Cultural Context and the “Growth” of the Episcopal Church

http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/17068/

[Stand Firm] 20 Oct 2008--I have never been completely comfortable with the argument that orthodoxy equals numerical growth because, well, it doesn't. The apostles met with unprecedented numerical growth. They also met with rejection, persecution, suffering and the sword. Jesus was at first adored by crowds and then deserted by them (John 6). I think that the proclamation of truth ends as often in numerical decline as it does in numerical increase. Error, more often than not, meets with stunning success. Just ask the Mormons, the Trinity Broadcasting Network, or Joel Osteen. The fact is that in these last days people seek teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.