InAWord_Culture_2004.pdf
The family and fathers has been a chief concern of mine. Having lost my family through divorce, the events alone are enough to concern one of this vital matter to the health of a society.
Dedication
of his book is to J. Gresham Machen. The dated book - introduced to
me at Christ Church, Jacksonville, FL - examines the health of the
Protestant church of America with several opening questions, some
history, and the present day disposition in the postmodern
era. Clearly defining his position as that as
evangelical, Horton is addressing the like readers in hope to...
Well,
the depth and degree of understanding of the author becomes immediately
clear as he sets out on describing the present state of the church(1994)
in the context of Christianity dating back in time. The
backdrop of the church is necessary to...
...and practice the faith of influence over culture and its many ills -- the intent of which seems to have some ills of its own. What should the church be doing?
A
myth is something that, though thought to be true, is not necessarily
so. Horton presents a collection of myths in the continued
presentation of his book; these myths have been embraced as some level by
segments of the Christian population and, on the belief...
through politics or by any other means than the fundamental discovery of truth.
Who
is the churches enemy? The immediate answer would be Satan;
but in this chapter, the discussion of the enemy takes us into the
complexity of the culture; into the basic call for the church to in the
world but not of the world. Described as
God becomes the source of our desires - of self-fulfillment.
The
early church was instructed by the apostles to pray for their rulers --
though these same rulers were exerting widespread persecution toward
believers of The Way. How than shall we live?
What of our present relationship with the state; and as
...or scarce alternatives. In this place, the church is best able to be a positive influence in the present kingdoms of man...while anticipating the City of God.
In
the basic question, "Whatever happened to the Gospel?" is
the noted reaction of our society to "turn to an earthly kind of
wisdom (political or civil righteousness) when the Gospel is staring us
right in the face." What of this habit - this obvious
lack...
...must occur in the political forum -- as a kind national revival; yet, should the Gospel be attached to such reform over the sovereign work or God?
"Secularism"
continues to be a key term in this book and chapter. What is
it but, very simply, the absence or abolition of any acknowledgement of
God as supernatural if existent. Citing two movements as
the cause of this condition, Horton writes that...
...journey to examine the culture wars of today - though with a some attention to history a (the Enlightenment) and the scriptures.
Mr.
Horton reminds the reader that: "Without any knowledge of God,
there can be no fear of God, and without any fear of God, there can be
know hallowing of God's name." These conditions cast
immediate attention on the church (rather than society)
The Church does not have the power of the state but, more than that, the power of God through the Gospel of Christ. Reformation begins in the human heart....the church of Christ.
Michael
quotes John Calvin: "It is not nature, but the corruption
of nature." Since The Fall, humankind has been born into
corruption; yes, born to sin.... Then what of the Kingdom Come; what of
the day of Christ's return...to establish his kingdom? In this
chapter, Mr. Horton...
...and majesty - it has wonder and creation that continues to puzzle and ponder questions. And among these creations is the church that waits for Christ's return.
Michael
begins the chapter by expressing the contemporary contradiction that God
exists for his own happiness, not ours, and that we, in fact, are merely
part of that universal design to bring pleasure to the Holy One of
Israel.
Can government legislate morality? Should the churches be engaged in politics with the idea of "taking back America"? Let's read on to think about these questions.
Michael begins with statement that today we no longer believe that
humanity needs to be saved from the wrath of God as much as we believe in
the salvation of America from a loss of pride and self-esteem. Where a
people refuses to accept grace,
disarray theologically and ethically. When a generation breaks from its beliefs, it does not immediately plunge into moral anarchy...but by the 2nd generation, much has changed...
"Breaking the Tempter's Spell: What spiritual warfare is really
about" is the continuing work of Michael Horton in the book (1994)
about culture wars. He
writes: "we cannot bring in the kingdom or "Christian
America" by our zealous works...."
taking back of America? Or should church be about the business of God; preaching the good news and practicing the faith of the fathers that transcends our modern society.
Dedication
of his book is to "our children and grandchildren for whom America's
basic moral values must be preserved". How fitting that a
book of culture would be dedicated to the future generations.
With similar concern, I begin the book on which he views each issue:
drawing upon his past, given the present, and with pause for what lies
ahead. Our country is (and has been) on a certain tract and
perhaps, to many, a dangerous one...
