The Roman Catholic sex abuse scandal. The Southern Baptist Association sex abuse scandals. Assemblies of God Chi Alpha campus ministry scandals. Hillsong Church‘s scandal. The media loves to sell a great story. This is true nowhere more than when it comes to Christianity…especially involving the misstep of big-name leaders. While the drama is real, facts are often hard to come by, as they don’t shout quite as loud as big headlines. It’s easy to read these stories (or just the headlines) and assume Christianity is in ruins. Church attendance is down, many small churches struggle to stay open, and the world’s relationship with religion is changing. Things seem down, all around. So, how can I say Christianity is not in ruins?
There isn’t one simple answer to this question. If we take it one step at a time, however, the answer will come together as to why Christianity is not in ruins.
A personal experience
More than ten years ago, I worked with another church leader who would later go to prison. We met through a friend who was also a minister. He had been ordained to the bishopric at least five times and presented as the model of Christian holiness. He was charismatic, engaging, and knew how to draw an audience. Even today, I would still say he remains one of the best preachers I ever heard. He also went to jail for identity theft and attempt to obtain property by virtue of fraud. A few associated with his ministry went down with him. I’m grateful to say I disassociated when things started to feel off, but that doesn’t change the fact that had I not, any one of those individuals could have also been me.
It’s disheartening to say it wasn’t the first time he went away, and it wouldn’t be the last. Many were notably hurt, angry, and disheartened by the events. Many more turned their heads the other way and followed him unto deception again, and again. Others left church, jumping on the all-too-familiar bandwagon that all church is bad.
It’s easy to look at stories such as this and to feel that there’s no hope for Christianity whatsoever. Christianity is in ruins! Is this true?
Christians are human
If we do a cross-study of religion, religious groups all over the world are experiencing a shift. Abuses, intimidation, mistreatment, and missteps among adherents of all sorts are found in every religion worldwide. As those living in the west, it’s easy to assume Christianity is the only religion that is experiencing a sense of disequilibrium, but this is untrue. As the world changes around us, ancient religions of all sorts struggle to find their place and relevancy in our modern world. This leads to complicated situations, including those where adherents are all-too-human and act out of the flesh more than their belief system.
My personal experience mentioned above is a stark reminder that Christians are human. Sometimes I think the world expects us to drop our humanity at the door and become like God is God from the outset of conversion. Throughout the history of Christianity (much like other religious and non-religious systems), Christians haven’t always been “Christian enough” by one standard or another. While there’s no question that through much of history Christians of all sorts could have been done better, there’s also acknowledging the role of human nature in each situation.
People will forever disappoint us if that’s where we look. Sometimes our disappointments are quite valid, at that. But God has promised us that despite the humanness of people, He is still present with us in our spiritual lives. That’s part of the central message of our faith. Jesus is with us until the end.
A lesson from the Apostle Paul
Even in the first century, the Apostle Paul dealt with human nature in the church. Far from thinking the early church was better than we are now, the church at Corinth had the following issues:
- Baptizing one another into each other’s names (1 Corinthians 1:10-17)
- Arrogance among leaders (1 Corinthians 3:1-9)
- Sexual relationships with stepmothers (1 Corinthians 5:1-13)
- Lawsuits among believers (1 Corinthians 6:1-11)
- Sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)
- Overeating/gluttony during communion (1 Corinthians 11:17-34)
These issues are enough to cause any leader to want to walk away and decide the church is beyond repair. Paul, on the other hand, stepped up and addressed these issues, one by one. When it comes to human nature, we must accept it exists, and then address it as it happens. If we try to take too much at once, it’s easy to become discouraged. Rather, we handle things one at a time.
Christianity is not just one thing
It’s a mistake to assume all Christian denominations are the same. Likewise, the variations in Christian doctrine allow for handling of different issues and matters. While the purpose of this article isn’t to get into the variations that exist, it’s safe to say that not every abuse within Christianity is handled the same way. As much as we often criticize denominationalism, the other way to look at such is to realize there’s an entire expanse of different ideas, approaches, and theories about the Christian life available to the believer. Christianity is not just one thing, even in the face of those who sometimes yell the loudest to be seen.
Christianity is bigger than one bad church leader, one church scandal, or even a combination of the two. Not all Christians are alike, and not all Christians feel the same way about everything. As much as we encourage open-mindedness when it comes to other things, we should extend the same to Christianity, as well.
God has promised the church will prevail
Matthew 16:17-18 is a well-known verse among most Christians:
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (NIV)
Reading these two verses alone give us the essential message why Christianity is not in ruins. We’re able to understand that revelation of Christ is central to the church. We also can see God promised no matter what hell throws at the church, it shall remain. What we don’t often consider is the discourse Jesus had prior to this revelation:
When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that Ge was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Matthew 16:5-12)
Why this revelation matters
Simon Peter understood Who Jesus was after a discourse on false leadership. Right before Jesus promised the church would never fail, He warned them about the complications of false leaders. This isn’t an accident. Jesus was letting His believers know that until He returns, there will forever be leaders like the one I knew personally. The church would face scandal and issues. There will always be bad leaders, or those who use Christianity to try and gain personal advantage. The reverse of this, however, is also true. There will also be those who believe the church is worth fighting for. As much as bad Christians exist, so do good ones.
A final reminder
We live in a complicated world. As a result, sometimes the church is also complicated. We need to never forget that there are honorable and yes, holy people, still alive and well in church, doing the things the church is supposed to be about. We may never hear about them, but they’re out there, embodying good principles and trying to live God’s Word as best they can. When they come to live and reach you for the Gospel, give them a chance.
A holy, church remnant, maybe. Christianity is in ruins? Never. The gates of hell shall never prevail against her. If you aren’t already, start fighting for her.
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