Of the many things that I am concerned about currently regarding the state of the world and the church. This is one of those that ranks high on the list.
We are seeing in our society, at least in the West a polarisation of opinion where we are being forced, even extruded, like mince through a sausage machine into taking sides. You are either left or right, republican or democrat, liberal or conservative.
We are being forced to choose.
Personally, I think that part of the reason is that everyone sees the problems, but no one really has the answers and in our desperation we thrash about.
Now in a sense I guess this should be expected in a society that has cut itself adrift from a Biblical and Faith anchor, but when it begins to impact the church that is cause for concern.
What is worse is when faith generally and Christianity specifically is both weaponised (even if that were truly possible!) and politicised.
This I guess is being seen most especially in the United States. It would appear that the MAGA Movement and the ‘new, improved’ (I speak ironically) Republican Party has laid claim to the Christian faith as a means of justifying, nay, legitimising some of its policies and its position
Suddenly we see in the world an aggressive Christianity (?) that seeks to impose, scaremonger and resist the ‘evils’ that it perceives. Whilst many of its concerns maybe laudable, I would venture to suggest that its approach is questionable.
What concerns me the most is the damage this does to the church and the Christian Gospel.
It seems to me that to see Christianity aligned with one party, or one grouping is to leave many others who desperately need to hear its message isolated and alienated from that which is in its purest form (if there is such a thing!) the good news and hope that they need and Jesus alone offers.
It also seems to me that there is real danger in lashing Christianity to Nationalism in any form after all we are not essentially as Christian citizens first and foremost of any earthly Kingdom. Our kingdom and King are of another place and our role here is to be His ambassadors and represent the values of heaven itself.
My final concern, at least for this brief post, is that in the process of promotion and adoption of a ‘hardcore’, hard-nosed, fear inducing form of Christianity we lose sight of its finer points. Things such as grace, forgiveness, sacrifice, tolerance towards those that hold differing convictions and opinions, to name a few. Those things that set the Christian faith apart from all others. Those things that are only possible through a close relationship with Jesus and a willingness for carry THE cross daily and live a resurrection life now.
I know there is a lot here. A lot that is emotive. Many places to pigeonhole me and to disagree. Please feel free. Opinions welcome. Disagreement anticipated. Grace assured.
Blessings
