Although the Great Awakening in the pre-American colonies and other revivals since then may have been idealized to a certain degree, records of the times indicate a strong cultural influence resulted. Bars and houses of prostitution closed by the scores. What was preached in those early churches brought change outside the houses of worship. Not only were lives changed but society itself experienced a form of conversion. Methodology was not the key; rather God's Spirit moved among the people inside and outside the church. Historically, the Great Awakening is worthy of study because its success was not measured merely in terms of increased church attendance. Increased church attendance without a commensurate effect on society at large is no success.

Evangelicals today seem content to increase their numbers and buildings while choosing to ignore the continued cultural decline around them. Successful churches are full of members participating in a culture where success is its own measure of success. Whatever is successful is assumed to be blessed, whatever business practices are incorporated. Comfortable homes are assumed to be a sign of God's blessing. An abundance of material possessions is assumed to be the right of 'faithful' Christians. And these persons, mostly from the middle and upper classes, can attend 'successful' evangelical churches without feeling the slightest concern about their lifestyles. They are following 'God's principles' and God is blessing them for it.

Whenever evangelicals do address the problems of culture they all too often rely on the political process to bring change. The feeling is that Christians deserve to live in a cultural where they are treated with respect and their values are upheld. And the political system is employed to guarantee these rights. In its apparent success the evangelical church wields heavy influence in the political arena. By the power of the vote these Christians assume that America's Christian values can be maintained. One wonders whether God waits patiently for His church to begin faithfully to seek him rather than the politicians. "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help." If society continues to crumble it is not because Christians "didn't get out the vote." It is because preachers, especially, have mistaken numbers for God's presence. Having gloried in their own success they have not noticed that the power of God has departed.