The Point: The Church's Response to a Soft Culture

In his 1979 book The Culture of Narcissism, sociologist Christopher Lasch argued that as the bonds of religious identity and family erode, Americans were increasingly looking inward for security and meaning. In such a culture, feelings and subjective experiences aren't just considered the most important thing in the world: They're considered the most accurate view of the world.

We see that played out today, where special social status is awarded to people perceived as victims. In a secular culture increasingly hostile to Christianity, one a person's negative experience at Church or disdain for Christianity is elevated, and quickly believed,, even if that perception is false, or at least uncommon.

As Lasch described, "the contemporary climate is therapeutic, not religious. People today hunger not for personal salvation, but for the feeling, the momentary illusion, of personal well-being, health, and psychic security."

In such a climate, Christians must be quick to repent and quick to invite others into the abundant life Christ offers. If Christians have found peace, it's by God's grace, and our task is to invite the lost to come and find it, too.