If Only Michael Jordan Was A Christian...
Why is it that we constantly parade Christian athletes, media personalities, and pop singers? Why should we think that their opinions or their experiences of grace are of any more significance than those of any other believer? When we tell outsiders about people in our church, do we instantly think of the despised and the lowly who have become Christians, or do we love to impress people with the important of the men and women who have become Christians? Modern Western evangelicalism is deeply infected with the virus of triumphalism and the resulting illness destroys humility, minimizes grace, and offers far too much homage to the money and influence and "wisdom" of our day.
- D.A. Carson, from The Cross and Christian Ministry - Leadership Lessons from 1st Corinthians, p. 29.
2 comments:
Hey Zach, this book looks interesting and I think I might put it on my to read list. I like the last part of this but not having the entire context I though I'd ask you what you think he means by "triumphalism". First thing that came to my mind was something to do with the prosperity gospel or maybe "victorious Christian living"; however, a quick Google of the word and a look at dictionary.com has a different slant on it. What say you?
Gabe,
I think what he is getting at is the tendancy in some to look for a "top/down", power heavy, political Christianity that focuses on externals and not heart change.
I could be wrong on this one, but I think this mindset would feed the need to have "important" people become Christians so that we can leverage power.
I could be all wrong on this one...
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