What the death of Christendom means for us today

For almost two millennia, Church and state were inseparable.

Then World War I came and effectively brought an end to that dream.

Russia fell to the Bolsheviks, the Austro-Hungarian Empire dissolved, and for much of Europe the question was clear:

How could millions of deaths occur from a conflict that started amongst “Christian” nations?

Christianity became less attractive and less utilized by emperors, kings, and rulers. Though many Christians remained in these lands, it was clear that the “utopia” of Christendom was nothing more than a chasing after the wind.

The Years Since…

Christianity still has a role in geo-politics, but it has diminished with the years.

After WWII, war became less honorable, and churches ceased to be the mass recruiting machines they once were.

Today, Europe is no longer the center of Christian activity. Christendom is behind us. Though Christian influence remains across the West, many of these countries have actively distanced themselves from it.

WWI is not the sole reason for this but it did a lot to accelerate the process.

Of course, it’s good that we’re no longer chasing the false dream of Christendom, trying to legislate the Kingdom of God without the King Himself. 

But still, it’s a sober and tragic reminder looking back on how the name of Jesus was used to justify such destruction and death.

Christendom Today

Even though we live in a different time, many of the temptations of WWI are present today.

As Aaron mentioned last week, we’re living through a turbulent time.

The temptation for us today is to deify our opinions, particularly our political opinions.

In the 1910s, preachers across the West lent credibility to WWI by using the name of Jesus to justify it.

Today, many Christians do the same for their stance on immigration, the economy, sexuality, and so on.

It’s important that we don’t put the cart before the horse, serving an opinion (or nation) and manipulating the Gospel to lend it credibility. 

We must practice humility, a fruit of the Spirit, and learn to look beyond ourselves to the loving example of Jesus.

We must allow Him to create a “trickle down” effect that forms how we engage with the world and those different from us.

Because, honestly, Church history would look a whole lot different if more of us took Jesus seriously when He said:

Thanks for reading, see you next week.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

Theophilus Newsletter