Spiritual State of the Union

Each year the President addresses the country in his State of the Union speech. Following that speech, Dr. D. James Kennedy, pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, delivers his "Spiritual State of the Union Address." The "Spiritual State of the Union message, in my opinion, happens to be more important since that's the foundation upon which the nation is based," said Kennedy during the broadcast.

What is the "spiritual state" of the union according to Kennedy?

In this year's address, Kennedy acknowledged the good along with the bad, but emphasized on the positive trends that indicate that Christians are making a difference in American culture.

"We have seen the number of Christians in Washington increase enormously recently. In 1990, in the House of Representatives, they could find only five born-again Christians. In 2000, there were 100 such people in the Congress. In 2002, I think it was 125," said Kennedy. "I haven't got the figures on 2004, but it's growing, and Christians and decency and morality and the kinds of things that made this nation great in the beginning, are beginning to be felt again in America."

Let's see...we kill at least 1.3 million babies each year, we are trashing the institution of the family in exchange for same-sex unions in the name of equality, those people that follow God's plan are divorcing at an alarming rate, our young people are experimenting with sex, alcohol, and drugs at frighteningly early ages...and we are beginning to feel decency and morality and "Christian" things in America?

Forgive me if I seem a bit (or lot ) pessimistic. I am merely seeking to hear what Dr. Kennedy is saying and looking at our world through the lens of his statements. The view is quite blurry, my friends! Also, what Dr. Kennedy says appears to be the opposite of what Scripture states. Consider the following from 2 Timothy 3:1-7:

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

This passage of Scripture plainly states that the state of the unions of this world will not continue to improve, but will turn further and further from the Truth. Dr. Kennedy also believes that we are in the midst of a "spiritual awakening" in America. I may be looking through dark glasses, but it appears that Dr. Kennedy is looking through rose-colored glasses.

To his credit, Dr. Kennedy also said, "... more and more Christians are waking up and getting involved. I hope that you are determined this year to be one of them." I agree--I hope you are among them.