somebody take a stand. . .now go away!

This particular post is going to be more of a rant than I've ever attempted on this site before. For quite a while I have been watching the Christian community as it continually whines and cries over the fact that nobody ever takes a real stand in the public forum for the ideals and ways of the church. In the past few years this sentiment has revolved around our president, who categorizes himself as a believer but is forced to constantly defend himself - mostly from other Christians.

It never ceases to amaze me how evangelicals keep calling for lambs that roar (quite the overused metaphor), and then running back to the house to find the shotgun at the first hint of disagreement. I have to say that this is not the picture of grace that one envisages from all of the biblical talk about community. Nor does it sound like the attitude of commitment and edification that comes from those who are true and devoted followers of Jesus.

One of the more ongoing favorites for personal attacks is Dr. James Dobson (founder of Focus on the Family). And I just caught another "theo-"blog kicking up some dirt in his direction. Although this individiual has provided such an incredible impact for the ethics and morals of the kingdom of God, he is frequently attacked by churchgoers (a rather ambiguous term) who couldn't theologize their way out of a wet paper sack. Yet they feel the need to take someone who has stepped out to make a difference and fire shots at his back.

Not that it has made much of a difference. For those who are about the Father's business will not be taken down, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven and they work through the empowerment of the Spirit. Of all of the attacks, supposed exposes, insider trashing and constant annoying the work of the kingdom moves forward through such incredible individuals.

There are lessons to be learned:
1) to take out a person of faith is to take out the Spirit at work within them (which is quite impossible)
2) to be a part of a community demands commitment and a call to edify

Are we commited?

This might be something along the lines of our identity being wrapped up in our love for each other or something like that. . .