Politics are pretty popular - probably due to all the peeves people have with personal values, ethics, religious affiliations, etc... but what I am really beginning to get frustrated with is the public mindsets of people on subjects they have given no original thought to. So here's something to give thought to.Rev. Gregory Boyd has apparently gotten in a lot of hot water for not taking a stand on issues from within the walls of his congregation. However, he's quoted in the New York Times with a statement that really made me think (I appreciate people who make me think).
"When the church wins the culture wars, it inevitably loses," Mr. Boyd preached. "When it conquers the world, it becomes the world. When you put your trust in the sword, you lose the cross."Should you take a stand on issues - absolutely! But should you let the church, or your political party take the stand for you? That's what the above statement made me think about. I don't want my political party to set my focus and define what makes me a Christian in the eyes of the public. What do you think about this quote or the article about Mr. Boyd in the New York Times ?
nice post Ben, I also appreciate people who make me think, and I'm peeved by people who refuse to form an opinion based on their own thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI'm peeved however, by the need to type in random letters correctly in order to make a comment. I understand, and I'm peeved by spam more, but still!
Well Tim M, I'm not sure exactly who you are referring to by people who "refuse to form an opinion based on their own thoughts", but if it happens to be me then let me clear things up.
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree with Mr. Boyd initially. I don't feel the need to jump on every political bandwagon that people from within the church jump on - atleast not using the tactics that are most often seen in the news.
FOR EXAMPLE, why hold an anti-gay rally at your church which displays hatred and judgement, and lessons the chance of reaching people who do not live by the standards the church lives by? Wouldn't our time be better spent establishing relationships in other ways? Afterall, do you think sexual activity or preference is the only problem in their lives? We don't need a rally at our church to say that we don'y support homosexuality - we all already know we don't support it.
As for the letters - Maybe I'll take them off.
As Christians, Jesus wants us to change the world, but I don't know if He wants us to change it through legislation. I don't think making more laws has ever changed anyone's heart, which is why I never understood why Christians get so involved in politics. I mean, I'm a Christian and very much involved in politics, but I don't feel that's the epicenter for the battle between good and evil.
ReplyDeleteWhere's that verse where Jesus recommends getting believers voted in public office and other positions of influence so His will can be done?