The Market-Driven Church: The Worldly Influence of Modern Culture on the Church in America"In God we trust." "God bless America." "Attend the church of your choice." "The churches of this town welcome you." In no other country are Christianity and God so obviously part of the culture. There are street signs directing people to local churches. Worship services are broadcast on radio and television. Politicians attend prayer breakfasts, and schoolchildren proclaim the country "one nation under God." Yet, it seems that the church has become more like the culture than the culture like the church. As a European with strong American ties, Udo W. Middelmann gives us an objective observer's view of church life in the United States. He expresses both his great admiration for America's historically strong ties to Christianity and his grief over what is happening to the church under the influence of modern culture. He observes that church attendance is often a choice governed by convenience and pleasure, and Bible knowledge is reduced to personal edification, spirituality, and private interpretation. The Bible and its message are viewed as products to be packaged and marketed, and all the while Christians' attitudes become more self-serving. Middelmann urges churchgoers and pastors to reverse these trends and embrace a renewed focus on the true teaching of biblical, historic Christianity. This book is a convicting message about the dangers of settling for the mere trappings of Christianity while ignoring the life-changing and culture-changing influence of the Bible. |
