Soft Christianity 

   “People are turning away from Christianity today not because it is too hard but because it is too soft”  (Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen) 

   After Vatican II many priests quit wearing their clerical garb in public.  Many religious orders relaxed the wearing of habits and robes choosing instead to “fit in” with society by dressing like everyone else.  Almost immediately the Church began to experience a shortage of both priests and religious.  Trying to be part of society rather than being an example of Christian faith failed miserably.

   Jesus never said that Christianity would be easy, only that it would lead to eternal life.  He very clearly warned that it would, in fact, not be easy.  “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8: 34).  Though there were and still remain many crosses to bear, Christianity grew and spread throughout the world.

   In today’s Church we rarely hear of bearing crosses and suffering for Christ as He suffered for us and sin is rarely mentioned.  Instead we are treated to mild-mannered homilies designed to keep the flock happy though not necessarily on the road to salvation.  And people are leaving the Church in droves.  It’s estimated that for every one who joins the Church, six leave.

   Look around and it becomes evident that those churches who preach the truth and warn of the wages of sin are the ones that are growing and expanding.  People do not expect life to be easy all the time.  They certainly don’t expect the Christian life to be an easy one.  Churches that try to conform to society rather than the truth of God are faltering, and so they should.

   Following Christ will not always be easy, and it was never intended to be.  The journey may be difficult but the destination is great beyond all imagination.