[Withdrawn]

Sorry, Dan... I couldn't read the whole thing. It started to make me a little nauseous - as my nerves started to tighten because of years of hearing this moaning from pulpits. I agree to an extent with a concern for how worldly (materialistic, and fixated on Hollywood) Christians have become, and I think that too many churches in "the movement" have lost sight of their calling and are pursuing glitz and popularity rather than the simplicity of Christ.

But the fear tactics just make me sick. And the judgmental spirit makes me cringe. When will people understand that another "church service" and another "conference sermon" are not going to change the world? Once the emotional high of these sequestered meetings fades, it's back to business as usual.

Also, I don't agree that the early church preached "a salvation message." They preached Jesus Christ FIRST AND FOREMOST! The gospel has Jesus Christ at the center, not a formula. And it really gripes me to hear someone condemn those who are actually serving and doing (using "social gospel" to degrade and downplay what we are actually called to do) and exalting themselves as the lone defenders of truth. Wouldn't it be great if I never had to hear some preacher proclaim "we have the truth" while condemning all others who have a different point of view. Our arrogance will be our undoing for sure.

Sorry for the rambling...