Maybe we should thank God for the "Decline and Fall of Christian America"

First off, Newsweek's coverage of Christianity is shallow and has an agenda.

But let's be clear that by many measures, "Christianity", even in a very superficial form, is no longer the source of national consensus. So at that level Newsweek is right.

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The Good News in this Easter season is that "Christianity" - not religious formality but sincere, sacrificial following after the living Jesus - stands up and thrives when not leaning on cultural props. This came up in two lessons today:

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Peter's sermon in Jerusalem (Acts 2:40-42) says that life in Christ is radically out of step with surrounding culture. The result is a very basic yet thriving church. And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

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Jesus himself tells us that the true benefit of following him will not be found on the world's terms. In fact, his presence will be a distinct contrast with the culture and the times. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (John 14:27)

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On the world's terms, the times will be more challenging for those who follow the Way of Jesus. For those of us who've been in a comfy American church, there will be more sarcasm, social rejection, public ridicule of our beliefs and misrepresentations of who we are. (A recently aired TV comedy had a character convert to Christianity, then take part in Nazi-style book burning). We face the very real possibility of "hate crime laws" written to stifle Biblical preaching and gut the First Amendment.

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But it is in just such a climate that the first apostles spread the Good News of God's love, and brought many people to new life. The work is harder, but the rewards are more precious and of more lasting quality.