Many different things have led to the decline of true faith in this land. But a major factor, seldom mentioned, is the rejection and subsequent lack of preaching, concerning salvation. Put bluntly – whilst many retain belief in heaven -very few believe in the reality of hell. Else if they believe in hell they assume it to be empty (so whose teeth does Jesus say will be gnashing?)
Anglicans especially have little stomach for the doctrine of eternal punishment- why it goes against the insipid character deemed vital for ordination candidates! A feminised church doesn’t DO hell. It is assumed we exist to be nice not honest! Thus the spineless clerics of recent generations have quietly practiced thier ministry, over tea and scones no doubt, colluding in the notion that eternal punishment is outdated, unnecessary and horrible.
Hence most people today assume they will be saved- without any action on their part. It follows that sin is no longer reality. Sin becomes wrongful personal opinion- no more and no less. Little wonder church attendance and confession have declined under such bastardisation of scripture! For if devotion has little tangible effect other than to make us feel ‘nice’ – what is the purpose of church? Especially when there are such demands on our time. And why take confession seriously- with its challenge of mastering sin- if we are all going to heaven in any case? Surely we may carry on regardless!
And, due to lack of teaching, ignorance concerning salvation is widespread. So many Christians think people automatically appear at the pearly gates seconds after death. Indeed they get quite cross if you the mention that the deceased are actually awaiting judgment on the last day( hence we have time to pray for them). Judgment scares us- but it should not. Our judge is none other than our loving, heavenly Father. And if we have placed our faith in him – we can be certain of the outcome. Regardless- people prefer folk religion espousing slavation for all without judgement. Have they stopped to consider their actions? Would they really pollute God’s kingdom by allowing unrepentent abusers, murderers et al to reign with the Saints on high? Would they really turn heaven into the reality of this cruel and unjust world in which we live?
How different this is -despite the niceness intended- to the clear teaching of Jesus Christ! For Jesus spoke more of hell than heaven. His first words tell us to repent! Christ is crystal clear that hell is reality. He clearly belived in Satan and demonic forces. Salvation was the driving force for his ministry and ours. We must bring others to faith precisely because it effects our souls.
Hell and damnation do not lead to a barbaric God pointing a wicked finger of judgement. His arms are outstretched on the cross -to save us from this plight. We must never forget that WE choose- and God merely accepts the choice we make. He is ever loving, ever forgiving and ever there for us. He desires, with every fibre of his divine being, to see us make the rightful choice. Repenting and seeking help. But, because he never forces himself on us, he also honours the decision to turn from him. To live lives without him. And this has implications on earth as at the last day. Those who live without God- or adhere to watered down doctrine- live with the mess and the pain of their decision. But those who turn to Christ, who submit to his authority and live by his command- discover joy and peace, beyond all comprehension.
Heavenly Father, help me to resist the arrogant urge to change your teaching in accordance with my will. Rather let me altar my life in accordance with your will. Through the saving power of your sacraments , lead me to heaven, to reside with your saints forever. Amen.
send me this picture and i will print it
The biggest reason for a decline in ‘faith’ is the rediculous nature of religion in general. While people seem to be getting “dumbed down” in many areas, they are certainly smarter in general, and can simply see that faith should be in their own good nature, and in nature, not in fairy tales of yore. The need for churches to dominate the population – for their own ends – continues on because they are fear mongers and make people worry about everything except things they should worry about, such as taking care of each other and the planet, and taking responsibility for their own thoughts and actions. Faith in anything should only come after a long period of deliberation. Religion is dogma. Dogma is stupid.