Western Christianity

"Come over to (Europe) and help us," pleaded the Christian in the apostle Paul's dream (Acts 16:9). Paul heard the cry, and Europe became the crucible of Christianity and the most influential continent on the globe. But now, the "glory has departed," as Europe's churches empty out and in the west generally the Christian worldview is in retreat. As an African Christian said recently, "The world-church is having a feast, but the West hasn't turned up at the table." Philip Yancey offers a stark observation: "God goes where he's wanted."
Since the end of WW II church attendance has roughly halved, and the under-thirty generation is hardly bothered with church at all. England had 5.4 people who attended church. By 1f998 that number had falled to 3.7 or 35%, and that during a time when the population increased by 5 million. Even in the U.S. which had remained fairly constant at 30 to 40 percent of the population, there is no room for complacency as the mainline churches also have lost 50% of their members. The younger generation exhibit a determined indifference to church life.
I think we are beginning to see the "great falling away" that the book of Revelation speaks about. A time when Satan has his day and killing of believers grows worldwide once again as it is already happening in some countries. A time where to name the name of Christ might mean death. I have never seen such disrespect for the things of God as I'm seeing today. I have to wonder how much longer God will put up with America's sinfulness. We need to humble ourselves and pray and repent and renew our zeal for the Lord.