EVER since Jesus Christ lived, was crucified, and was resurrected, there have been many unsuccessful attempts to eradicate all thoughts of him as being God incarnate, and subsequently his followers, from our world. Immediately after that first Easter morning, the Roman guards were bribed by the "religious" leaders to say that "the disciples had stolen his body during the night", as they tried to snuff out the faith even before it took hold. It didn't work.
Through the centuries, in different nations, authorities have sought to quench Christians and their faith. These have all failed. Christ is followed by more people in this world today than ever in history. Yes, the balance has changed in the western world' where other faiths or none compete for acceptance, and certainly the adherence (often nominal) to national, or 'orthodox, established' denominations is significantly declining ... like the Church of Scotland ("Kirk unveils 10-year survival plan as younger generation loses its religion", The Herald, May 11). Although I am not a Kirk member, I am saddened by this report and its implications.
But the decline of a denomination must not be taken as an indication that, throughout our world, faith in Christ is on the way out. There are more new Christians being added to the worldwide church in the 21st century than ever before. There are even, in the UK, many vibrant churches being established outwith the major denominations, with increasing active membership being evidence of their relevance and life.
Alasdair HB Fyfe,
59 Mearns Road, Clarkston, Glasgow.
THE elephant in the room of the Church of Scotland is Christianity. Unacknowledged, tenuous, historically problematic, the Church of Scotland’s relationship to Christianity requires to be articulated. No amount of management speak by overpaid 121 employees will change this. The consequences of the Church of Scotland’s abandonment of Christian identity are now visible and accountable. The culture of the Church of Scotland is not fit for Christian purpose in the 21st century.
Is there a market for Christianity in Scotland? Was there ever, anywhere? Today’s Scotland represents a death cult of Godless politics, false equalities, cocaine use, alcoholism, suicide, mental illness, crime and industrial abortion. So much for the once God-fearing successful nation. Christianity though is a remarkable power of recovery, hope and redemption.
Rev Dr Robert Anderson,
8 Old Auchans View, Dundonald.
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