Letter to the American ChurchSample

Day 3: The Cost of Silence

Verse: "Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin." - James 4:17

In a world inundated with voices, opinions, and information, there's an irony in the power of silence. The silence that Dietrich Bonhoeffer confronted wasn't a quiet refuge or a meditative pause. It was a silence rooted in fear, indifference, and self-preservation.

"Silence in the face of evil is itself evil." Although not directly from Bonhoeffer, this phrase encapsulates the essence of his plea to the Church of his time. It's a call that's relevant today, reminding us that indifference and inaction in the face of injustice are not neutral; they side with oppression.

In our modern era, we too grapple with what German sociologist Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann coined as the "Spiral of Silence." It's the phenomenon where the fewer people that speak up, the higher the price becomes for speaking out, leading to an increasing culture of silence. This deadly spiral took hold in 1930s Germany and still finds resonance in our communities today.

So, what truly keeps us silent? Is it fear of isolation, criticism, or repercussion? Or is it, perhaps, a deeper misunderstanding about our faith and role as Christians in society?

We're introduced to four misunderstandings that have led the church to this predicament:

Misunderstanding Faith and Grace: A watered-down version of faith, closely tied to Bonhoeffer's "cheap grace," that lacks the transformative power to influence our actions.

The Idol of Evangelism: A narrow view that sees the Church's only role as evangelism, neglecting the multifaceted ways the Church must engage with the world.

Be Ye Not Political: The false notion that faith and politics are entirely separate leads believers to avoid societal engagement.

Pietistic Paralysis: The belief that Christian living is merely about personal purity and avoiding sin, causing stagnation and inaction.

Each misunderstanding, in its own way, contributes to a passive and ineffective Church, a Church that risks God's displeasure.

As we meditate today, let's ask ourselves: Are we truly standing up against injustice and evil in our society? Or have we fallen prey to these misunderstandings, allowing them to silence our voices and inaction our hands?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, give us the courage to stand up against evil and injustice. Help us recognize and correct any misunderstandings in our faith. Let us be a beacon of hope, truth, and love in a world that desperately needs it. Amen.

If this devotional has stirred you into action, I’d like to challenge you to check out our documentary, Letter to the American Church. The time for the church to arise is now. Your voice and impact are more valuable than you know.