'Fast Food' Christianity
A.W. Tozer warns against the dangers of 'Instant Christianity,' a type of faith that prioritizes quick results and ease over quality and permanence.
A.W. Tozer addresses the phenomenon of 'Fast Food' Christianity, criticizing the trend of seeking quick and easy solutions in faith, akin to the instant gratification found in modern conveniences like instant coffee and tea. He argues that this approach has led to a superficial understanding of Christianity, where the depth and quality of faith are sacrificed for convenience. Tozer highlights how this mindset has infiltrated evangelical churches, promoting a version of Christianity that allows believers to indulge in worldly pleasures without true commitment or restraint. He calls for a return to a more authentic and enduring faith that values quality over speed.
Text
It is hardly a matter of wonder that the country that gave the world instant tea and instant coffee should be the one to give it instant Christianity. If these two beverages were not actually invented in the United States it was certainly here that they received the advertising impetus that has made them known to most of the civilized world. And it cannot be denied that it was American Fundamentalism that brought instant Christianity to the gospel churches. Ignoring for the moment Romanism, and Liberalism in its various disguises, and focusing our attention upon the great body of evangelical believers, we see at once how deeply the religion of Christ has suffered in the house of its friends.
The American genius for getting things done quickly and easily with little concern for quality or permanence has bred a virus that has infected the whole evangelical church in the United States and, through our literature, our evangelists and our missionaries, has spread all over the world. Instant Christianity came in with the machine age. Men invented machines for two purposes. They wanted to get important work done more quickly and easily than they could do it by hand, and they wanted to get the work over with so they could give their time to pursuits more to their liking, such as loafing or enjoying the pleasures of the world.
Instant Christianity now serves the same purposes in religion. It disposes of the past, guarantees the future and sets the Christian free to follow the more refined lusts of the flesh in all good conscience and with a minimum of restraint.
Sermon Outline
- The Rise of Instant Christianity
- The Machine Age and Instant Christianity
- The Consequences of Instant Christianity
- Disposing of the past and guaranteeing the future
- Leading to a lack of restraint and self-control
- A focus on refined lusts and worldly pleasures
Key Quotes
“Instant Christianity came in with the machine age.” — A.W. Tozer
“Men invented machines for two purposes. They wanted to get important work done more quickly and easily than they could do it by hand, and they wanted to get the work over with so they could give their time to pursuits more to their liking, such as loafing or enjoying the pleasures of the world.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Be cautious of a Christianity that emphasizes quick results and ease over quality and permanence.
- Prioritize self-control and restraint in your spiritual walk.
- Avoid a focus on refined lusts and worldly pleasures, and instead seek a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God.