Sixty years ago in his landmark 1963 book Honest to God, Anglican Bishop John A. T. Robinson argued it was time to discard the outdated concept of God. Liberal theologians hailed Robinson as a prophet for his times. A few years later, Time magazine asked, “Is God Dead?” on its April 8, 1966, cover.

They were wrong about God. But they were right that something had died.

Looking back we can now see that membership in the mainline Protestant denominations peaked in the mid-1960s. More than 20 years into the 21st century the decline continues. By “keeping up with the times,” the Protestant mainline became a relic of history.

Not long before Tim Keller died this year, TGC launched The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics in part to address this “great dechurching.” But today it’s not just Protestant liberals who think we must “keep up with the times.” Some who ask “What time is it?” beat the drums of culture war. Too often the result is fearing our neighbors as enemies.

Instead, we empathize with sinners. As Paul told the Corinthians, “such were some of you” before “you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11). We must not fight with worldly means! “When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat” (1 Cor. 4:12–13).

As another year ends, let all who long for Christ’s return fasten the belt of truth as falsehoods spread. Let us put on the breastplate of righteousness, that we might be above reproach in public and private. Slip on shoes and take the gospel of peace to the ends of our war-torn world. In all things wield the shield of faith against the Enemy’s whispers of doubt. Guard your mind against deceitfulness by wearing the helmet of salvation. Pick up the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, where we find Jesus Christ.

In a world that feels like it’s accelerating without breaks, Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever (Heb. 13:8). Because we have been united to him, we pray “at all times” in the Spirit, so that we will persevere to the end of the age—whatever the times may bring (Eph. 6:13-18).

Collin Hansen

Vice President of Content and Editor in Chief

P. S. If you want to help strengthen the church in these chaotic times would you prayerfully consider making a year-end, tax-deductible gift?