Christians vs. Religious Church Goers

[RonD1120 62]

Has The Church Become Irrelevant?
by Chuck Baldwin
August 25, 2009



America's Christian heritage is both rich and deep. What most historians and educators refuse to acknowledge, our forebears understood clearly: it was mostly Christians and churches that formed and shaped the new land that became known as the United States of America.

For example, when discussing the brave exploits of the passengers on board the Mayflower, people seem to have forgotten that the voyage was mostly the endeavor of a single church congregation. And don't forget that it was Pastor Jonas Clark's male congregants who withstood British troops at Lexington and fired the very first of the shots heard 'round the world. The famous French historian, Alexis De Tocqueville, credited the pulpits and churches of Colonial America with inspiring America's successful War for Independence and subsequent prosperity much more than its institutions of learning, halls of Congress, or industries of invention. From the very beginning, America's Christians and pastors were intricately involved in the establishment and building of this republic.

It is no hyperbole to say that without the influence, sacrifice, dedication, blood, sweat, and tears of America's early Christians, this country would not exist.

But what do we see today? We see pastors and church congregations who are, for the most part, totally ignorant of their own heritage and history. They have little or no understanding of the principles of Natural Law--something America's founders knew almost by second nature (no pun intended). They seem to know next to nothing of the Biblical principles of liberty and government. All they seem to be able to do is regurgitate some mindless interpretation of Romans 13--an interpretation that could have been written by King George III or even Adolf Hitler.

(Read my column regarding Romans 13 at http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2009/cbarchive_20090715.html )

Ignoring the great examples and exhortations of both Testaments, today's Christians seem to have lazily latched onto a modern-day "divine right of kings" philosophy, through which they have become the pathetic slaves of arrogant and pompous political wolves dressed (barely) in the sheepskins of legitimacy.

Where are America's watchmen on the wall? Where are the great stories of courage and commitment demonstrated by America's founders that once emanated from church pulpits? How is it that today's Christians know more about sports celebrities than they do America's heroes? How is it that these lying, conniving, con artists called politicians can sucker church members as easily as they do the un-churched? How is it that Christians do not seem to recognize the devilish doctrines of socialism, fascism, elitism, or globalism for what they are? How can they be so easily manipulated? How is it that these corrupt politicians--who vote to kill unborn babies, merge America into internationalist and global entities, strip Americans of their God-given natural right of self defense, promote homosexual marriage, or allow America to lose its identity, culture, and heritage through unbridled illegal immigration--remain in "good standing" with any number of supposed "Christian" churches?

Even though there are more churches in America than anywhere else in the world, the pastors and Christians of this country have, for the most part, become completely irrelevant to preserving "the blessings of liberty"--or even fundamental Biblical principles, for that matter.

Churches used to be respected as lighthouses in communities: places free from the jaundiced juxtaposition of political correctness and avarice. Today's churches are filled with both. Where once churches stood as guardians of truth, they have now become progenitors of error. Where once preachers stood in the similitude of Elijah and John the Baptist, they now grovel in the image of Joel Osteen and Rick Warren. Sunday Schools were once bastions of Bible teaching; today they are glorified coffee shops and playgrounds. The modern Christian home cannot even disciple its own children: how can it then be expected to "make disciples of all nations"?

I repeat: the modern American church has, for the most part, become irrelevant.

It is little wonder that more and more people are losing interest in the organized church. Instead of finding Christian love and kindness, they find the same kind of gossip, slander, petty bickering, favoritism, and selfishness that they might find at any office water cooler. Instead of hearing a prophet of God declare the Word of God, they hear a milquetoast minister meekly musing the latest self-help book.

The complete irrelevance of today's organized church in America to the preservation of Christian liberty and constitutional government is especially disconcerting to those of us who still have freedom's fire burning in our souls. Where do we go for respite and instruction?

I tell you the truth: there are hundreds of thousands of patriotic, freedom-minded Christians all over America who have had it "up to here" with these spineless social clubs called churches! They are tired of petrified pastors groveling before corrupt politicians and businessmen. They hunger for truth, and they are not finding it in most organized churches.

As an example, go to my list of people who have written me to let me know that they are desperately seeking a Black Regiment-type church that they can attend. The list grows by the day. See the list at

http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/blackregiment.php#Looking

These people are not looking to be entertained or pampered. They do not care about social standing or making "business contacts." They don't care which church has the "most exciting" youth program, or how many softball teams it has. They want a church where the pastor isn't afraid to speak truth to power and take a stand for liberty. And, unfortunately, such churches are getting harder and harder to find.

In fact, I submit that the true church is not "emerging"; it is "submerging." As in totalitarian regimes all over the world, where there are basically two types of churches: the organized State-approved church, where people who worship the State go to put on a religious show; and the underground church, where real Christians go to worship God with honest, likeminded believers.

The "underground" church in America is not totally underground--yet. But the schism is taking place rapidly. Unlike the houses of State Worship, which enjoy large congregations and ornate buildings, underground churches are, for the most part, small and unassuming. Home churches are also mushrooming and must be considered part of the underground church movement. And, of course, Black Regiment churches are springing up all across the country. See the list of Black Regiment churches at

http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/blackregiment.php

I am convinced that it is through these independent, unaffiliated, unorganized, or underground churches that relevancy will return. It is in these churches where Christians can be taught the Biblical principles of Natural Law, where children who are disciplined and know how to behave are not considered oddities, where pastors aren't afraid to proclaim truth, where people are still committed to constitutional government--and understand the difference between a democracy and a republic--and where self-serving neocons are not regarded as heroes.

So, if you are a Christian and you want to be relevant to the preservation of liberty in this country, you need to get out of these establishment, State-worshipping churches and find yourself an "underground," unaffiliated, or Black Regiment church. And you need to do it quickly!

*If you appreciate this column and want to help me distribute these editorial opinions to an ever-growing audience, donations may now be made by credit card, check, or Money Order. Use this link:

http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/donate.php

© Chuck Baldwin

This column is archived as http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2009/cbarchive_20090825.html

Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

[pirana 0]

From the title, thought this might be something like a charity baseball event or something.

I'd like to be on a pick-up team of Zorasticists.

" . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

[redlegphi 0]

I honestly don't understand what this guy is talking about. A lot of it doesn't even make sense. Is there some kind of civil war going on between Christians and "real" Christians that I don't know about? What's all this "establishment" worshiping the state nonsense? Could you boil this down to an abstract?

[RonD1120 62]

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I honestly don't understand what this guy is talking about. A lot of it doesn't even make sense. Is there some kind of civil war going on between Christians and "real" Christians that I don't know about? What's all this "establishment" worshiping the state nonsense? Could you boil this down to an abstract?

For me, Baldwin is saying that the church in America is not a place of worship, it is not a place where families are being taught sound Christian values. The church is emphasizing social interaction not Biblical principles.

Many have made posts regarding the uselessness of religion. I have maintained that the importance of Christianity is the forgiveness of sin and the relationship with God, through Jesus Christ of Nazareth, guided by the Holy Spirit.

If you attend a church where you have coffee and donuts in the cafe before the service, place your children in a romper room and, then listen to a sermon on how to name it and claim it or think and grow rich, go find another church. Extended modern congregational services are not necessarily bad but, they should not be the main focus of the church.

My personal opinion, if you attend a church where the pastor/minister is not preaching from the Word go find another church.

Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

[redlegphi 0]

Ok, I understand better now. And while I'd agree that the actual church service should be about preaching the word or discussing religion or whatever (as opposed to selling crap from the minister's buddies) I don't see any problem with a church having a social/community aspect as well.

[pirana 0]

On second thought, I'd rather play with a team of Buddhas. As a lanky, sorta fast, aging-but-wise-in-the-ways-of-the-game center fielder, I should easily be able to land a starting spot (seeing as how they are all fat, short, and slow).

" . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

[SpeedRacer 1]

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or allow America to lose its identity, culture, and heritage through unbridled illegal immigration

America actually OBTAINED its current identity, culture, and heritage thru unbridled immigration.

Just ask a Native American.

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[Nightingale 0]

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...

But what do we see today? We see pastors and church congregations who are, for the most part, totally ignorant of their own heritage and history. ...
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Where are America's watchmen on the wall? How is it that today's Christians know more about sports celebrities than they do America's heroes?[/url]

You know, I've been wondering the same thing!

So what can you tell us about Thomas Jefferson? As he was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, I've always felt he was of particular importance.

[gjhdiver 0]

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Has The Church Become Irrelevant?

*If you appreciate this column and want to help me distribute these editorial opinions to an ever-growing audience, donations may now be made by credit card, check, or Money Order. Use this link:

The last attribution tells you everything you need to know about it's author. Just another huckster out to make money out of the easily fooled superstitious.

Oh, and yes. The church is irrelevant, and getting more so every year as the percentage of non-believers rises. As Martha Stewart would say , it's a good thing.

Quite why people feel the need to be superstitious in large gatherings when they could do so in the comfort of their own homes baffles me. I guess delusions need a community of acceptance.

[yourmomma 0]

America's Christian heritage is both rich and deep. What most historians and educators refuse to acknowledge, our forebears understood clearly: it was mostly Christians and churches that formed and shaped the new land that became known as the United States of America.

While undoubtedly christen, the founding fathers were far more secular than most people are willing to accept. As is evident by looking at the wording of our constitution.

[quade 4]

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America's Christian heritage is both rich and deep. What most historians and educators refuse to acknowledge, our forebears understood clearly: it was mostly Christians and churches that formed and shaped the new land that became known as the United States of America.

When the opening statement contains that big of an error, you know the rest of the article is going to be pretty flawed.

America was founded by people looking for ways to make their fortunes. A few people like the Pilgrims came along as well, but for the most part religion played almost no part whatsoever.

What did? Tobacco, Pine Tar, Rum, Slaves, Sugar, Fur, Gold . . .

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[RIGGER160 0]

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America's Christian heritage is both rich and deep. What most historians and educators refuse to acknowledge, our forebears understood clearly: it was mostly Christians and churches that formed and shaped the new land that became known as the United States of America.

When the opening statement contains that big of an error, you know the rest of the article is going to be pretty flawed.

America was founded by people looking for ways to make their fortunes. A few people like the Pilgrims came along as well, but for the most part religion played almost no part whatsoever.

What did? Tobacco, Pine Tar, Rum, Slaves, Sugar, Fur, Gold . . .

Exactly. Why did the settlers need the Native Americans help? Because they were to busy trying to make money and not preparing for the winter months...

[rhys 0]

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Extended modern congregational services are not necessarily bad but, they should not be the main focus of the church.

My personal opinion, if you attend a church where the pastor/minister is not preaching from the Word go find another church.

You are beginning to see the holes in your establishment, please be fair to yourself when you judge the people that feed you the multi millenia lie.

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, then the world will see peace." - 'Jimi' Hendrix

[rivetgeek 0]

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Has The Church Become Irrelevant?

*If you appreciate this column and want to help me distribute these editorial opinions to an ever-growing audience, donations may now be made by credit card, check, or Money Order. Use this link:

The last attribution tells you everything you need to know about it's author. Just another huckster out to make money out of the easily fooled superstitious.

Oh, and yes. The church is irrelevant, and getting more so every year as the percentage of non-believers rises. As Martha Stewart would say , it's a good thing.

Quite why people feel the need to be superstitious in large gatherings when they could do so in the comfort of their own homes baffles me. I guess delusions need a community of acceptance.

THIS

~Bones Knit, blood clots, glory is forever, and chicks dig scars.~

[rhys 0]

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You know, I've been wondering the same thing!

So what can you tell us about Thomas Jefferson? As he was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, I've always felt he was of particular importance.

He was not Christian, he was deist, along the same lines as my thinking!

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In spite of right-wing Christian attempts to rewrite history to make Jefferson into a Christian, little about his philosophy resembles that of Christianity. Although Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence wrote of the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God, there exists nothing in the Declaration about Christianity.

Although Jefferson believed in a Creator, his concept of it resembled that of the god of deism (the term "Nature's God" used by deists of the time). With his scientific bent, Jefferson sought to organize his thoughts on religion. He rejected the superstitions and mysticism of Christianity and even went so far as to edit the gospels, removing the miracles and mysticism of Jesus (see The Jefferson Bible) leaving only what he deemed the correct moral philosophy of Jesus.

source

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, then the world will see peace." - 'Jimi' Hendrix

[FallingOsh 0]

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Oh, and yes. The church is irrelevant, and getting more so every year as the percentage of non-believers rises. As Martha Stewart would say , it's a good thing.

I assume you'll want the government to pick up the community programs and charities. You think it's a good thing churches are going away, why? Because Christians have caused you and this country so much harm or just because you don't agree with their beliefs?

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Stay positive and love your life.

[pirana 0]

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Quite why people feel the need to be superstitious in large gatherings when they could do so in the comfort of their own homes baffles me. I guess delusions need a community of acceptance.

Satisfies the need to belong to something special.

" . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

[RonD1120 62]

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So what can you tell us about Thomas Jefferson? As he was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, I've always felt he was of particular importance.

It is my understanding that he was a Deist and that his famous "separation of church and state" philosophy is contained a letter and not in the U.S. Constitution.

Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

[RonD1120 62]

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I guess delusions need a community of acceptance.

Same philosophy as skydiving boogies.

Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

[pirana 0]

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Because Christians have caused you and this country so much harm or just because you don't agree with their beliefs?

Yes, via the propogation of ignorance, the rejection of knowledge, and subversion of the human spirit when it conflicts with their neolithic agenda.

" . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

[RonD1120 62]

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While undoubtedly christen, the founding fathers were far more secular than most people are willing to accept. As is evident by looking at the wording of our constitution.

True, they were focused on establishing a Republic based on freedom, liberty and justice.

"Liberty is the freedom to do what is right not, the right to do what is wrong." ~Unknown

Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

[RonD1120 62]

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America's Christian heritage is both rich and deep. What most historians and educators refuse to acknowledge, our forebears understood clearly: it was mostly Christians and churches that formed and shaped the new land that became known as the United States of America.

When the opening statement contains that big of an error, you know the rest of the article is going to be pretty flawed.

America was founded by people looking for ways to make their fortunes. A few people like the Pilgrims came along as well, but for the most part religion played almost no part whatsoever.

What did? Tobacco, Pine Tar, Rum, Slaves, Sugar, Fur, Gold . . .

History, I believe, has been re-written by secular humanists. Who could expect otherwise. The profit motive of educators mandates re-writes.

Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

[wmw999 2,632]

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History, I believe, has been re-written by secular humanists

What is this belief based on? Are there documents from our colonial times that show a different picture?

No one is denying that most of the early Americans were Christians (although most of them didn't have a personal relationship with Jesus, because that wasn't recognized at that time by most of the then-mainstream denominations). But they were mostly white too (also an artifact of their times). Does that mean that we should also institutionalize that?

Wendy P.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[SpeedRacer 1]

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History, I believe, has been re-written by secular humanists

What is this belief based on? Are there documents from our colonial times that show a different picture?

No one is denying that most of the early Americans were Christians (although most of them didn't have a personal relationship with Jesus, because that wasn't recognized at that time by most of the then-mainstream denominations). But they were mostly white too (also an artifact of their times). Does that mean that we should also institutionalize that?

Wendy P.

That reminds me of what I read about Abraham Lincoln. He was never a member of any church and was never known to make any profession of Christian faith, yet he still got elected in 1860.

We think of people in the past as always being more religious. but I don't think he would have been able to get elected today. Certainly not as a Republican.

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[Butters 0]

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On second thought, I'd rather play with a team of Buddhas. As a lanky, sorta fast, aging-but-wise-in-the-ways-of-the-game center fielder, I should easily be able to land a starting spot (seeing as how they are all fat, short, and slow).

You'll land more than a starting spot ... you'll land every starting spot since the rest of the team will be too busy attempting to remove their attachment to the ball and thus end their suffering.

"That looks dangerous." Leopold Stotch