gone today. . .

While cruising through my local "Christian store" I happened across a book that has been fairly popular as of late (I withold the title fearing possible backlash and loss of readership, which I can't really afford right now). Although I anticipate a rise in blood pressure as a result of reading some snippets of a work of Christian-pop, I go ahead and do so. Hey, what else have I to do with all of this free time?

In a section that was aimed at the role of the Christian, this particular author spent much time on how non-political the church ought to be in today's world. I considered his argument for a full three seconds before returning the paperback to its place on the shelf. Now let me see if I can get this straight, as I have heard similar statements elsewhere in my life. . .

Supposedly, the church is God's primary force of change in this world and its members (believers, if you will) are placed with a divine appointment (elected, perhaps) to make a difference to all that surround us without becoming involved with political realms of society. Yeah, I think that's it. For some unknown reason, this has become the popular stand among many evangelicals at present. While we're at it we could also remove ourselves (if we haven't already) from judicial, legislative, philosophical, scientific, literary, journalistic, and artistic realms of society as well.

Too much?

Let me put it this way: in order for the church to make an impact with society, the church must engage society. Further, it is important that we take opportunities that are afforded to people living in a nation where the individual holds the highest responsibility of running the nation itself. How many Christian voices were made known in the last election? How many Christians made concious efforts to know and understand the issues of our day? The numbers may surprise you.

OK, OK, OK, OK. . .let me present a simple clarification: it is not the job of the church to dictate political agenda. In other words, while it may be acceptable to remind people to exercise their right and responsibility of voting, it is wrong for the church to endorse any political candidate. However, too many religious leaders have used this as a shoddy excuse for avoiding all discussion that may or may not be political regardless of the spiritual implications involved. Perhaps this is why so many feel as though we're losing the culture wars. . .it's because we're not fighting the culture wars.

I also notice that complaints such as the one in that particular book come from people who don't have a public voice. How many times does the Christian community sit around whining and crying because there isn't anyone who will step forward and be a champion for the church only to have that person come along and be left for dead at the frontlines. I've seen this firsthand with a public leader. . .it is amazing how quickly evangelicals can turn on one of their own because of stupid reasons.


(. . .more to come, I'm not through with this)