Recently, the president-elect of the Christian Coalition parted ways with the organization over the direction and emphases he wanted to implement. You can read the story here.
What I find striking is that the issues that divided them are all "Christian" issues. It seems that Rev. Hunter wanted to go beyond abortion and homosexuality and deal with poverty and environmental issues. Eventually they came to the conclusion that he was not a good fit there. Hooray for both sides realizing their limits and not prolonging this into a disastrous marriage.
But it begs the question. What are the Christian issues of today? Certainly abortion and homosexual marriage have been in the forefront of legal, political and fundraising issues for some time now. And both sides of the political spectrum are engaged on them.
But there are other issues such as the ones Rev. Hunter wanted to discuss that are in need of a serious look by Christians. I know the Church of the Nazarene is making strides in Africa with HIV/AIDS and sustainable community development in their mission areas. But why is it that gay marriage and abortion are the things that attract the most attention and $$$$?
Is it because they happen in our country? Are we that narcissistic? It it because the issue is easier to get our heads and wallets around? After all, one more Supreme Court Justice and the Christian Coalition will be smiling. Or is it because the other issues seem insurmountable? I just don't know. I know the right wing of the American church is a latecomer to the HIV/AIDS issue. I just wish they had the same fervor for that that they do for politics and legal wrangling.
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4 comments:
Bravo, Roy! Well said, well said. Thanks.
And please send my congrats to my Nazarene brothers and sisters, that they are helping design sustainable communities. Truly this is mission and ministry for the 21st Century, a step beyond handing out loaves to teaching the baking of those loves, all the while never forgetting the Bread of Life. Hurrah! And praise be to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who so moved hearts and minds for this purpose, his purpose.
The abortion and gay issues are easy to paint in black-and-white.
You are dead on, on the money issue. When a political group (which the CC is) decisions are made with the cash register.
I don't think it has to do with insurmountable issues. Abortion, unfortunately, is an issue that is going to be with us for a long time.
"America is God's country. The rest of the world be damned." is the attitude of many so-called Christians.
Roy,
You ever read any of Donald Miller's works (Blue Like Jazz, Through Painted Deserts, Searching for God Knows What)? I have been reading his books (4 in a row now) recently and seems as though you, he and I are all tracking here together. Go Figure. Wise guy & sheep boy on the same page...
Rob
Yes I have. Go to http://reformedposer.blogspot.com/search?q=jazz to see my comments on Blue Like Jazz. Now that my semester has ended, I'm starting "Through painted deserts" while I have some time.
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