. And has decided they can be more “effective” (and less persecuted) if they cater to the culture. And can “win more people to Christ” as well.

I wish this were even debatable. But it isn’t.

Nowadays, you are more likely to be thought of as being a bad Christian or a poor one if you do not participate in some “service” ministry of the church. Such as something to help the poor, the homeless, the immigrant, the hungry, and a million other causes they have latched onto.

Which is not a criticism of helping people.

We need to help people. And we need to care about people.

This is a criticism of the church itself and its shifting loyalty from Christ and His word to how churches measure their own effectiveness in the world. Whatever “effectiveness” actually means.

This shift includes the refocusing, rethinking, redirecting, and redefining of the gospel – slowly morphing, for all appearances, the biblical gospel to look increasingly like the Social Gospel of the unbelieving mainline denominations.

Adapting the gospel to suit the Humanist and Progressive religious philosophies of the world.

In the past, the churches taught their people that their spiritual needs were the greatest concern in life. And that properly reading, obeying, teaching, preaching, and defending the word of God was the ultimate ministry, above all else, of the church.

And the ultimate demonstration of love for Jesus Christ.

But that’s not so much the case anymore.

Image by Tylijura from Pixabay