Last post explored the history (in a very brief and broad way) of the rise of Christendom. Now I would like to move on to what I think this may mean and where opportunity may arise for followers of Jesus.
Because Christendom allowed us to freely operate followers of Jesus over time became more and more socially acceptable. What happened in the early centuries of the church where Jesus' followers were subversive, underground, and radical slowly became more and more acceptable. This has a direct impact on how our faith is lived out in our present day situation.
Perhaps the greatest challenge is that of power. With the rise of Christendom and its influences the otherwise socially powerless church all of the sudden had the backing and power of the state. We currently live in a situation where we experience religious freedom (of which I'm grateful). However, the growing church (in the early centuries and currently in the persecuted church) did not...and does not have that power. What we've lost in our acquiring of power and continual search for 'religious rights' here in America is the church's call to serve.
This is mainly what Jesus is calling us to in the gospels, is it not? We are called to serve others. We're not called to either wield nor seek power, but to become 'powerless' in order to serve our fellow man. It it through this service that we demonstrate the gospel of Jesus Christ. Power fails to bring people to a true knowledge of the gospel because it is not offered, it seems forced. However, when you see the opportunity and call to serve other people those you serve are left speechless because of your good works (off-quoting Peter here).
If we see this time as a time when churches are losing their power (political, social, etc) then instead of grumbling to get it back we should be challenged to see it as a great opportunity to become the last...to serve.
