Homogenization in Religion

Some people within the European Union are promoting the idea that English should be the official language for all citizens of EU countries. This is causing a stir within the ranks of those people who feel responsible for preserving the language and culture of their own country.

Some Germans are incensed over the rising use of Denglisch, the mixed speech of many young people and business people who are coming increasing under pressure to use American words. One lawmaker proposed a Language Purification Law for Germany. This would call for fines for any citizen who doesn't use German in their communication. We may smile and say that sounds bizarre and an overreaction, but one reason for this feeling is that many citizens of Germany who do not know English are feeling left behind.

We are hearing more and more about the phenomenon known as globalization. Many large American owned corporations are outsourcing much of their blue-collar labor and even many traditional white-collar jobs as well. You may call your computer maker expecting someone from Texas, only to be greeted by an eager to please citizen of Bharat or perhaps Islam-i Jamahiriya-e Pakistan. This person may be technically qualified to assist you with your problem, but culturally unable to communicate with you. A situation like this is occurring more and more frequently to the glee of those who desire that America becomes homogenized along with the rest of the world.

Religious ecumenism calls for members of various denominations to pretend that their individual beliefs are not that much different than the largest and most powerful organizations. Small churches that do not learn the new ecumenical language are spoken of as fringe groups and in some cases called sects, or cults.

Emphasis upon the Bible as the basis of doctrine is played down with more and more emphasis being directed to leaders of these large church organizations. Bible doctrines are no longer openly debated in the search for truth.

Nowadays, the large "mega churches" are making big campaigns to draw crowds to hear messages that are homogenous in that it appeals to people from any denominational background. We now have big "community churches" springing up all over the country. The folks at the little brown church in the dale feel left out because they don't know this new "community church" language.

We have inherited a great blessing from our ancestors here in America, and that is respect for the Bible as the authoritative Word of God. There should be no fear of opening up the book and teaching the truth with love on the plan of salvation, worship and Christian living. What if we differ on these matters? Honest teachers never have a fear of the truth, and are eager to change when they learn the truth. In John 17, Jesus prays for all disciples to be one by obeying the message of Christ and the Holy Spirit inspired apostolic doctrine revealed in the New Testament.

"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. " (1 John 5:1-4a NIV)

Have you accepted the amazing salvation that is offered to you by the gift of God's love? Receive Jesus Christ as your Savior by confessing that faith, repenting of your sins, and obeying the commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ. You are invited to attend the services of the Church of Christ at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Please write to me with any questions or comments at P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or dgbinkley@aol.com. Or you may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com.