@howertonjosh Is it okay for the Christians in Iran to pray against the attacks of the US and Israel on their country? I agree with the nuance on praying during war and difficult times, but let’s play the full story out here with everyone involved.
@KirkCameron Read Augustine’s or the mystics writings on the Christian movement after Constantine’s adoption of it. Were the churches full? Yes. But sadly, much of orthodoxy was corrupted by a political movement that made Christianity synonymous with power, which it never was meant to be.
@KirkCameron It’s fine to rejoice in individual policy changes that reflect God’s law. However, I fear that the conflation of Christian faith and trumpism will be and is already proving to be a more dangerous threat to orthodoxy.
"Why don't you criticize progressives more often?"
I don't consider progressives supporting progressive policies terribly newsworthy. I DO consider Christians supporting un-Christian policies and behavior worth discussing and calling out.
It's about the church, not the nation.
If I were the literal devil I would carefully convince Christians that there is something sinister about empathy, that forgiveness is reserved for those who serve my interests, and that love looks like incurious condescension.
Dear person exploring Christianity,
The heart of the Christian tradition doesn't look like the coopted and sold out expressions of far right wing American political religion that you see floating around. It's not far left either, but it's definitely not far right where violence and hate are not only tolerated, but celebrated in the name of "rule of law."
Jesus would not recognize the brand of Christianity that you think is backwards. Many Christians in the US also see it as backwards too.
@SynthPotato Thank you for sharing this! I totally agree. Especially when you have mechanics introduced that aren’t necessary (though still fun) it just makes the game more complicated in places not needed. Also the depths are boring. BOTW is a 10 and TOTK is an 8.5.
@howertonjosh “The union of Church and State under Constantine was a blessing in disguise; it secured outward peace, but sowed the seeds of spiritual decline.”
— Philip Schaff
@jdgreear Is it more wrong to insinuate an invalid moral equivalency within the political parties or to project a political methodology for advancing the Kingdom of God?
Re-platformimg Driscoll, who is basically a cartoon at this point, is obviously stupid, but it makes total sense for the new attractionalism where the biblical qualifications for eldership are seen as quaint and impractical.
I don't mind Christians holding political office, or having political influence. We each have our vocation. I agree with the idea of voting for someone who will benefit our neighbor, as a means of loving our neighbors. I actually know a couple decent ones out there.
I guess my issue with "Christian Nationalism" as poorly as it's defined, is that it puts all its energies into the least effective basket. I reject the premise that political power will further the church. Not only does church history show that the church has grown the fastest and strongest during persecution, and that the church was corrupted 100% of the time that it had political power, on a personal human level, I don't find it to be the most effective in reaching people with the gospel. The only thing political power has ever been able to push on a culture is an appearance of goodness that rings hollow, and pushes those in need underground. It's not that I don't want Christians in power, it's that there are things more effective within my reach to care about.
God's kingdom has been defined in Scriptures, and by theologians through the ages as upside down. The weak are strong. The first are last. The sinners are forgiven.
The whole quest for Christian control has always felt like Israel begging God for a king, when God was like "well, I've been here the whole time, but if you want a representation of yourselves, here you go. You want someone who is your definition of 'strong leader?' Have fun."
I don't need political power to provide resources to a woman being kicked out of her home by her parents or boyfriend if she doesn't get an abortion. I don't need political power to tell someone that Jesus died for their sins. I don't need political power to serve the poor. I don't need political power to disciple the young people around me. The most effective things that the church does are small and hidden. The Holy Spirit doesn't wait for the next election so he can do stuff, you know? The lure and promise of it feels like this massive distraction from the work we are actually called to do.
There are people--real flesh and blood people in your midst who God has called you to love and serve. That is your vocation. Don't let the political climate distract you.
And this last week, whenever I'm trying to talk about prayer, or poetry and beauty, there's always the comments that are a call to "real work" or calls to anger, calls to hatred, call to arms. Guys, the gospel that Jesus died for the world--that grace is what rules--light casts out darkness--loves casts out fear--this isn't a distraction. It's actually the main thing.
@aaronnewberry I hear your heart and obviously respect you as a person and friend. I'm still here because I looked at Christianity expressed in the east and in third world countries viewing the real Jesus and the power and charity he brings to people who are hungry for love and hope, not power.
Watch out for the “emotional prosperity gospel”—the lie that spiritual maturity means you never feel sadness, anxiety, or the weight of past wounds.
Real maturity isn’t the absence of struggle, but trusting Christ in the midst of it.