Western Church
Many people connect this passage to the American churches-and I would myself. More importantly however is the reason that American piety has become lukewarm. The reason for this, aside from our comfortable material lifestyle, is simply religious freedom. Religious tolerance is something that is good, however it has become a large problem in today's society due to relativism, which is like nihilism with a happy ending. Part of the reason that the other churches mentioned in this passage of Revelation or in the world today differ from our experience can be tied to persecution. Persecution is good for a few things. First of all, new converts are forced to have already given their life as Jesus commands us all to do. There is no way to give a portion of it when you know that your life on earth is at risk for having faith. Secondly, it unites believers and strengthens the ties between them. From my learning of Revelations, (mostly contributed to by John Wecks teachings), Laodicea was a church that lacked persecution, much like the American churches. (See Allan Bloom's "The Closing of the American Mind" and John Bevere's "Heart Ablaze" for more.)
Created over 3 years ago
