Letter to the American Church

1. The American Church Faces a Critical Moment Similar to 1930s Germany

The parallels to where the German Church was in the 1930s are unavoidable and grim.

Historical parallel: The American Church today finds itself at a crossroads reminiscent of the German Church in the 1930s. Both faced societal changes that challenged their core beliefs and values.

Urgency of action: Just as the German Church's failure to stand against Nazi ideology led to catastrophic consequences, the American Church risks similar outcomes if it remains passive in the face of current cultural and political challenges. These challenges include:

• Erosion of traditional values
• Increasing secularization
• Political pressures to conform to non-biblical ideologies
• Threats to religious liberty

The author argues that understanding this parallel is crucial for the American Church to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past and to take decisive action in preserving its role as a moral compass for society.

2. Misunderstanding Faith Leads to Cheap Grace and Inaction

Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession...Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.

Bonhoeffer's concept: The author draws on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's idea of "cheap grace" to critique the modern church's understanding of faith.

Consequences of cheap grace:

• Belief without action
• Complacency in the face of moral challenges
• Failure to live out the full implications of the Gospel

The misunderstanding of faith as mere intellectual assent rather than a transformative force leads to a Christianity that is ineffective in addressing societal issues. This passive faith fails to challenge believers to live out their convictions in meaningful ways, resulting in a church that is ill-equipped to confront the moral and ethical challenges of its time.

3. Evangelism Alone Is Insufficient; Christians Must Engage in Social Issues

Only he who cries out for the Jews may sing Gregorian chants.

Balanced approach: While evangelism is crucial, it should not be pursued to the exclusion of addressing social and moral issues.

Holistic Christian witness:

• Engage in cultural debates
• Advocate for justice and human rights
• Address contemporary ethical challenges

The author argues that a singular focus on evangelism can lead to a neglect of the Church's broader responsibilities. By engaging with social issues, Christians demonstrate the practical implications of their faith and enhance their credibility as witnesses to the Gospel. This approach aligns with the biblical mandate to be "salt and light" in society, influencing culture beyond mere verbal proclamation of faith.

4. The Church's Political Silence Enables Evil to Flourish

Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act. God will not hold us guiltless.

The danger of inaction: The author argues that when the Church remains silent on political issues, it inadvertently allows evil to gain ground in society.

Consequences of political disengagement:

• Loss of moral influence in society
• Erosion of Christian values in public policy
• Unchallenged growth of anti-Christian ideologies

By avoiding "political" topics, the Church risks becoming irrelevant in crucial societal debates. The author contends that Christians have a responsibility to engage in the political sphere, not as partisan actors, but as moral voices advocating for justice, human dignity, and biblical values. This engagement is seen as an essential part of the Church's prophetic role in society.

5. True Christianity Requires Courageous Action, Not Just Belief

Being a Christian is not about avoiding sin, but about passionately and courageously serving God.

Active faith: The author emphasizes that authentic Christianity is characterized by bold action rather than mere passive belief or sin avoidance.

Characteristics of courageous Christianity:

• Standing up for biblical truth in the face of opposition
• Advocating for the marginalized and oppressed
• Challenging unjust societal structures
• Taking personal risks for the sake of the Gospel

This perspective challenges the notion of Christianity as a private, personal faith with no public implications. Instead, it calls believers to a faith that actively engages with and transforms the world around them, even when doing so comes at a personal cost. The author argues that this courageous, action-oriented faith is more aligned with the example of Jesus and the early Church.

6. God Calls for Bold Truth-Telling, Even When It's Unpopular

We must be honest and admit that much of the time we are not living out our faith but are at least partially enslaved to public opinion over the truth.

Prophetic voice: The Church is called to speak God's truth, even when it contradicts popular opinion or cultural trends.

Areas requiring bold truth-telling:

• Sexual ethics and gender issues
• Sanctity of human life
• Religious liberty
• Social justice rooted in biblical principles

The author argues that the fear of being labeled as judgmental or intolerant has led many Christians to remain silent on crucial issues. However, he contends that true love for others and fidelity to God's word requires speaking truth, even when it's uncomfortable or unpopular. This bold truth-telling is seen as essential for the Church to maintain its integrity and fulfill its role as "salt and light" in society.

7. Bonhoeffer's Example: Risking Everything for What's Right

Bonhoeffer knew that as Germany lurched toward war and as Hitler's power became near total, the cost of lives would be staggering. It was already horrific, and he knew about it. So to do nothing would implicate him in real murders—the murders of millions of Jews and others.

Moral courage: Bonhoeffer's decision to actively resist the Nazi regime, even at the cost of his life, serves as a powerful example for Christians today.

Lessons from Bonhoeffer's stance:

• Prioritizing moral conviction over personal safety
• Recognizing the high stakes of inaction
• Willingness to be misunderstood for doing what's right
• Trust in God's grace when facing difficult ethical decisions

The author uses Bonhoeffer's example to challenge contemporary Christians to consider what sacrifices they might be called to make in standing for truth and justice. This example underscores the idea that faith sometimes requires difficult choices and actions that may not be understood or appreciated by others, even within the Church.

8. The Parable of the Talents: God Rewards Risk-Taking Faith

Jesus seems to be saying, "If you treat me and my Father as though we are 'hard masters,' we will actually be hard masters. The choice is yours."

Biblical perspective on risk: The author interprets the Parable of the Talents as an encouragement for Christians to take bold action in faith, rather than playing it safe out of fear.

Key lessons from the parable:

• God values initiative and courage in using our gifts
• Fear-based inaction is viewed negatively by God
• Our view of God's character influences our actions
• Taking risks for God's kingdom is rewarded

This interpretation challenges the notion of a passive, risk-averse Christianity. Instead, it promotes a dynamic faith that is willing to take chances and act boldly in pursuit of God's purposes. The author argues that this risk-taking faith is more aligned with the character of God and the examples set in Scripture.

9. Avoiding Sin Is Not Enough; Christians Must Actively Serve God

Bonhoeffer clearly saw this was not merely wrong, but evil. It was not merely that the churchgoers of his day did not love God, but actually hated him.

Beyond moralism: The author critiques a Christianity focused solely on avoiding sin, arguing for a more proactive approach to faith.

Characteristics of active service:

• Seeking justice for the oppressed
• Engaging in cultural and political discourse
• Using one's talents and resources for God's kingdom
• Taking stands on moral issues, even at personal cost

This perspective challenges the notion of Christianity as a set of prohibitions and instead presents it as a call to positive action. The author argues that a faith focused merely on avoiding sin misses the heart of God's call to transform the world and can even lead to a form of self-righteousness that is contrary to true love for God and others.

10. Rahab's Story: God Values Faith-Driven Action Over Legalism

If we think of God as a hard master and moralistic judge mostly concerned with whether we "sin" or not, we have missed the point and do not know God at all.

God's grace over legalism: The author uses Rahab's story to illustrate God's preference for faith-driven action over strict adherence to rules.

Lessons from Rahab's example:

• God values faith expressed through action
• Moral dilemmas may require prioritizing higher ethical principles
• God's grace extends beyond our human categories of "righteous" and "sinner"
• True faith often involves risk and personal sacrifice

This interpretation challenges legalistic approaches to Christianity and emphasizes the importance of understanding God's character of grace and mercy. The author argues that this understanding should inform how Christians approach ethical decisions and relate to those typically considered "sinners" by religious standards.

11. Freedom in Christ Demands Fearless Living and Speaking Truth

Paul's words to the Galatian church should haunt us, because there can be no question that we in the American Church have drifted from the pure and utter freedom that it means to live out our faith fearlessly.

True Christian liberty: The author emphasizes that freedom in Christ should lead to bold, fearless living and speaking of truth.

Manifestations of Christian freedom:

• Speaking biblical truth without fear of societal backlash
• Engaging in cultural and political debates from a Christian perspective
• Taking stands for justice and righteousness, even at personal cost
• Trusting in God's grace and provision when facing opposition

This perspective challenges Christians to embrace the full implications of their freedom in Christ, moving beyond a cautious, self-protective faith to one that actively engages with and transforms society. The author argues that this fearless living is not only a privilege of Christian freedom but also a responsibility that comes with being followers of Christ in a challenging world.

Last updated: November 10, 2024