Reformed theologians, including Albert Mohler (2nd from right), speak during a panel at the Ligonier National Conference, March 9, 2017.
In the United States, there is now a cost for being associated with Christians and evangelical churches, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Al Mohler stated.
Decades back, people gained “social capital” by going to church. But in the present day, they have to “pay social capital” to go to church, Mohler said during a question and answer segment held at the Ligonier National Conference last week.
Mohler and other Reformed theologians, including R.C. Sproul and John MacArthur, were asked how they believed mainstream American culture was compelling the “mushy middle” out of the church.
Mohler responded, saying that in the past, many people went to church to “add credibility” to their public profile or business or community standing.
“You can gain a bit of social capital by coming to join with us. You can – there’s some value added to your life if you come and join,” he said, explaining how many churches used to talk to seekers. “Join with us. If you just come and be with us, we’ll add meaning and spirituality to your life in a non-threatening way.”
But today, the opposite is true.
“In the hardening secularization that we are now experiencing, people are going to pay social capital to hang around with anyone who believes the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They’re going to forfeit social capital. They’re going to run a risk for being members of our churches,” he noted.
“Now you may fail to become a partner in your law firm because you’re a member of a Bible-believing, Gospel-teaching church.”
Mohler concluded his answer by saying that he believed “the mushy middle is going to disappear in a hurry, because the pressures on both sides are coming real hard.”
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SOURCE: The Christian Post
Michael Gryboski
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