Josh Howerton Discusses Challenges Facing Christianity

Josh Howerton, a host on BlazeTV and pastor at Lakepointe Church, recently engaged in a conversation with Shawn Ryan on the “Shawn Ryan Show” about the ongoing challenges to Christianity in America. He pointed out that while the church faces many obstacles today, there’s a growing awareness among people about the existence of dark spiritual forces, alongside the enduring light of faith solidified at Calvary two thousand years ago.

During their discussion, Howerton remarked on the timeless nature of the conflict against Christianity, suggesting that since the Fall, there has been an ongoing battle initiated by Satan against those whom God aims to redeem. He framed this as a broader theme woven throughout the Bible, emphasizing the tension between the spiritual Word and the secular world.

“The Bible suggests that the whole world is under the influence of a darkness,” he articulated. He elaborated that scripture refers to Satan as the “little-g god” of this world and noted that Christ, during His temptation, did not dispute Satan’s claim of authority over earthly kingdoms.

Howerton added a crucial insight: there’s a consistent assumption in scripture that Satan oversees all worldly systems. As a result, everything seems to turn against Christianity, with its teachings and followers often facing opposition.

He discussed a view shared with him by Middle East analyst Raymond Ibrahim, suggesting that the strange alliances formed—between LGBT activists, feminists, and Islamists—might stem from a shared animosity towards Christianity. In this case, the enemy of my enemy becomes my friend, as the common ground is simply anything that stands in opposition to Christ.

Touching on eschatological parallels, Howerton drew comparisons between the Antichrist narrative found in the Bible and the Mahdi figure in Islamic belief, hinting at a possible connection between the angel claiming to speak to Muhammad and what Paul warned against in 2 Corinthians.

Ryan inquired about the state of Christianity’s growth against the backdrop of statistics showing a significant decline in America. While polling suggests this decline might be leveling off, Howerton asserted that, globally, Christianity is expanding, although he personally has witnessed a decline in the U.S. during his lifetime. He expressed hope that the tide might be turning.

Ryan pointed out a growing dissatisfaction with government and societal institutions, which he believes is prompting individuals to seek something more substantial and meaningful in their lives, ultimately leading them back to faith.

Howerton echoed this thought by suggesting that rising immorality in the West has awakened many to a dual realization: that a powerful darkness exists and that if there’s a darkness, there must also be light—specifically, Jesus Christ.

He likened the current spiritual moment to the biblical tale of the prodigal son, who squandered everything on fleeting pleasures but eventually recognized his need to return home. “What strikes me is that he spent so much time chasing what he thought would bring happiness, and when it didn’t pan out, he realized he could go back to his father,” Howerton reflected, suggesting that perhaps America, in a sense, is experiencing a similar moment of realization.

He concluded with the idea that many are starting to understand that nothing else has worked, and turning toward faith feels like going home—a sentiment that resonates with the heart of the American spirit.