In deep disappointment I have wept over the laxity of the church. …
“Yes, I love the church. How could I do otherwise? I am in the rather unique position of being the son, the grandson and the great grandson of preachers. Yes, I see the church as the body of Christ. But, oh! How we have blemished and scarred that body through social neglect and through fear of being nonconformists.
“There was a time when the church was very powerful–in the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society.”
In keeping with this blog’s annual tradition I once again encourage you to read for yourself a prophetic letter so powerful, so eloquent and so uncompromising that it would make that powerful master of letter writing Paul the Apostle, who knew the challenge of writing from a jail, break out in hosannahs.
Compare it to the lack of truth, power and eloquence lacking in political leadership in this age, when so many political leaders play the Christian card at every turn. Or contrast it with the megachurch leaders who write their “prosperity gospel” sermons from the comfort of their home palaces and jets.
It’s doubtful that the American patriot who wrote these words would be much impressed.
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