The problem with evangelicals today is that so many have lost confidence in Jesus. I think that explains the problems that all of us have with them today.
Consider this from Michael:
“What unites evangelicals is that they believe something is wrong with American culture and that they can help set it aright. ‘Cultural redemption’ is a phrase I heard from a lot of the people I interviewed.”
Note that he didn’t say what unites evangelicals today is their belief that the Gospel of Jesus is so life-transforming, so utterly staggering, that to put that Gospel into action through sacrificially loving their neighbor would be change the world.
Note too this:
“One of the most striking things about the powerful evangelicals I interviewed is that many of them were really disengaged from their local congregations, opting instead to find spiritual support in small fellowship groups, Bible studies, and in programs sponsored by parachurch groups. They’d rather be on the board of a national organization like Young Life than the board of elders at their local Presbyterian church.”
Many in the evangelical elite, it seems, are so obsessed with changing the world that they have forgotten one of Jesus’ truths – that change starts on the micro and not on the macro level.
This is all understandable. It is an obsession that I am often tempted to share because as one who follows Jesus, I am one who longs to see a world that looks more like the Kingdom of Heaven – the Kingdom he describes in the Sermon on the Mount. It is easier to think of that world being ushered in through legislation or ‘cultural redemption’ when, in fact, the only way that it can happen is through the very long-term leavening of a great awakening, first in the churches and then downstream in politics and culture and education.
Now it will likely be true that even if the church itself does undergo a massive transformation and does become synonymous with the Kingdom of Heaven, there will be those opposed to it. Jerry gets it right: “…those who have formed generalized opinions of Evangelicals (thanks to a few noisy ones) will still claim they know what we’re all about: that we hate gays, want to control women’s bodies, vote straight Republican, honor Israel only because we believe a certain number of Jews have to be converted before Jesus can return — and that this honoring involves unquestioning support of every political and military decision made by the Knesset, insist on a Christian nation, and gloat over John 14:6, wherein Jesus is quoted as being the only way to God.”
That is where I am encouraged by people like Jeff and Hanna who are willing to dig past the stereotypes.
That journalistic integrity is going to be sorely needed in the next year if Sen. Clinton does become the Democratic nominee because there will be three equally powerful responses. There will be those who attack her with almost endless hate. Some will call themselves evangelical. There will be those who defend her faith and her integrity. Some will call themselves evangelical. There will be those who pay little attention to either and who spend their lives doing the work of Jesus in loving and caring for their neighbors.
My hope is that some of the press attention will be given to that last community of people, because the reality is they will be the largest group of American evangelicals.
posted October 23, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Thanks, David, but I’m afraid I’m for the fourth way w/ regard to HRC (or any other candidate): neither hate, not defense, nor disinterest. Instead, tough questions. So far, HRC’s religion — and the role it plays in her decision-making — has gone much under-scrutinized.
posted October 24, 2007 at 1:54 am
So far, HRC’s religion — and the role it plays in her decision-making — has gone much under-scrutinized
And that is as it should be. Frankly, too much emphasis is being placed on the candidates religious beliefs. The US Constitution expressly prohibits a religious test to qualify for public office. Even in an unofficial context it is very limiting to expect candidates to be compatible with anyone else’s religious faith. The whole of God is so far beyond the comprehension of any individual that no two people will completely agree on its nature, and arguing about it only inhibits our spiritual growth. Its like the analogy of the blind men examining an elephant. One says its like a tree trunk. Another says it is like a wall. A third says it is like a snake. None of them are “wrong” but none of them understand that the others experience the same elephant in a different way and arguments develop. A lot of it is a matter of perspective rather than a matter of right and wrong. Thus I am very uneasy with anyone who passes judgment on another’s faith.
When I look at a candidate I do look for basic standards of decency, such as respect for others, humility, and honesty. I also look for those who are a willing to consider all points of view lest they miss the rest of the elephant. I consider that especially vital to good decision making. I also look at their experience, skills, knowledge, and overall competence. These are the qualities that make good people and good candidates and it doesn’t make an ounce of difference if they’re Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu or atheist.
posted October 26, 2007 at 9:14 pm
It is not Jesus I have lost faith in, or love, or the word, it is the constant talk of who shall do the changing, and who’s change is best. The Evangelist at times are the “best and only way”!. Im sorry, I will be working for the Kingdom and look for ways to further the Kingdom without worrying too much about the Political weather. Yes, They have risen to the forefront in our attention arena, Evangelist get attention, but do we haveto pay? I Evangelize,,,The Old Fashion Way,,Actions Speak Louder Than Words. Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, its up to me to live it. God Bless,. mary
posted October 29, 2007 at 3:47 am
I agree with Jim T…we are not voting for pastor,we are voting for president…I wonder how anyone knows how much of a role in Hill’s choices are based on her christianity?
NOBODY can KNOW that! I have a great pastor and some great church-family friends and they don’t know how much God’s direction have in my choice-making.
The repubs have us broke and on the footsteps of WW111.
Mrs. Clinton will be our next president if only this nation as we know it can withstand 15 months of our Texas coke snorter…I am not calling names but there are indications to me that the man is still using…
posted October 31, 2007 at 12:26 am
This from the neo-Sanhedrin I suppose?
“The problem with evangelicals today is that so many have lost confidence in Jesus. I think that explains the problems that all of us have with them today.”
Sure looks Us Versus Them to me. (Very regretable to see words written like that.) And “Evangel” means the Gospel. It appears that “Evangelicals” have their hearts and minds and souls in the right place. Look it up in the Gospel. Advice from Jesus is pretty weighty.
“Note that he didn’t say what unites evangelicals today is their belief that the Gospel of Jesus is so life-transforming, so utterly staggering, that to put that Gospel into action through sacrificially loving their neighbor would be change the world.”
David, “change the world” from what? How? “Life-transforming?” from what to what?
Are you saying that something is “wrong” with the world? And since America is part of this world, is it safe to say that putting the Gospel into action would “change” what is “wrong” with America? What does the world have to be “transformed” into?
Yeeeaaah, I’m thinking the Evangelicals have their formula worked out with the rigth answer being arrived at from the correct questions.
posted November 11, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Far too much conflict has arisen from religion in government. Keep religion of any type out of the marketplace. There are many of us who have the experience that religion is not necessary for people to do right and have compassion. By implication those pushing any type of religious agenda in the public sector are saying that the majority need the guidance, and by God the Pharisees will inflict it by law or else – seems their religion cannot compete in the open world but needs the hothouse of the legal framework to protect it. A poor comment on quite a few who otherwise might qualify as intelligent.
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