A Reflection, Lamentation, and Challenge for us All

contributor post by Frank Astor

The older I get it seems there are more questions arising than answers. In today’s America, the term ‘Evangelical Christian’ has become almost a political term. Evangelical Christians are standing for and supporting ideas and individuals that I see as not representing Christian values. Are they wrong, or am I?

When the prophets showed up in the Bible they were frequently looked at as being wrong, usually speaking out against the prevailing social norms of their day. When people throughout the world view American Christians as pro-war, pro-violence, and pro-abortion; what must they think? America was founded as a Christian nation (we still use the term Christian nation verses Jewish, Muslim, etc.). Something seems to have gone terribly wrong. But what? We all know the rules, such as the ten commandments, but are we missing the spiritual connection? Are we becoming indifferent? Do we feel that we ‘have arrived’?

I am reading a book written by an Indian-Christian man who as a teenager gave up his Hindu belief and accepted Christ as his savior. With this transition he was disinherited by his parents and siblings. Below are some of his observations and thoughts:

- Singh, Sundar. Wisdom of the Sadhu: Teachings of Sundar Singh. Plough, 2000.

I have been wondering, are we as North American Christians becoming a Pharisaicial Christian nation? Is the Western Church a ‘rules’ church or an Old Testament style Church, while the non-Western Church is more New Testament style? If so, why would this be? Again, a quote from our Indian-Christian brother, Sundar,

As an American-Christian, this has me more and more asking myself, am I more of a pharisee-Christian or a Spiritual-Christian? Perhaps, the answer as simple as ‘SEEKING.’ Sundar’s observation of ‘idols, altars, temples, etc.’ in India’s culture sounds like a people looking and seeking for a higher authority.

Which brings me back to my earlier question, are American-Christians still seeking or do we operate as though we already ‘have arrived’ in our faith journey? In our culture of materialism, fast food, fast answers- are we no longer seeking a higher authority? It seems it’s not needed if we feel we already have ‘it’ (life) under control, or believe working just a little bit harder/longer will get us ‘there.’

To bring it to a more personal level; answering for myself, I am still seeking; are you? Are you a fully matured Christian? Have you ascended to that level or are you still trying, still seeking, to follow Jesus in a daily walk through your life’s journey? I have heard it said that the word ‘Christian’ can be better broken down as ‘Christ-like.’ So, to be Christian is to be always seeking to be Christ-like. Time (and history) will tell how well or how poorly we have done.

Where are we as a Church going as we enter 2023? Are we on the right track…? It sure doesn’t seem so at times. The Evangelical Church as a cohesive body of believers seems more muddled now than ever. Can we find a better way forward? If we can return to a lifestyle of seeking, I believe we can.

• Frank Aster is an occasional writer for Project Arctos. He is proud to serve the Lord as a father, grandfather, craftsman, and Sunday school teacher in the Mennonite Church.

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