Does the Church have the will to survive?

Since the writing of Paul’s letters and the Synoptic gospels, in the second half of the first century, the church has promoted the idea of salvation. The church has continuously taught that Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity and to avail ones self of the redemptive power of that sacrifice one must be baptized. And coincidently, the only place where baptism could be administered is (of course) the church. For the better part of the last two thousand years this has been the primary message of the church – salvation, Jesus as the savior, Jesus as the redeemer, Jesus as our entry point into eternal life. To be baptized in the blood is to join hands with the Saints of old and reserve ones place in that glorious home on high…forever.

Such a contrivance has absolutely nothing to do with the teachings of Jesus. In all of what is thought to have been taught or spoken by the historical Jesus, ideas of a savior, redemption of sin or eternal life in a place called heaven, are noticeably absent. Jesus spoke nothing of these things. They are the manifestations of the church leaders of the second, third and fourth centuries.

Jesus taught people to love one another, to do unto others, as they would have others do unto them. He implored his followers to break down barriers of prejudices and tribal boundaries. He taught inclusiveness and care for the down trodden, those at the fringes of society. This is the true message of Jesus.

Adult Christians are – for the most part – products of the indoctrination they received during childhood and that indoctrination was chiefly one of Jesus as the good shepherd and savior. But today many adults, and young people alike, are rejecting these unsubstantiated claims. Our society is much more educated today, less willing to believe irrational stories of virgin births, resurrection of the dead, prayers to an invisible sky-god, etc.

Result; membership in Christian institutions world wide is on a steep decline. Granted, this is not the only reason for the decline but it is certainly high on the list.

Can the church stop this decline? How? What will take the place of the age old story of salvation and how will the church infuse a new mantra into the old fabric. Or is it an impossible task? Some say it is, that the church will simply die a slow death.

I hope not… but I see no indication that the church is eager or willing to accept the challenge. It seems to be marching straight toward the cliff, as if oblivious to the danger at hand.

That’s what I think….. but then, I could be wrong….. barry e