Bedrock

These are troubling times for Americans, no less so for Christians. Both the United States and the American Church seem to in decline. Some might say that both are suffering from the economic situation, but it’s more complicated. The people have lost their bearings in so many ways. Prosperity has not led to happiness or to peace. Relationships at every level are contentious and adversarial; individuals are selfish, hedonistic, and narcissistic. Many no longer worship God, but they do worship celebrities, who literally give them nothing in return. Technology provides so much, but it cannot make a better human; some might even argue it’s making for an inferior kind of person. Coarseness and vulgarity seem ever more the norm, and sex without much constraint is prevalent. According to Jesus himself, believers are citizens of two realms—one that is God’s, another that is “Caesar’s.” God’s kingdom has priority; his is our first allegiance. Yet, he commands us to submit to the au