Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of columns on how to restore any lost respect for Christianity. Here's Part 2.
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Over recent years, there has been a great deal of weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth among this nation's Christians over the perceived loss of respect for Christianity.
Some people blame politicians for insisting on separation of church and state, even though the Constitution has been grossly misinterpreted regarding this issue.
Some people blame the influx of other religious traditions and demands to have their religious practices recognized among society.
Some people blame school systems for taking prayer out of public schools.
Folks, pointing fingers is a great way to avoid a greater issue at hand. The truth of the matter is, “We have met the enemy, and he is us” (first said in 1813 by American Navy Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and reworded by Pogo, 1970).
We Christians in this nation (and around the world) have become our own worst enemy.
My next several articles will address what has been going on within Christianity, from my point of view. And I'll offer some suggestions for how to get back on the right track.
But honestly, I wonder if it is too late for Christianity to right itself. Have we gone too far afield to repair the damage?
The answer is a resounding yes.
We cannot fix what we have done, but Jesus Christ has the power to fix it. And I believe He is calling us to open our minds and hearts in a different way so He can work in us and through us.
He will empower us to serve Him and not ourselves.
To be continued…
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview's pastor.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Christians are their own worst enemy