Haase_UZ_x007E_DTh (2).pdf - South African Theological Seminary

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Saved from what
Contemporary Western societies remain deeply frustrated with modernity. Yet,
people continue looking to science for moral guidance -- but find none. Partially
Christianized ultra-modern societies are still influenced by their Judeo-Christian heritage
and the remnant people who still publicly share their faith. People want and need moralethical
guidance, but often do not know where to turn for it, especially since Christianity
has officially been relegated to the margins of society, and morals are a private matter.
Even worse, many, many churches in the West do not know what they stand for, who they
are, or what they believe. It is little wonder society at large does not turn to the churches -
- especially the Liberal Protestants -- for moral guidance: they have none to offer.
Where are people to turn for moral guidance Corruption in business and
government are common, and ethical training is now commonplace for employees.
People openly wonder: What is right and wrong Why does it matter Is there a God
What is the right religion What is ‘heaven’ and how can I get to there
Christian terminology, once so common, is now little understood in broader Western
culture. When Christian evangelists query people today, “Are you saved” the common
response now is: “Saved from what” The ‘four spiritual laws’ (e.g., Campus Crusade
for Christ) and various other evangelistic tools that various Christian ministries have used
for decades are far less effective. The ‘crusade evangelism’ that had been popular in the
West for decades is now dramatically less effective than it once was (e.g., Billy Graham).
Many Christians would probably agree in the doctrine of Christ alone (soli Christus),
which distinguishes Christianity from other religions. The contemporary postmodern,
relativistic, and pluralistic culture, however, defends personal freedoms and choice.
Claims to exclusivity are simply intolerant and unacceptable. Yet, in typical postmodern,
eclectic fashion, people ask: what does it mean to be spiritual; what does God require of
man; what response does God demand from us; how can I ‘get right’ with the Creator
If those outside the Christian community seem confused about salvific matters,
perhaps it is little wonder, since even Christians cannot seem to agree on matters of
University of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa