When I was in college I went to one of those "Reclaiming America for Christ" conferences put on by D. James Kennedy. There was a nice man in our community with great intentions that paid the way for myself and some of my buddies. It was in FL during the winter, so as Iowa boys we were game for anything.
To sum up the conference in one word: Scary. Maybe another word... Dangerous. Good people, good intentions, but methodology seriously gone wrong in my view. Here is a quote that sums it up well.
Our understanding of cultural engagement seems to be that of reaction and protest. Doing our homework, developing expertise in the many fields of cultural endeavor, and winsome persuasion in the public square have been replaced by the “1 800 associations” that promise to “give ‘em grief in Washington” if you will just send in your $50 check. Is it any wonder that evangelicals and fundamentalists are now being identified in polls as the least desirable group to have as neighbors? We don’t need to take back America (Indeed, we can’t: It was never ours.) We need to take ourselves back. Back to authentic, historic, biblical Christianity. To take ourselves back to the reality of the precarious position of sinners before a Holy God, and the atoning work of Christ, who accomplished for sinners what they could never accomplish for themselves: peace with God. We need to return to our first love, to marvel afresh at our membership in Christ’s body and the privilege that is ours of proclaiming the good news to a sin-sick world. And we need to repent for the idolatry of embracing politics as the chief means of bringing about renewal- Dan Bryant, Christianity and Politics: How Shall the Twain Shall Meet?
(HT: Joe Thorn)
5 comments:
But, but we are a country founded on good Christian values right?? I mean like segregation and slavery, ok, nevermind that. But what about our Christian Founding fathers?? George Washington-a deist, Thomas Jefferson-tore up his bible to only keep the stuff he liked, Benjamin Frank...ah forget it...
Does this mean I cannot protest putting up the 10 commandments in my local library???
Dang it Z you take the fun out of everything!!!!
Thank you for bringing this up, and can we PLEASE somehow push this conversation further into the spotlight? In the eyes of secular American, Christian revisionist historians are seen as ignorant fanatics at best, and at worst as lying liars who lie for the sake of promoting their faith. Unfortunately most people see them as the latter, and I'm not sure that I disagree. They also seem to forget that our founders LEFT ENGLAND because of state sanctioned religion. Don't get me wrong, I believe that Christians should be involved in the political process, and that we should vote our conscience. However, when we put the hope for our country in our people taking over the political process, we have sadly gone astray. We must not forget that Christ, after being cheered upon his arrival in Jerusalem as a political hero, spoke these words as He wept, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes." Is it hidden from our eyes as well?
And another thing... a little humble repentance from all of us wouldn't hurt either.
2 Chronicles 7:14
"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Nehemiah 1:4-7
" 4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said: "O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses."
Amen to the post, Z, and all the comments. Let's don't let wait for every American to become a Christian before we turn our hearts and hands to the rest of the world. Father, let us get out of our self-centered little worlds. Help us to see you vision in Rev. 5:9, Mt. 24:14 etc. God's kingdom is a spiritual one from all nations, it is not the USA.
Newsflash! - Remember that from the conference, Z? That was awesome!
And when we were asked if we had a group on campus, and we said we had lots of Christian ministries - and they said, "No, a Young Republicans group..." That was awesome, too.
Here is the evidence that you were there.
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