Thank you, Rajeev, for your frank question, which though short in its articulation requires a long and thoughtful answer.

1) Be careful of generalizations. It is hard to speak of “most American Christians.” We are a large country and there are many and varied expressions of Christianity here. I can show you a number of Christians whom you would say are quite “close to God’s heart,” who love Him and serve Him with joy and sacrifice.

2) Also, we need to be careful of describing what it means to be “close to God’s heart.” Not all of us would agree as to what this means! However, I think most of us Christians would be in accord with you that much of American Christianity is not close to what God would like to see. It would take a far wiser man than I to give you a complete answer as to why, but I’ll mention some ideas from my own personal point of view.

3) The syndrome of multiple generations. As we trace the history of the Church, we note that the most enthusiastic and committed Christians are those of the first generation – those who have come into the faith as adults and have experienced the newness and joy of knowing Christ.

However, as their children and grandchildren come along and grow up in the faith, there is a tendency on the one hand to develop a more well-rounded and sophisticated theology but at the same time to lose the power of the experience of the first generation.

We call this state “nominalism,” in which Christians take for granted their faith and their religion becomes little more than a custom and habit, though it may constitute their sense of identity. The need is for God to send a revival, as we have seen in history.

4) Most American Christians are comfortable. Most of us have our basic physical needs met. With some exceptions, we live in a peaceful context. We have safety nets (welfare, Medicare, etc.).

Though there is certainly a growing secularization, for the most part our pluralistic society accepts those who have faith in Christ. In contrast, we note in history that those who have suffered, either through privation or persecution, have had to depend on the Lord with greater intensity, which has stimulated faith and a deeper commitment.

5) We are influenced by our culture. Whereas in the founding of our nation Christian belief and morals had a great influence on our culture, we could say that now our general cultural milieu follows other values, as seen on television, Hollywood movies, novels, etc., including materialism (consumerism) and sensuality (especially sexual license of all kinds).

At the same time there is much less of a focus on the spiritual disciplines (Scripture reading, prayer, silence, holiness of life, service, Sunday observance, etc.). Some might say that the lopsided preaching of “prosperity theology” which can so easily result in a selfish desire to receive rather than to give, is a result of our culture’s influence.

6) Why are there not more prophets? Many are asking this question. Of course, being a prophet is not a popular, and often is a dangerous occupation. I came across an interesting quote recently:

A survey was made of 4,000 laymen in 114 evangelical churches across the U.S. They were asked, "Do you feel the preaching on Sunday relates to what's going on in your life?" Over 83% saw virtually no connection between what they heard on Sunday morning and what they faced on Monday morning. (Howard Hendricks, 1984 Multnomah Pastor's Enrichment Conference.)

Relevant, powerful, creative, and biblical preaching is hard to find these days. Why? Some say because it takes a lot of preparation and prayer. Others, that congregations expect something more “entertaining.” Others that it is a reflection on the spiritual life of ministers – but then we are back to your question.

7) We praise the Lord for pockets of revival, evidences of obedient sacrifice, and the prophets (of many descriptions) who do have the courage to stand up and speak (or write) their convictions in our American context.

At the same time we undoubtedly could benefit from “prophets” from other countries who come to us humbly but with a message of power from the Throne of God. Pray for us, Rajeev; how much we in America need the Lord to bring renewal in our midst.

Jack