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"I'm not suggesting (and I hope Roebuck isn't saying) that something is needed other than the Gospel."

From the original article: "But proclamation of the Gospel, although necessary, is not sufficient for cultural renewal." To renew the culture we must be able renew enough individual hearts. If the Gospel isn't sufficient for that then, can't get it done, then the culture cannot be renewed. You can pass all the declarations you want - it won't mean a bit. If the Gospel isn't sufficient then all is habel.

habel = hebel

I would agree that the only way to renew the culture is to renew enough hearts and the Gospel is the tool for the job. The problem is that to much of what is taught in most churches is a watered down version of the Gospel. The desire seems to be to fill the pews with people that will then fund the church so they can fill more pews, etc...As a result the Pastor (most not all) does not want to teach on topics that might cause people to disagree with him so they stay away from politics, ethics, philosophy, biology, psychology, sociology, law, economics, and history...but this is short changing the Gospel.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

So...as brethren (followers of Christ) we are not to be like unbelievers but should renew our minds...this takes some education...

Colossians 3:9-10 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.

Again as believers having put off the old man...already accepted salvation...we are told to renew our knowledge. Where does the knowledge come from for this renewal?

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Then what...?

2 Timothy 3:14-17 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Any effort to “save” our culture through any thing other then through Jesus and His Word is pointless.

I would recommend the following resources for further study on this topic...

“The Battle for Truth” by David A. Noebel

“The Ever-Loving Truth” by Voddie Baucham

“No Retreats, No Reserves, No Regrets” by multiple authors, Foreword by Josh McDowell

“The Culture Wars”...DVD by Voddie Baucham

God bless