I wanted to write about some of the realities we face serving in Italy. Probably one of the most significant is the reality of the local church. By far, the most influential and largest church is Roman Catholic. More than 80% of Italy affiliates with this church. But over the years, attendance has declined significantly. In large part because the church has lost its missionary spirit, and has lost its focus on Jesus. Also, because people don’t trust the church anymore. And now, with recent stories about corruption as high is the papal office, its no wonder. Now, a very small number of Italians are involved beyond Christmas, Easter, weddings and funerals.
What’s worse, is that the message of the gospel is difficult to find in these churches. It is dangerously clouded by misleading traditions and a misguided understanding of our justification (here’s a good, short book on the differences). In our 2 years of living in Italy, I have yet to meet a single Italian Catholic who has had an accurate understanding of the gospel, and knew that they are saved by faith alone (which is at the heart of the Biblical teaching on salvation). In my estimation, nearly 99% of the country have a false understanding of salvation, which means they would die separated from Christ. I am not speaking to whether or not the church has a false understanding at a foundational level, but I am certainly to pointing out that the people are not hearing it or understanding it. The church has lost its voice.
So, who can tell them? The evangelical church, right? In theory, that’s who should be telling them. But, they aren’t. I’ll give some insight why in a post later this week. So, hang on! Do you have any thoughts on this particular post? Please share in the comments section!
