He paints with a broad brush, but I think he's largely mistaken. Lots of Christians have broad agendas based on love of God and neighbor. I think those two particular issues (legitimizing homosexuality and legitimizing abortion) are the most-discussed only because they're the only ones where there are different views within Christian camps. I mean, you don't really find Christians advocating ignoring the poor, but you do find Christians advocating the legitimization of homosexuality or the legitimization of abortion as birth control. So because that's an in-house fight, more ink and words get spilt over it.
But ask the average Christian where they spend their time, talents, and treasures, and it's a different picture. The polarity of the debate, and the discussion energy, lead to a distorted picture of what people are actually doing with their lives.
I watched the whole show on CNN last evening. One point that came out was the opinion that these two issues are the ones that make headlines, but that there are, indeed, other issues addressed by various Christian churches.
The issue of "success theology" wasn't address very well, IMHO, by the participants, except somewhat by Rick Warren, who said that there is nothing wrong with having wealth, but it is to be used for the good of others. He said it is a sin to die wealthy.
Some time ago, I wrote to a prominent radio ministry asking about why they addressed the homosexuality issue and the abortion issue and seemed to neglect the issues of financial justice and wealth. They told me that those aren't their calling, and sent me an opinion paper that it is OK to have wealth, based on the Bible.
I was disappointed that the Catholic priest on the show wasn't asked about social ministry, because the RCs have traditionally addressed those issues. And I was disappointed that there were no representatives from groups that don't have TV ministries, but that do address the "theology of the cross."
Day after day I see churches living a theology of the cross, and they are from a wide variety of denominational, social, and cultural backgrounds. Even the large white Baptist church in town has an acive social justice ministry. The Lutherans are in cahoots with the Hispanics, offering worship space and support, and the richest Methodist church in town runs a food pantry for the poorest residents. That's just a couple of examples: they abound in every town and city, if we take time to look for it.
This cat had to do a story, so he invoked extremes to make a rhetorical point and gain viewers. His article is one step above pandering.
He paints with a broad brush, but I think he's largely mistaken. Lots of Christians have broad agendas based on love of God and neighbor. I think those two particular issues (legitimizing homosexuality and legitimizing abortion) are the most-discussed only because they're the only ones where there are different views within Christian camps. I mean, you don't really find Christians advocating ignoring the poor, but you do find Christians advocating the legitimization of homosexuality or the legitimization of abortion as birth control. So because that's an in-house fight, more ink and words get spilt over it.
ReplyDeleteBut ask the average Christian where they spend their time, talents, and treasures, and it's a different picture. The polarity of the debate, and the discussion energy, lead to a distorted picture of what people are actually doing with their lives.
I watched the whole show on CNN last evening. One point that came out was the opinion that these two issues are the ones that make headlines, but that there are, indeed, other issues addressed by various Christian churches.
ReplyDeleteThe issue of "success theology" wasn't address very well, IMHO, by the participants, except somewhat by Rick Warren, who said that there is nothing wrong with having wealth, but it is to be used for the good of others. He said it is a sin to die wealthy.
Some time ago, I wrote to a prominent radio ministry asking about why they addressed the homosexuality issue and the abortion issue and seemed to neglect the issues of financial justice and wealth. They told me that those aren't their calling, and sent me an opinion paper that it is OK to have wealth, based on the Bible.
I was disappointed that the Catholic priest on the show wasn't asked about social ministry, because the RCs have traditionally addressed those issues. And I was disappointed that there were no representatives from groups that don't have TV ministries, but that do address the "theology of the cross."
Day after day I see churches living a theology of the cross, and they are from a wide variety of denominational, social, and cultural backgrounds. Even the large white Baptist church in town has an acive social justice ministry. The Lutherans are in cahoots with the Hispanics, offering worship space and support, and the richest Methodist church in town runs a food pantry for the poorest residents. That's just a couple of examples: they abound in every town and city, if we take time to look for it.
ReplyDeleteThis cat had to do a story, so he invoked extremes to make a rhetorical point and gain viewers. His article is one step above pandering.