[img]https://www.sermonindex.net/images/forum/2004/may/featured_news.gif[/img]Amid double-digit unemployment and post- unification trauma, increasing numbers of Germans are turning to witchcraft and the occult to provide the solace they once found in churches, jobs and family.The land of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation, where the 30 Years War was fought over religious beliefs, has become a nation in the throes of "de-Christianisation" as churches across the land are forced to close for lack of congregations."This de-Christianisation is the result of a serious crisis of faith that has been spreading for many years, fed by two world wars and the protracted division of Germany," says Hansjoerg Hemminger, a leading Lutheran theologian in Wuerttemberg."Witchcraft and the occult are filling that age-old human need for spiritual reassurance, particularly among young people, millions of whom have seldom or never set foot inside a church," Hemminger says.
_________________SI Moderator - Greg Gordon
The question arises, what is the church doing about this fact??
_________________Josh Williamson
Time to get missionaries back to europe, eh?And of course there's many falling away. It's a system where you indulge yourself in sin, living for the immediate benefit, witnessing the supernatural, allowing yourself to be deceived to be content.Like in the days of Noah...Grace and Peace...
But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron? (2Kings 1:3, KJVS)Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;But happy is he who keeps the law. (Prov. 29:18, NKJV)
_________________Ron Bailey
Germany Rediscovers ReligionHi'yall,'But even more people are leaving it. In 2003, some 1,424 people joined the Church, compared to 11,232 who turned their back on it. Even so, the situation's not as bad as it looks. 11 years previously, 43,508 people became lapsed Christians.' ~ quote from above linkJust something, I read the mention of Luther. Never forget that he emerged in the midst of suffocating darkness. Witchcraft which thrives on the experience, is certainly able to accomodate the dissillusioned who in search for truth, are only given an emotional high in feel good services. For when it cools of, they are prey for the next high. Will pray if you join me.
_________________Eric John Sawyer
