The Follow- Up

If So, Then (re-visited)

In recent decades, while many western cultures are hostile to Christianity, there has been a remarkable, but promising resurgence of Christianity.

 

 Some people in western countries and some middle eastern countries are enjoying  a new found freedom embracing of Christianity from different strata and walks of life. 

 

While many are re- turning to their spiritual beliefs and finding solace and guidance in their faith, new converts arising from a widely-spreading 'dissatisfaction' with traditional Islam are relating vivid dreams or visions with a central figure robed in white apparel stating, " I am  Jesus".

 
Christian ministries in the USA  relate stories of receiving many emails and personal contacts from some Middle Eastern countries who have watched Christian Satellite TV where death for the convert lurks in the name of Allah. " Death to the Infidel " and death by brutal, war-sized terrorism amid cries of destruction to Israel and the USA  factoring in as well.
This resurgence is not limited to any particular socio-economic class or demographic, but is a widespread phenomenon bringing people together in a shared sense of spirituality.

 One of the key factors contributing to this resurgence is the freshly awakened search for verifiable truth, meaning and purpose. With a sharp sense of disillusionment in a flip-flopping good-doing and evil-doing world and its relativity, many are asking, "Is it true?" Though Western societies remain mostly secular and materialistic, many individuals find  that the altar of material possessions and worldly success are not enough to bring them true, lasting happiness and fulfillment. They are turning 180 degrees to their faith as a source of stability, hope, and a renewed moral compass to navigate the sometimes disturbing complexities of post-modern Western life.

 Neo- Atheism coupled with pluralism, relativism and neo-Darwinism is another factor. While pornography rampages like a huge monster  coupled with a sharp decline in marriages since the so-called '60s sexual revolution',a rise in insane daily reliance on alcohol, designer drugs, recreational drugs, pandemics, uncertain politics, human slavery and human sex- trafficking, twisted, semi-religious so-called values of (in)-tolerance, (in) -clusivity and  (ex)-inclusiveness-- all are mixed in a  troublingly cooked soup. Social injustice and rampant political opportunism are melded together with anti-semitism rising with geopolitical and geosocial upheaval with the recurring war in the Middle East—growing social unrest dogs most Western and Eastern societies, illuminating very present disparities in their respective cultures. With strongly war-caused immigration occurring for more than a decade, the social landscape fractures most European nations.

The return of Christianity is a positive development that is bringing people closer to  traditional spiritual roots and fostering a sense of unity and purpose.

Gender Fluidity and Gender Dysphoria are fast becoming a reality for our next generation (but vulnerable) children.

Youth suicide is on the horrific rise with a decades-long decline in familial values.

Decades of Big  Media 'promoted'  Atheism now no longer present a danger to traditional Judeo-Christianity, which had helped undermine the very foundation of our Western society. However, if this resurgent model of developing post-modern Christianity follows standard growth patterns, it could lead to a realised turning to Biblical Christianity. The lighthouse is fulfilling its function! ' Ships' are being saved! 

The ancient Apostles' prayers are more fully realised, with more on the way.     

Fueling the resurgence of Christianity is the desire for a closer community and more genuine connection.

 Many people long for genuine face-to-face human interaction and a real sense of intimate sharing and belonging in an increasingly digital and ever-alarmingly disconnected world.

While the Internet claims to promise a growing democratization of humankind, unlimited knowledge, economic opportunity for all, freedom for all, and universal connection are some of the benefits. Moreover, CEOs wage and engage in empire-building of Hi-Tech global companies are fraught with many dangers for the middle-class citizen. Many  express disappointment at the mixed results. However, churches and para-religious communities are stepping up to provide a space where people can unite, support one another, and form meaningful relationships based on shared values and beliefs.

The resurgence of Christianity is a positive development that is bringing people closer to more traditional spiritual roots and fostering a sense of unity and purpose.

 

 Conclusion:

 It is a testament to the enduring power of Christ and His followers and the human need for something greater than ourselves. As more and more people embrace faith, we can expect societies that are more compassionate, empathetic, and guided by biblical core- values and moral principles.  Christianity is a brightly flaring lighthouse in a  darkly polarised world divided in too many aspects and overwhelmingly uncertain.

 

The darkest hour means the nearing dawn.

 

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