In an issue of the Christian Chronicle it was reported that “of the number of adults who claim to attend Christian worship services each week, few, if any, feel God’s presence.” The question that begs to be asked is, “What do people expect God’s presence to feel like?” Today’s society has its senses bombarded with computer games, virtual reality, reality television, etc. Therefore today’s church often feels like it must keep up to compete. Instead of Sunday assembly being a time when finite people worship and seek an infinite God, many gather to have their eyes and ears entertained, their emotions stirred and their egos stroked.

For many people one of the great challenges of the Christian faith is accepting the Bible as sufficient testimony to that faith. It is as if something else is necessary to prop up or reinforce what they believe. Is it because the witness of Scripture has been weighed and found wanting? No. It is more likely because some people’s faith is weak or nonexistent without the presence of something material. Ironically the very thing that God gave to give them faith, his word (Romans 10:17), is set aside in pursuit of a shroud, a shrine or a statue. A few years ago the Associated Press reported, “When Border Patrol agents spotted a body in the Rio Grande, they launched a rescue mission. But the supposed victim turned out to be a life-size fiberglass statue of Jesus. Now, the faithful are flocking to the Eagle Pass police station to view the figure. One woman told the San Antonio Express-News that it’s a sign that Christ is alive and with us.” But why should we need more than God’s word to get that message? And if we did, would a floating piece of fiberglass do it?

In his book, “The Death of Truth” Dennis McCallum writes, “Postmodernism religion in all its forms is marked by a placing of self and experience [“I need to feel God’s presence.”] at the center. Once self occupies the center, a whole new world opens up. In New Age thought, we are gods able to create our own reality.” Therefore man is less impressed with the “faith of our fathers” than he is with the production of the show.

Understand, this is not a defense of tired, lifeless, hypocritical religious services where people go through the motions and play church. God has expressed himself clearly concerning such empty “worship” (Isaiah 1:10-15; Amos 5:21-24). But the answer is not some feel-good free for all where everyone does what is right in his own eyes (Deuteronomy 12:8; Proverbs 12:15).

God’s presence is not, never has been, nor ever will be dependent on man’s sensory perception of him. If I need lights, camera and action to “feel his presence” it may say more about my shallowness than the church’s stodginess. Instead of seeking to “feel God’s presence” let’s seek to do his will. Instead of trying to “hear the brush of angels’ wings” (an “evidence” suggested by a popular song) let’s listen to his word.

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9)

God bless you,

Brad Fry