There are consequences when God’s people take the path of least resistance and back out of culture. One only needs to look at our society to see we are living with those consequences today. • Why do you think so many Christians pursue comfort over commitment to Christ? • Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the darkness and moral decline in society today and wonder what happened to the salt and light? • How have we reached a point where Christians who do preach the gospel and speak up about sin are called hateful, intolerant, or judgmental? Christian in name only, America has become an epicenter for the culture war as too many of us keep ducking the issue of sin. Due to decades of Christians being silent, failing to preach the gospel and speak the truth in love, we’ve reached a tipping point in which political correctness refuses to coexist with religious freedom. Why do you think Christians who defend God’s Word are often called hateful, intolerant, or judgmental? There are consequences in this life and for eternity, when Christians take the path of least resistance. We cannot reverse the moral decline, but we can choose to stand for righteousness as we pray for revival and be the salt and light Jesus called us to be while we’re still here. Hide the light of Christ and retreat, or let it shine and expose the darkness; live an inconsequential life, or bear fruit that will last. If most Christians remain silent, fewer people will be saved, society will collapse, and we will continue to be part of the problem. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said it “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. God will not hold us guiltless...” About the Author David Fiorazo is an author, public speaker, content contributor, and radio personality. He has been involved in the broadcasting and entertainment industries for over thirty years, and in Christian ministry for over twenty five years. David loves the Word of God, and strives to defend and proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ.
The Cost of Our Silence: Consequences of Christians Taking the Path of Least Resistance came along at just the right time for me. I received it in the mail to review (thanks, Aneko Press) right about the time the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage. I was so upset by that ruling. Not because I'm "hateful" or "intolerant." It's just that it feels so ... wrong ... upside-down ... for our world to be not just allowing, but celebrating something God has called sin.
That's what David Fiorazo feels like, too, and on a whole host of issues in our culture today. Reading his book is like getting together for lunch with a smart friend and discussing the issues of the day. The book is full of examples that will make your blood boil, and also scriptures backing up his words.
A few quotes I liked:
*We as Bible-believing evangelical Christians are locked in a battle. This is not a friendly gentleman's discussion. It is a life and death conflict between the spiritual hosts of wickedness and those who claim the name of Christ. -- Francis Schaeffer *I resolve to endeavor to my utmost to act and think as if I had already seen the happiness of heaven and the torments of hell -- Jonathan Edwards *It would be a godsend if the church would suffer persecution today; she hasn't suffered it for hundreds of years. She is growing rich and lagging behind -- Billy Sunday *When depravity and immorality appear more prevalent in society, one of the main causes can be traced to silent or inactive Christians. This environment sets the stage for emboldened agendas against God, His Word, and His people. *The phrase "separation of church and state" does not exist in the Constitution. The founding fathers almost certainly were thinking only of Christianity as a religion when the US was founded. An early version of the Establishment Clause states "Congress shall make no law establishing any particular denomination of religion in preference to another." Note that they mention various denominations (of Christianity), and not various religions. To our founders, any discussion of religion meant variations of Christianity. *Many pastors have become more comfortable operating their churches as 501(c)(3) institutions with meetings held on Sundays, fearing to discuss anything remotely political (this includes abortion, gay marriage, etc). If you do have a pastor who speaks out on these things, encourage him, because such pastors are rare these days.
Fiorazo, who is an author, contributor, and radio personality, includes a chapter on judicial tyranny, and mentions the faulty belief of many that, because the Supreme Court or a judge pronounces something legal, the action in question is also morally right. He also mentions the fear of some of our founding fathers that the judicial branch could gain too much power, as is happening often now. He cites the example of years of incremental work being done toward having partial birth abortions banned. The ban was finally signed into law 11/5/2003 -- only to be suspended by a judge one hour later (side note -- I often think of the massive responsibility judges have (all leaders, really, but judges in particular). I would not want to have to stand before God someday with some of their decisions on my hands - James 3:1).
One of our dilemmas as Christians is what to do in the face of so much pushback from the popular culture. I think our default reaction is just silence/"turning the other cheek"/etc. However, think about it: has the other side behaved in the same way? Absolutely not. They are emboldened by our lack of action, and push their agenda even harder. As a teacher, I relate it to the quiet, "good" kid never getting the attention that the loud, ornery kid does. God's will will ultimately be done regardless, but does He want us to passively stand by as our culture forsakes Him wholesale? It's something to think about.
As a side note, I've enjoyed Fiorazo's Facebook postings. If you're similarly dismayed about the way our nation is heading, I urge you to "like" his page.
The Cost of Our Silence by David Fiorazo is a Real Eye Opener
As you watch our society lose its moral compass at an alarming pace, many of us Christians wonder how this happened, how have we fallen so far from the original intent of our founders? In The Cost of Our Silence, David Fiorazo shows you just how this is happened and how formidable the forces that oppose our Christian roots are.
What I found very interesting is there have always, even from the creation of our nation, been people that wanted to eliminate Christianity from the public arena. Some are motivated out of their own greed and/or ambition like Lyndon B. Johnson that introduced the Johnson amendment to the federal tax code that limited how non-profit entities could engage in politics and political races. Therefore stifling pastors at the pulpit by holding their tax exempt status over their head. Others are leftist that know their ideas for society will not be accepted by a strong moral population so they must diminish Christianity and its influences.
David has done a great job in referencing all of his work. The book is not just an opinion piece; he has foot notes for all of the references that he uses to make the case. I learned several things that I was unaware of, for example did you know even our seminary schools have been infiltrated by leftist? I found this information very troubling, however this explains why there is such a divide in our denominations, so deep in fact, we can no longer even all agree that The Holy Bible is the inerrant word of God!
I would recommend this book to every Christian, it is well written and you will learn things about the opposition that you may have never seen coming. You will see how they operate, through the courts and our learning institutions. You will see how they reinforce their views in our culture, through our books music and entertainment, it is really eye opening. The hairs on the back of your neck will stand up when you read about some of the top music influences and their beliefs.
I believe our founding fathers would roll over in their graves if they could see how the silence and apathy of the Christian community today has allowed the liberal agenda to take hold throughout our entire system. If Christians continue down this path of least resistance, it won't be long before we become an enemy of the state and our views will be seen intolerant, bigoted hate speech. Wake up Christians!
This book was provided to me by the publisher, Aneko Press, for my honest review.See all my reviews at Blessings N Bloggings
Wow! I can not say enough good things about this read!I would recommend this book to every Christian, it is well written . It makes you think twice about the many people who claim to follow Christ but are drawn into witches with Harry Potter and Twilight. They must be warned, The author touches on important things that are going on in our nation today. Although I felt a tinge of hopelessness and helplessness while reading this book, I came away in the end feeling hopeful because he showed us what to do". I found this to be helpful in that he describes what he believes we can do to change the state of things in our nation.“If this doesn’t wake us up nothing will! Excellent and scary. Well documented, challenging and eye opening. I
This book contains a wealth of fascinating issues. Fascinating, I must confess, merely in regards to their ability to make it into a published book. From its constantly wandering focus and countless mechanical errors, through awkward paraphrases of biased and sloppy material, to regular diatribes against the then-current U.S. executive administration and insistent hints of high-level conspiracies, _The Cost of Our Silence_ showcases many of the best characteristics of modern lobbyist propaganda. It's fortunate that the author of this agglomeration is a professing Christian, as illiberal pundits were no doubt running short on material for their comedy specials. In a nutshell, this is a rambling rehash of what the tired remnants of the Religious Right have been saying for the last ten years. I don't recommend it.
it is a book that all christians and jews should read to open their eyes to see the truth about the real history of the democommie democrapo party who responsible slave trade, jim crowe laws, kkk, and the death of 700000 Americans lives and partner up with NAZI in the genocside of the elderly, handicap, jews and others. they were responsible the great devivide in America. they want every one in America except themselves so they can start up slavery again, turn every one into drones.
one of the best books i have ever read. really hits on the specifics of how the liberal agenda is being used by Satan. Covers everything from judicial tyranny, pop culture, liberal churches, and everything in-between. We have to understand what we are fighting before we can make a stand. Highly recommend.
This is a through understanding of where we are as a nation today, and where we are as Believers. We are fortunate for the opportunities that lay before us a followers of Jesus, though the road may be rough going. This book helps put our times in perspective
There are many topics covered by this author. If we're honest about the Churches role in America and we as Faithful Followers of Christ, it should cause everyone to evaluate their relationship with Jesus.
I randomly purchased this book at a thrift store for a couple bucks. It did not disappoint! While it is a bit more political than I originally anticipated, it spells out the real world implications of all we are seeing. Keep in mind, this was written a decade ago, so a lot has already changed since then. Still, the underlying meaning is still valid and we need to heed and seriously think about these things. The church should not be silent. Yes, speak in truth and love, but if we remain silent long enough, the world will continue tk decline at an even greater pace. We have the hope, let us go and share it!
I think this book could be useful whether or not one is a Christian, or whether you agree with every one of his points or not. When "good people do nothing," we see the results of a frayed and tattered society. It's difficult for me to acknowledge that I have been part of the problem, and this book gave me some insight into how I can move forward being part of the solution.
A well written book that not only makes it clear how much the church is needed today for a revival in America but reminds us of all the promises that God gives us in his word, through his son Jesus Christ, to complete the task. As a result you find yourself awake again and reenergized to seek first the kingdom of God in the way that Jesus told us to.
This book claims to be Christian, but I think it is Satan’s way of undermining what the Bible really says. It uses prejudice and bigotry as supposed Christian teaching.
If not, you will be after you read this book. Fiorazo pulls no punches in pointing out the warning signs as well as showing our weaknesses as a church.
The book, theologically speaking, was fantastic. Politically, it was a little lighter than what I was expecting but still a great read. I'd read David Fiorazo again.
2 1/2 stars....I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I knew there was a problem reading this book on the first page of the introduction, when the author writes, “Tolerance, grace and a “judge ye not” attitude are the norm in many churches, while repentance and holiness have practically become four letter words.” At that point, I knew I was going to be reading a book where the author and I were at massively differing theological thought processes. Despite this, and my natural need to shudder at nearly every word I read in this book, I will review it as impartially as I can. The author has put forth his thoughts on the state of America today with the very strong secularism, comparing that to Hitler and Nazism in Germany in the 1920s and 1930s. As the book progresses, the chapters range from “Separation of Christianity and State” to “The Cult of Liberalism”, “The Rebellion against God Ordained Marriage”, “Witchcraft is Out of the (Broom) Closet”, and even, yes “Common Core and Eroding Education”, following it all up with “Storming the Gates of Hell” and a chapter named “Then The End Will Come”. The author certainly takes his views on each of these subjects and presents very well-worded arguments as to why he is right. His arguments are easy to take at face value, and if you don’t research further, completely believable. He is certainly free to present his views on how America is backsliding into a moral sludge pot of sin and deception. I just don’t agree with his views. It doesn’t make it a bad book, but as a person who tends to try to find all facets of a situation before passing judgment, this is definitely a book I won’t be asking my friends to go out and buy.
While I agree with some points the author made, and I disagree with some of his premises, this work wandered a lot and jumped around, which summarily lost me.