Believers: Dealing with Societal Collapse

 

The study of societal decline has been a subject of intellectual and theological discourse for centuries. Prominent among those who have delved into this theme are Francis A. Schaeffer, in his work "How Then Shall We Live?" and Jonathan Edwards, through his sermon "The State of Public Affairs." Despite the temporal and contextual differences that separate these two figures, their assessments of societal decay exhibit striking similarities, particularly in their focus on moral and spiritual decline, widening inequality, the erosion of social trust, and political instability. These concerns, deeply rooted in their respective theological perspectives, offer a critical lens through which to view the challenges of their times and, perhaps, of our own.

In their treatises, both Schaeffer and Edwards articulate a profound concern for the moral and spiritual health of society. Schaeffer, writing in the 20th century, underscores the impact of secularism on traditional values, observing how a departure from religious foundations has led to a pervasive moral relativism. Edwards, preaching in the 18th century, similarly laments the public's disregard for religious principles, highlighting the spiritual neglect that he perceived as eroding the moral fabric of society. These observations point to a shared belief in the centrality of spiritual and moral values as the foundation of a healthy society.

Francis A. Schaeffer in "How Then Shall We Live?" and Jonathan Edwards in his sermon "The State of Public Affairs" addresses the concept of societal decline and potential collapse. Though separated by centuries and context, their observations share some common themes:

Signs of decline:

Moral and spiritual decay: They emphasize a decline in societal morals, with increasing apathy, materialism, and disregard for ethical principles. Schaeffer points to the rise of secularism and its erosion of traditional values, while Edwards highlights the dangers of public disregard for religious principles and spiritual neglect.

Widening inequality and injustice: Both authors note the emergence of significant disparities in wealth and opportunity, leading to frustration and resentment among the less fortunate. Schaeffer criticizes Western societies for neglecting the needs of the poor and marginalized, while Edwards warns against the dangers of unchecked greed and exploitation.

Breakdown of social trust and cohesion: A decline in trust between citizens and institutions is another shared concern. Schaeffer identifies a growing distrust of government and authority figures, while Edwards laments the erosion of community spirit and a rise in individualism.

Political and economic instability: Both discuss the potential for political gridlock and economic mismanagement to contribute to societal instability. Schaeffer warns against the dangers of totalitarian regimes and ideological extremism, while Edwards emphasizes the importance of responsible governance and prudent economic policies.

Potential consequences:

Social unrest and violence: Both authors point to the potential for widespread unrest and violence in the face of unchecked societal decline. Schaeffer argues that moral decay can lead to societal disintegration and even revolutions, while Edwards warns against the potential for God's judgment to fall upon nations that stray from righteous paths.

Loss of freedom and prosperity: They also highlight the risk of losing cherished freedoms and economic prosperity if societies fail to address underlying issues. Schaeffer argues that surrendering to totalitarian ideologies can cost dearly in terms of individual liberty, while Edwards emphasizes the importance of maintaining sound moral principles for achieving long-term societal success.

Call to action:

Both Schaeffer and Edwards ultimately offer messages of hope and call for action in response to potential societal decline. Schaeffer encourages individual Christians to live out their faith with conviction and engage in cultural transformation, while Edwards urges communities to repent and rededicate themselves to Godly principles.

It's important to note that both figures present their perspectives within their specific historical and theological contexts. While their observations may resonate with contemporary concerns, it's crucial to engage with their arguments critically and consider the nuances of their historical contexts.

Scripture offers various insights and guidance for believers facing societal collapse, often painting a picture of both challenge and hope. Here are some key themes:

Challenges and suffering:

• Prophecies of turmoil: Scriptures like Isaiah 59:10-14 and Matthew 24:6-8 depict turbulent times, with wars, famines, and persecution potentially afflicting believers. The collapse of societal structures can lead to hardship, loss, and uncertainty.
• Testing of faith: Societal collapse can test the strength of one's faith, as familiar anchors might disappear, and temptations to despair, cynicism, or even compromise may arise (Psalm 73:13-14).
• Spiritual warfare: Scriptures like Ephesians 6:10-18 remind us of the ongoing spiritual battle against evil forces, which can intensify during times of crisis.

Hope and guidance:

• God's sovereignty: Even amidst chaos, scriptures like Hebrews 13:8 and Psalm 46:1-3 affirm God's ultimate control and faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to find comfort and assurance in God's unchanging nature and promises.
• Perseverance and faithfulness: Scriptures like Hebrews 10:35-39 and James 1:2-4 emphasize the importance of perseverance and living out one's faith even in challenging times. This includes maintaining hope, love, and compassion for others amidst suffering.
• Witness and service: Societal collapse can present opportunities for believers to shine as beacons of hope, offering love, support, and practical help to those in need (Matthew 25:35-40). Witnessing to God's faithfulness and providing relief can be powerful testimonies in turbulent times.
• Ultimate hope in Christ: Scriptures like Romans 8:18-25 and Revelation 21:1-5 offer ultimate hope in Christ's ultimate victory and the promise of a renewed creation free from suffering. This hope sustains believers through present trials and motivates them to live faithfully during societal collapse.

Specific Scriptures:

• Isaiah 59:10-14: "Like the blind they grope through the streets; groping like those who have no eyes, they pollute themselves with their sin. They cry aloud their transgressions, their sins are loud before them; they do not hide their sin but parade it before men; woe to them, for they have transgressed! My fury has blazed forth; I will deal with them in wrath. I will clothe myself with my zeal as with a cloak and will render retribution, repaying according to their deeds. I will repay to my enemies their due, and to those who are hostile to me, I will render requital."
• Matthew 24:6-8: "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for all this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All this is the beginning of the birth pangs."
• Psalm 73:13-14: "But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works."
• Ephesians 6:10-18: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the deceptions of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, keep alert and always persevere in prayer for all God’s people."
• Hebrews 10:35-39: "Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive what is promised. For, ‘In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.’

Both Shaeffer and Edwards provide insight with a Biblical perspective into how Believers should handle societal collapse. As Believers, we must trust in God's promises, sovereignty, and omniscience. Ultimately, the only way Believers will thrive during societal chaos is to focus on their relationship with God and grow in their walk with Him!

Resources:

You can read Francis A. Schaeffer's book, How Should We Then Live at:

https://archive.org/details/howshouldwethenl0000scha

You can read Jonathan Edward's sermon, The State of Public Affairs at:

https://www.modernpuritans.com/jonathan-edwards-sermon-societal-collapse/

You can hear Jonathan Edward's sermon, The State of Public Affairs at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLq6dJR61Pc