In the second part of our six-part presentation (access the audio by clicking here), Dr. Moore gives a brief history lesson concerning Evangelicalism and the SBC. In it he says that there were some benefits from Evangelicalism that helped foster the conservative resurgence. But he also states this was filtered through pastors like W. A. Criswell.
After discussing how Evangelicalism was a benefit to the conservative resurgence in the SBC, Dr. Moore moves on to some of the dangers that Evangelicalism might pose to the SBC. One such danger is Christian Consumerism. He states that today’s pulpits are being bypassed by the Christian music industry and the self help/psychotherapy literature explosion.
Dr. Moore also states as a threat the need for cultural validation. Many are seeking to be accepted by the culture, to look cool/hip.
I will leave you with two questions:
1. Is Christian consumerism as defined by Dr. Moore a threat. If it is, how can we as pastors and church leaders prepare our people for the threat it poses?
2. Are we seeing Southern Baptist churches focusing more on being culturally validated, relevant, and cutting edge instead showing the difference Jesus makes in our lives?
Brother Robin,
Dr. Moore’s comparison to JEPD Language and the new Evangelical that needs to be seen on the stage with Bono is spot on. Certainly we need to clearly establish why we believe what we believe and not allow culture to dictate our beliefs through a fear in the presentation of our beliefs.
Blessings,
Tim
Robin,
The issue of consumerism both within and without the church is an important matter to consider. I might recommend, Consuming Jesus: Beyond Race and Class Divisions in a Consumer Church by Dr. Paul Louis Metzger of Multnomah Biblical Seminary. I believe it is due out in October. He works off of Emerson and Smith’s, Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America.
Todd
Thanks for the info. Have you read Rodney Clapp’s “The Consuming Passion?” The book has chapters from various articles. I believe Clapp was the editor.
Some good points are made in it.
God Bless
Robin,
I have not read that one by Clapp. However, I generally think him worth reading.