The Church of Entertainment

How much benefit could be gained by the church of 21st century from an address delivered in the late 1880’s? The benefits might seem few especially when that address is entitled “The Evils of the Present Time, and Our Object, Necessities, and Encouragements.” However, in this address by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, there is a remarkable amount of applicability to our own day. In many ways, the challenges facing the church are the same as they were more than 100 years ago.

One of the evils that Spurgeon identified is one he describes as “the insatiable craving for amusements.” As we listen to the wise words from this prince of preachers, the church of 21st-century America could learn much. Spurgeon stated, “Within suitable bounds, recreation is necessary and profitable; but it never was the business of the Christian Church to supply the world with amusements.”

In our own time, entire ministries and churches are centered upon providing amusement and recreation. The predominant philosophy of ministry insists that churches cannot be built and certainly cannot thrive without providing a host of activities that do nothing but entertain an already overly entertained people. Along with Spurgeon I ask, “What is to be next done in our chapels? To what length of tomfoolery will ministers of the gospel yet go?” It seems there is no end to the parade of empty antics that has found a home in the church. Light shows, fog-makers, multi-media presentations, drama, interpretive dance, and motivational speakers have replaced the worship of God and the preaching of the Word of God.

Like the people of Spurgeon’s time, there are many people today who are “agog with these vanities.” It is fitting, therefore, that we hear his warning and exhortation, “Brethren, we are not here to play away our time, but to win souls for Jesus and eternal bliss. By the solemnities of death, and judgment, and eternity, I beseech you, keep yourselves clear of the follies, the inanities of the day.”