Most of us remember from our High School English classes what an “oxymoron” is. According to our English grammar, an oxymoron is “a figure of speech in which seemingly contradictory terms appear side by side”. If one would browse the internet, they would find over 100 examples of oxymorons. Allow me to list a few examples: “alone together”; “Civil War”; “found missing”; “good grief” (actually I have preached on this topic); “growing smaller”; “minor miracle”; and “only choice”.
In that list, however, I found one other oxymoron that I truly can not understand. It is “devout atheist”. My Webster’s Dictionary defines “devout” as “worshipping, attending to religious duties”. I have never been an atheist, nor have I ever met a true atheist – one who truly did not believe there was a God – but I have never put “devout” and “atheist” together either.
Recently, there was an article in Time magazine which reported that a “non-belief system” is growing in America. In fact, it is reported that atheist churches are taking hold in the Bible Belt of America. The report stated that there is a growing popularity of meeting places for nonbelievers, such as Houston Oasis. “Houston Oasis is one of the fastest growing, so-called ‘atheist churches’ in the U.S.” I understand that the founder has stated that he was inspired by the Reverend John Olsteen, the late pastor of “The Oasis of Love” (better known as Lakewood Church) for the church’s name.
But an oxymoron is not intended to promote nonsense. It is made of “seemingly contradictory terms”. Oxymorons help to illuminate deeper truths, and this helps me see what I believe “atheist churches” illustrate.
I strongly believe that what draws people to church is the extent to which followers of Christ demonstrate His love and unity. The real drawing power is not in what happens inside the four walls of the sanctuary, but what takes place in the public square. People of all spiritual persuasions (or of no such persuasion) will be drawn to the expression of community. Local churches are intended to be inviting representations of the true Church, which is the living body of Christ by true believers. Therefore, what I see is that we should not be surprised when we witness non-believers, even atheists, attempting to emulate what a real church is, as long as they can remove the claim of God’s existence or the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Responding to such hunger for community is one of the most compelling tools for evangelism. From small group settings to public outreaches, the Church must engage people of all ages and ethnic groups to have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ through involvement in a loving community. As a follower of Jesus, we do not have to reach some academic level to share the Gospel. We can reach out with kindness and concern to the people who surround us in our neighborhoods, at our jobs, and in the stores in which we shop!
But, my question is: what about those “churches” that still have Christ’s name above their entrances, who have become only “community”, and have left the Lord outside? We see them on television. They have a very lively band and excellent singing group. They have a very positive “sermon” that makes everyone feel good about themselves and their neighbors (the “I’m okay – You’re okay” messages). They have the social programs that make them loving and caring to a hurting world. But, Jesus has been left outside! There is little or no mention of sin and they seem to believe that somehow everyone is going to “a better place” when their time on earth has ended.
I have said many times, if being good and doing good is enough for God to reward us with Heaven, then I do not want to go to Heaven! WHY? Because, a God Who would require the incarnation, the sinless life on a fallen earth, and the inhuman death of crucifixion of His Only Son – Who would treat His Only Son with such “cruelty” – I would not want to see how He would treat me! I have never seen the glories of Heaven and lived in eternity like the Incarnate Jesus. I have lived on the earth and endured a few of its temptations and failed miserably, unlike Jesus who faced every temptation known to mankind and remained sinless. I have never begun to desire to be treated to a crucifixion, although I deserve it, but Jesus gladly went to the cross in my place! The Creator willingly became a part of this world’s creatures so He could become the perfect sacrifice for my sinful nature. He has proven His infallibility, and I prove often my many faults! So, if “good” is enough, then why did Jesus have to die for me?
Those groups who enjoy community, as I do; who are attempting a wholesome lifestyle, as I am; and who want the friendships and brotherhood that “Church” offers – but want to do it without God – I do not believe they qualify for being called a “Church”! Call them the Lions’ Club, the Women’s Service Club, the CCA, the NRA, or any other name they wish to identify themselves with, but please do not allow them to fool themselves into thinking they are a part of “The Church”! The Church is the body of Jesus Christ! It has been purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ! It is those who have been called out of a world of sin and who have dedicated their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ! There is no other way to Eternal Life with God except through God’s grace provided me through my faith in the work of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross. And, the benefits of being a part of the “True Church” are “out of this world”!
I applaud all those who are looking for community, friendships, and brotherhood in the Church, but I challenge those in the Church to be diligent about making sure those who come find the reason for our community, friendships, and brotherhood – Jesus Christ! Be sure that when one finds a True Church, they will know the difference in the genuine and the substitute. Come to Church! Get involved! And see what a difference you can make in this world in which we live!
