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Christian Activism? - 10/6/2008 3:36:46 PM
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Peter_Gunn
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Where do Christians fit in the world of activism?
We have people in our church that choose activist events over church activities. Some of the activities are good things, some, more questionable. But their church duties always come second to these more political activities.
A youth leader didn't attend a regular youth meeting opting for a Pro-Life event instead. One of those things where you wear red tape over your mouth.
A church leader chose to attend a Call rally over an important church event that they really needed to attend (it was actually a responsibility for them). The fact that they didn't attend the church event, caused difficulties and they were aware of that beforehand. But their responsibility still wasn't as important as The Call.
These people are church leaders. So what should come first? Church responsibilities or pet issues?
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RE: Christian Activism? - 10/6/2008 3:41:16 PM
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JimboFletch
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It might depend, how many will be eternally affected by their participation in a church event and how many might be eternally affected by the other event?
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RE: Christian Activism? - 10/6/2008 3:48:55 PM
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Peter_Gunn
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quote:
ORIGINAL: JimboFletch
It might depend, how many will be eternally affected by their participation in a church event and how many might be eternally affected by the other event?
Good point, but I don't know. Spend time training and ministering to young people or stand with a crowd with a piece of red tape over your mouth?
Hmmm......
Not to mention...all the kids that are watching their leader's example of living up to their committments, responsibilities, promises, etc.
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RE: Christian Activism? - 10/6/2008 3:53:23 PM
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JimboFletch
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I guess my frustration is with church leadership that try to cram as much into Sundays as possible (leadership training, deacon meetings, special this and more special the other) that calling Sunday a day of rest has become a huge joke. And if believers in the community or local churches band together to take a stand against murdering the defenseless, too bad if we can work in another training event.
What kind of priorities: more programs and events or people with needs...
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RE: Christian Activism? - 10/6/2008 4:18:29 PM
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MrFribbles
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I think it's a great thing for people in vocational ministry to take a stand and participate in meaningful political activism. They are leading by example, showing that just having the opinion that something is wrong isn't enough - you really have to go do something about it.
_____________________________
You're a door without a key,
A field without a fence.
You've made a holy fool of me,
And I've thanked you ever since.
- Aaron Weiss
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RE: Christian Activism? - 10/6/2008 4:38:54 PM
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Peter_Gunn
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quote:
ORIGINAL: MrFribbles
I think it's a great thing for people in vocational ministry to take a stand and participate in meaningful political activism. They are leading by example, showing that just having the opinion that something is wrong isn't enough - you really have to go do something about it.
I agree with you. But at the expense of prior obligations, committments, responsibilities, duties? What kind of example is that?
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RE: Christian Activism? - 10/7/2008 3:19:43 PM
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Peter_Gunn
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I heard a sermon on the radio today, by a preacher whom I admire. He made the point that politics cannot do what the cross can do. But I see many, many Christians that are trying to force that at the expense of discipleship.
And, may I add, I don't see a biblical precedent (unless you consider David and the few good kings) for God using the political system to be His messenger to the world...I believe He left that for the church to do. I believe the American arm of the church does that through informed, prayerful voting.
Jesus did not come, as a man, to be an earthly king. He came into the world to testify to the Truth (John 18:33-38). He also didn't send his disciples into the political world. (I would consider Judas Iscariot to be the only disciple that dabbled in politics!)
So, again, where is our biblical precedent to be activists? Especially if we choose that over ministering to those over whom we've been given charge. Don't get me wrong...I think we need Christians in politics, as a vocation, and I do believe God calls some to that line of work. But that's not the road I'm talking about.
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RE: Christian Activism? - 10/7/2008 4:39:48 PM
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LCannon
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Often we judge the success of a protest(or encouragement)based on tangible results. Changing attitudes from the wider society(or church culture)are desirable from our perspective however obedience for obedience/sacrifice to Christ's sake is reward enough for Him. The 'results' are His results and society(any society)will be better for it; in mercy or judgment. There's a disconnect, often, between excepting merciful(ordained)behavior from the unrepentant.
_____________________________
"It may be that when the angels go about their task of praising God they play
only Bach. I am sure, however, that when they are together en famille they
play Mozart and then too our dear Lord listens with special pleasure."(Karl Barth)
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RE: Christian Activism? - 10/7/2008 7:41:26 PM
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mvic
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Jesus did get involved in the "politics" of His time; albeit that particular type of politics was not essentially what we would understand as politics today.
He did point out right from wrong. He did speak out against tax collectors who cheated the public. He did speak out against religious politics like working on the Sabbath or keeping traditional Jewish laws. He was also missunderstood because of politics since many believed His mission was to overthrow the Roman empire and free the Jews from foreign occupation. His crucifixion was politically inspired by His enemies who claimed that He was an enemy of Rome, a King of the Jews.
So politics is part of Christianity. We cannot as Christians see something wrong and do nothing about it. Prayers are good and essential but sometimes we also need to be active. God wants Christians to get on in positions of authority in politics, business, commerce, education, health
and so on. Only when we have true Christians in such places can we hope to make this world better.
To come back to your point: of course people should be involved in activist events, as long as they do so lawfully. The problem you mention seems to me to be a matter of priorities rather than a matter of choice between activist events and church activities.
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RE: Christian Activism? - 10/8/2008 12:07:47 AM
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MrFribbles
Posts: 1744
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quote:
But at the expense of prior obligations, committments, responsibilities, duties? What kind of example is that?
Then they are taking on too many responsibilities.
I would guess that if they went to an organized protest, then they weren't really missing out on their responsibilities. They may have not communicated their planned absence well, but I would imagine/hope they had a back-up in place. But even if they did not, it does set the example that some things are more important than one's planned activities.
_____________________________
You're a door without a key,
A field without a fence.
You've made a holy fool of me,
And I've thanked you ever since.
- Aaron Weiss
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RE: Christian Activism? - 10/10/2008 11:19:29 PM
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Dona Nobis Pacem
Posts: 148
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Peter_Gunn
Where do Christians fit in the world of activism?
We have people in our church that choose activist events over church activities. Some of the activities are good things, some, more questionable. But their church duties always come second to these more political activities.
A youth leader didn't attend a regular youth meeting opting for a Pro-Life event instead. One of those things where you wear red tape over your mouth.
A church leader chose to attend a Call rally over an important church event that they really needed to attend (it was actually a responsibility for them). The fact that they didn't attend the church event, caused difficulties and they were aware of that beforehand. But their responsibility still wasn't as important as The Call.
These people are church leaders. So what should come first? Church responsibilities or pet issues?
Well, it seems to me that we need more Christians sticking up for the unborn, poor, oppressed, etc.
The only problem I have with the youth leader attending a pro-life event is that the pro-life event should have BEEN the youth meeting and the youth should have been involved.
The fact that they are leaders is exactly why they should be involved.
They should be leading by example and showing others that it is important to stand up for the least of those among us.
Peace,
DNP
_____________________________
Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion,
Have mercy on us, and on the whole world.
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