The Impact of Modernity on Spirituality

Abstract

During the time of Amos Israel was experiencing wealth and power unknown since the times of David and Solomon. Amos spoke of the luxury enjoyed by Israel's upper class, the summer and winter houses and the mansions adorned with ivory (Amos 3:15). Bright (1972, 255) notes that the splendid buildings unearthed in Samaria showed that Amos was not exaggerating. The centres of worship in Israel, Bethel, Gilgal and Beersheba were filled with worshippers. It was thus something of a shock when the prophet condemned the religion of Israel. "Go to Bethel and sin; go to Gilgal and sin yet more," cried Amos (4:4). In Amos 5 he uttered his denunciation of Israelite society in the form of a lament. Why is this so? Bright also notes (1972, 256) that "in spite of its healthy appearance [it] was in an advanced state of decay, socially, morally, and religiously." It was not that the people were irreligious; it was that religion was somehow debased, being unable to change or transform society. Instead society had changed and had perverted Israel. Israel had the wrong conception of her God and the expectation He had of the people. This was seen in Israel's misconception of the Day of the Lord (5:18-27). It was a dead religion.