Culture War. It’s a term used to describe two conflicting sets of values. The struggle between conservative, traditional values and more liberal, progressive values. It’s a clash of beliefs about what is truth. Especially in areas of religion, morals and Biblical teaching.
While conflict between Christians and culture is nothing new, it’s disconcerting to witness such a dramatic change in America’s values over the past 40-50 years.
It’s Not the 50’s Anymore!
William Buckley, the conservative columnist, illustrates it this way.
Ingrid Bergman was invited by Ed Sullivan to appear on his program around 1958 when she was living with an Italian film producer. She had left her husband and had a child. Before she actually went on the show, there was such a public clamor that he couldn’t have her on. Can you imagine?
Today, movies, sitcoms, and talk shows present every kind of bizarre lifestyle imaginable. And some you can’t! In fact, they not only show it, but revel in it, glorify it and promote it. As a child of the 1950’s, I find it sad that there is a loss of innocence among today’s children. However, this trend which has been rapidly increasing for the past 15-20 years is now taking a new turn.
Anti Christian Bias
Christian conservatives are now facing an increased, open onslaught of criticism from the liberal media, politicians, and educators unlike anything in our life time.
Daniel Lapin, a Jewish Rabbi, posted an internet article entitled “A Rabbi’s warning to U.S. Christians.” In it he lists just a few of the anti-Christian books published from mainstream publishers.
“The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason”
“Piety & Politics: The Right-wing Assault on Religious Freedom”
“Atheist Universe: The Thinking Person’s Answer to Christian Fundamentalism”
“Religion Gone Bad: The Hidden Dangers of the Christian Right”
Lapin correctly observes that there would be an incredible outcry if these books were written regarding Jews. The authors and publishers would be accused of Anti-Semitism, and attacked by every liberal news agency in the country.
Christians are the New Intolerant
Dr. Chris Hedges is a journalist and author of “American Fascists: The Christian Right and War on America,” When he was invited to speak at Princeton Theological Seminary, he began his lecture from the opening of his new book by quoting Karl Popper:
“We should therefore claim, in the name of tolerance, the right not to tolerate the intolerant. We should claim that any movement preaching intolerance places itself outside the law, and we should consider incitement to intolerance and persecution as criminal, in the same way as we should consider incitement to murder, or to kidnaping, or to the revival of the slave trade, as criminal.”
It is reported that he continued to equate fundamentalist evangelicalism with Nazism, and compared the religious right to living in Nazi, Germany in the 1930’s.
Liberals are fighting mad. They are tired of Christians condemning sin and alternative lifestyles like homosexuality. They see us as narrow-minded and bigoted. Our secular culture today would like nothing better than to eradicate every vestige of the religion of Jesus Christ and the moral code it espouses from American culture and the world. Now, at least, they are admitting, that it’s alright for them to be intolerant of us! Of course, we must be tolerant of them and their beliefs!
What’s a Christian to Do?
1. Realize what is, has already been (1 Cor. 10:12-13). Paul Harvey once said, “In times like these it is good to remember that there have always been times like these.” Indeed there is nothing new under the sun. New Testament Christianity faced intolerance, misrepresentation by their enemies and even severe persecution. They faced it and remained faithful. So can we.
2. Put our faith in God (Mk. 11:22) The answer to our problems is not found in government, political parties or social programs. God is not oblivious to our challenges. He will vindicate the righteous in His time.
3. Pray (1 Tim. 2:1-2) We need to pray for our leaders. Our country. The lost. For ourselves. The all-powerful God hears our prayers.
4. Be salt and be light (Matt 5:13-18). Christian have many opportunities to make a difference in the world. Be honest in your business. Be faithful to your spouse. Live righteous and godly among your neighbors. Practice the golden rule.
5. Share Your faith (1 Pet 3:15). Don’t be afraid to speak up. Let others know where you stand and what you believe. Do it kindly. Do it humbly. But let it be known that not everyone agrees with today’s sinful culture.
Yes, these are perilous times. But “if God be for us, who can be against us”?
—-Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 
EVERYONE! In response to that last quotation of Scripture. Everyone can be against us. Being a believer-or a Christian does NOT ensure us a life free of persecution. In fact,Christ TELLS us so in His words in John 15:20b “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you as well.” We are to EXPECT it. But as you’ve so aptly explained above, this is what we are to do..THIS is where the threshing floor separates the wheat from the chaff. Your final quote/question from above, in Romans 8:31b, is correct! But we need to keep reading…all the way to Romans 8:36 “As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” and beyond-to the end of the chapter. Roman’s 8:36 doesn’t paint a a pretty picture does it?-but KEEP reading! This is where our God steps in! HE gives us the strength to stand. HE gives us the courage and takes away the fear. WE can do NOTHING on our own, but Christ-who lives IN us DOES have the ability to do so! Indeed, He has already DONE it! This is not a war of what is seen, but of what is unseen-a SPIRITUAL war.
I believe what happened in the Roman empire to the Messianic Jews (Christians) & in Nazi Germany to the Jews, are merely fore-runner’s of what will happen to Christians/Jews WORLDWIDE before the end..I have studied Revelation (but a little)-and there are SO many theories out there, put out by great scholar’s. Pre, mid and post rapture theories, it can be confusing… The things we need remember to do though, are written above, and there is also this..the LOVE. Love SACRIFICIALLY, as CHRIST did. Follow HIS example-be DELIBERATE about it, meaning go out of your way to do it. Die to your flesh and what YOU want, and DO what Christ did-even dying if necessary That is why Paul wrote in Romans 8:27 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through HIM WHO LOVED US.” (emphasis mine) We can’t leave out the love…
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Ken:
While it is sad to see the direction our society is taking, you are correct in your observation that this is a recurring theme throughout history. Christians and the teachings of Christ have been met with persecution and intolerance since the first century.
Today Christians are jailed and killed in many parts of the world much as they were in Roman times. Those of the world do not like to be reminded of sin nor do they want to be limited in their persuit of sinful “pleasures” and excesses. “In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.” 1 Peter 4:4
Sadly, “it will ever be thus” for as Paul warns in Eph. 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flash and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Our response as Christians is, as you say, to “press on.”
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Therefore, by the mercies of God, immerse ourselves in the experiences of life, good and bad. This glorifies God and grows our faith. Studying alone will not suffice.
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Ken,
Thank you for this. I did not expect to experience this in the United States of America, but I’m sure that was a very ignorant assumption. I should have realized — though was probably too young — that Roe v. Wade was a major blow to our religious and moral sensibilities. Thank you again for so eloquently stating what so many of us think and believe.
– Dave
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Thanks for reading Dave, and taking the time to comment
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Tomorrow’s lesson for our ladies’ class (members at 32nd St. in Paducah, KY meeting monthly in members’ homes) is from Proverbs 14:34 “Righteousness exalts a nation.” Hope you don’t mind, because I’m soooo sharing your lesson with the class! Your words came (via email, of course) just as I was heading straight for panic mode about how to make the lesson for the class more positive in light of the way our country is headed downward. Thanks for your insight into this serious subject. Most uplifting and encouraging!
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Lonnie, you are very welcome to use it. Just pass along my blog site so the ladies can check it out!
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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