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November 05, 2007
A case study in not having a clue
A couple weeks ago, the state association of a major evangelical organization had their annual convention near here. I have been following with interest, wondering what the week might bring. I was especially interested, because on the first day, I happened to be at their meeting site, and was wearing a sweatshirt with the name of a seminary on it. I wondered if anyone would notice and want to chat with me.
Notice they did. Some openly stared. But nobody – nobody – said the first word to me. Not even a hello. Not a nod. After all, the seminary was not one of theirs, so I must be some sort of heretic.
So here's what happened over the week, according to the local newspaper:
The major topic, with teary-eyed testimonials and rousing sermons, was how we can more effectively be the people of God and represent him before the world.
Oops, wrong bunch. Those guys were somewhere else not far away, talking about being Jesus to the world. And possibly drinking a few beers while they talked. No, here the concern was abstinence from alcohol. A Very Important Person pointed out in a speech that there is no support in the Bible for total abstinence from alcohol. He makes a good point: It’s impossible to say from scripture that it’s a sin to drink a beer or a glass of wine. Nevertheless, the only Christian position on alcohol in the state of Missouri, according to this guy, is total abstinence. And apparently, someone has appointed him the Great High Sheriff of All Things Christian.
So they haggle over whether to have a beer or not, while the world goes its way, laughing at this nonsense. And it’s even more laughable, since this would be the eleventh or twelfth such policy statement this group has issued. Apparently the first one didn't work. Neither did the second. Or... never mind.
Hello! Is anyone home? The lights are on, but there isn't much sign of intelligent life.
What’s with these people? I visited one of their churches some time ago, one that was considering hiring me as an intern. In a mid-week class, a guest “teacher” spent much of the time ridiculing the church because they had removed the denominational name from the church name. Going anonymous, I guess. The class was supposed to be on the church in Acts, and the instructor was a professor at the local denominational university. He said nothing about Acts the entire evening.
What ever happened to being concerned about how we live as followers of Jesus? How we demonstrate the love, grace and truth of Jesus to the world? And, heaven forbid, meeting the needs of others and perhaps even winning some to join us in placing their faith in Jesus?
I am disgusted with these guys -- perhaps it shows a little -- and am happy that most of them don’t call themselves Christians, because I don’t want to be associated with them. They seem to prefer being called Baptists – Southern Baptists – than Christians. Watching them, I am more adamant than ever that I am a follower of Jesus. I don’t want to be known by anything that might associate me with this nauseating foolishness.
They are an embarrassment and a disgrace to the name of our God, even though there are some among them who truly love God and follow Jesus. What I don’t understand is why they stay in such a place.
Posted by Avi at November 5, 2007 12:43 PM
Comments
That is disgusting. But don't forget to be thankful yourself that you are not as ignorant as they are. Remember, the bible states that you should rebuke your brother, but rebuke your brother gently. You do need to rebuke them, but work with them and present the truth that they desperately need to hear rather than totally dismiss them.
Posted by: J slo at November 18, 2007 10:21 PM
AMEN! Ohh, I just blogged about this same issue, but unfortunately it's a result of normal every day life, not some special conference. We should grab a beer some time and talk about Jesus. Maybe throw in a Cigar, and we'd have three of my favorate things in life! I shouldn't have to clarify which is most important to me!
Posted by: pete at November 19, 2007 09:22 AM
But can you say for a fact that their paths will not lead them closer to Him? Make no mistake. Not all paths are the same. They are personal paths. Taylor-made by God for each individual. What works for one may not work for another. What seems like a path straight to hell may lead that man to salvation. Only the mind's ego can be disgusted. Take care you don't place too much attention on your own mind's opinions. (All minds judge. They can't help it. The are made to analyze. It's what they do. But we can help where we place our attention.) Place your attention on your own soul and watch your heart fill up with love and joy and love for the Lord. Then others will flock to you and say each other "What's that guy got that makes him so happy and full of light?" Look at others with love in your heart and see if you encounter lovely people all day long. Try it out. Christianity should be a practical path. We shouldn't just talk about Jesus. Practice what Jesus said! Try these things out!
Posted by: Wren at January 17, 2008 11:44 PM
J - be careful. Don't forget the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector. " Oh Thank you God that I am not like (fill in the blank)" We can't let the fact that we are not legalistic get in the way that we are sinners saved by grace. Unfortunately in our attempt to disdain the "Pharisee" we too come to look at our outward appearance and thank God that it's not like the ones we are disgusted by. Change is from the inside out whether you are Jew or Greek or Southern Baptist. We need the gospel preached to ourselves everyday!
Posted by: Jonas at January 31, 2008 08:23 PM
