There are not many authors throughout church history who have been able to touch the centrality and supremacy of Christ like T. Austin Sparks and Watchman Nee. Their writings are apparently floating to the surface of modern religious Christianity... and they are choking out the empty dead adages and 12 step "purpose-driven" life plans. These simple Christ-centered messages are helping believers everywhere to see the simplistic nature of our faith. And Watchman Nee touches on so of these in his book “Christ: The Sum of All Spiritual Things” In "Christ: The Sum of All Spiritual Things," Nee says that Too often Christians view Christ as the one who gives us the stuff or the "things" we need to succeed and to live victoriously. We must stop running after the accumulation of worthless religious "things" and find our satisfaction in the Person of Christ.
Many examples in the book made me consider perspectives that I had never thought of before. In my opinion, this book definitely stirred up a reassurance of my place in society and what can be done to liberate the oppressed. I believe the voices represented in this book can cause negative reactions from some churches because it goes against what is and has been normal. Churches would not really like to change the view of “white” Christ to be a diverse Christ of another race because it would change certain aspects and power. The church is called to be one diverse body of God, but as churches can remain dominant to one race, it becomes difficult to incorporate diversity into what already is established.
Most Christian students Walsh says, see no real connection between their studies and their faith. There is isolation between faith and studies. Walsh explains how there is no Christian approach to papers and work. Another option that occurs because of some Christians feeling uncomfortable with an isolationist approach is a mixing of both. Walsh calls this Christian+university=A bit of both.
In their formation, the Confessing Church wrote the Barmen Declaration stating, "We repudiate the false teaching that the church can and must recognize yet other happenings and powers, personalities and truths as divine revelation alongside this one Word of God. … "Three years later, Dietrich wrote his first book that would influence Christianity, “The Cost of Discipleship”. Dietrich was tired of watching people fall into comfort with their faith. He wrote “The Cost of Discipleship” to call people to become more strict in their faith. "Cheap grace is preaching forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession.
One negative aspect to his essay would have to be his bias toward conservatives and the rich. He deliberately labels out the rich in many of his examples by pointing out how they claim to be Christian but do not wish to help aid the poor. As for conservatives, he not only points out George W. Bush but refers at times to religion as “conservative religion.” This clearly shows his bias toward them and could be a way for him to associate them with the American Christianity problem. I believe McKibben has a great point on this issue. As American Christians, we always believe that if we do good deeds or help ourselves we go to heaven.
The Unique American Culture Landscape: Amish Grace Abstract：The Amish, sometimes referred to as Amish Mennonites, are a group of traditionalist Christian church fellowships that form a subgroup of the Mennonite churches. The Amish are known for simple living, plain dress, and reluctance to adopt many conveniences of modern technology. And it is absolutely different from American Spirit, which promotes egoism, ambition and competitiveness. And the true story happened about Amish on Monday morning, October 2, 2006, captured the attention of broadcast and print media in the United States and around the world. Their forgiveness, love, and spirit is a unique American culture landscape.
A Christian follows the Bible and Jesus Christ no matter where it takes him. A Christian worldview is much different from zeitgeist and existentialism, and should always be separated from the two no matter how hard it could possibly be. You should always have a Christian worldview because it will allow you to have an easier life; you won’t get in trouble with the law, and will usually leave you healthier than
“The Christian Paradox”: The Hypocrisy of America In “The Christian Paradox: How a faithful nation gets Jesus wrong” (Harper's 15 September 2005), Bill McKibben argues that America, a nation which prides itself on its Christian faith, has very little actual understanding of the religion they claim to follow and adhere to. He claims that instead of acting and behaving in a Christian manner, they follow their own creed and their own ideals, far removed from that of Christianity. A creed preached by televangelists and megachurch preachers, one that emphasizes the self above others. This creed is centralized around the idea that “God helps those who help themselves”, an idea that could not be more opposed to the base ideas of Christianity.
There are some that criticize the Biblical Christian worldview because they see Christianity as being mythical. As a Christian I was taught to walk by faith and not by sight. That concept is very difficult for some to grasp because if they cannot see, touch, or taste it then it doesn't exist. I feel having science along with the God's grace leading the way you have the best case
Amish are taught to respect and pray for governing authorities according to biblical admonitions. Amish emphasize the separation of church and state and prefer not to receive subsidies from government programs. Amish typically will not serve in government committees or commissions, but will often consult and cooperate with local officials. (Bloomfield, 2012). Amish generally avoid holding public office and engaging in political activism, but are permitted to vote.