Expert: Rev. Robert Woods - 11/14/2008

Question
Hello, Im 18 and from Canada. Ive always admired America as a thoroughly Christian nation, although today it seems to becoming rapidly secular. I mean, gay rights are basically becoming enshrined legally, its unpopular to mention religion in the mainstream media (unlike 50 years ago), that Judge from Alabama (name escapes me) was prosecuted for possessing the 10 Commandments in his court. I guess Im wondering how and why America became so secular?
Thanks

Answer
Blessings and thank you for your question.

There could be books written about why America has turned away from God.  Many people here don't even know how Christianity was fundamental in the establishment of this country.   But let me summarize what I think has happened.

1.  Satan - Satan is the author of all lies.  He leads men astray and leads them into all forms of evil.  Satan has convinced the world that he does not exist.  He has convinced man that there is no hell and no consequences for their actions.  For those who believe, he has convinced them to be apathetic about God, the church and morality.  If you haven't read "The Screwtape Letters" by C. S. Lewis, I would advise it.

2.  Public Education - although we are blessed that every person in America has opportunity to learn, Public Schools have brought about secularization and evil.  Our country said that you cannot pray in school, read the Bible or even discuss Christianity.  But, you can talk about all types of immorality, other religions or even witchcraft. Evolution is taught as FACT and any other explanation like intellegent design is completely dismissed as stupidity. Each generation is talk to be secular and that immorality is okay, then that generation becomes the next teachers.  So it keeps getting worse.

3.  Media - the media contributes to this secularization and has become even hostile to Christianity.  When it does promote the church, it is usually a extreme liberal or extreme fundamental church.  When was the last time you saw a positive story on Christianity??  The Media glorifies evil, immorality, and other religions and demonizes Christianity and Morals.

4.  The Church - unfortunately the church hasn't helped.  When parts of the church water the gospel down and eliminate sin and repentence, then the church becomes nothing more than an expensive club.  If you don't teach the truth, then we cannot expect the truth to make a difference in the world.  Disunity - the church is not unified, it is fractured and hurting.  This disunity hamstrings us from being able to make a difference in the world.


Hope - there is hope.  First, God is still in control.  There are many scriptures that point to the fact that the world will become more evil before Jesus returns.  Throughout church history, the church always grows when there is persecution.  I don't think it will be much longer before persecution of Christians will begin again.