The idea of a Christian nation is dangerous to our youth because it gives the illusion that they are growing up in an environment that is naturally friendly to the gospel. It gives an feeling of false security.
Regardless of the culture we live in human nature as well as spiritual agents are always at work to inhibit or twist the truth of God. This will be the natural state if things until Jesus returns. The idea of a Christian nation builds a sense of false security. The battle starts in our hearts and then is joined by our culture and by spiritual forces. In Christ, we find that his strength is greater than forces amassed against us, but only if we are constantly aware of the danger and constantly dependent on Christ. The idea of a Christian nation implies that our culture and it's principles are redeemed and always working for us. God warns us that will not be the case until he returns.
The idea of a Christian nation also contains the idea that our culture will train our children in righteousness even if we don't. I am amazed at how many Christians promote common sense, cultural or worldly wisdom, rather than searching out God's wisdom. It is not the job of our culture or of our schools or of our government to teach the truth of God. That is the role of the community of Christ.
Just because someone grows up in America does not make them a disciple of Jesus. The same is true of growing up in the church. Our youth will not learn the truth by just hanging around us. They will only learn the truth if we take the time to teach it carefully and often. Paul shares the Biblical mandate to pass on what we have learned in Christ: "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." (2 Tim 2:2)
Our youth spend most of five days a week in school, as many as 21 hours a week watching TV and playing video games, a couple hours a day texting and interacting on social media networks, but few churches offer thoughtful, systematic Christian education for even an hour or two a week, but more to the point, there are too many parents who see such education as an optional extra to be despised of if it becomes inconvenient. There is a value clash here. Youth need to work hard at education that will get them ahead in the world, but God's truth is an optional extra. What message do we think that sends to our youth?
Youth groups are a good, but most are evangelistic in nature. That's a good thing, but it's no substitute for good theological education.
It may be true that not every parent cares enough about their children's faith to help them attend educational opportunities, but our ministries should not be aimed at the lowest common denominator. A one size fits all ministry often sinks to the lowest expectation. The opportunity should be there if only for a few. They will eventually inspire others as others see the fruit worked out in their lives.
Each generation must be reached anew with the gospel. We must always remember that the gospel is always one generation from being lost to any people group. I hope our communities, our schools, our entertainment, and our government will reflect the values of Christ, but that will only happen if we are the ones who assume the burden of teaching the truth.
We need to be careful to train the next generation. My biggest fear from the fraudulent idea of a Christian nation is that it really means we are letting our nation train our youth.
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