Honestly, I'm losing patience with the types of people you're talking about. If our Christian beliefs can't inform our decisions on real life issues it isn't a particularly useful religion.
Too many people are perfectly happy deceiving themselves into thinking that their opinions are biblical and the only ones that matter while also fully refusing to actually explore what the Bible says.
They want the comfort of thinking they're Christian without the challenge of exploring what that means.
One of the most encouraging articles for Christians who want to make a difference. Thanks Jack for letting me know that the Bible applies to this world regardless of what people may think. I believe I am right there with Jason Clark in his comments. Sometimes we may question what we preach because of the reaction but as long as we are grounded in God's word we are obeying His commands.
People's knowledge of the Bible has declined significantly since the seeker-sensitive movement started over 30 years ago. My time in ministry has spanned from 1983 to today and I have watched the rapid decline of the American Church. There used to be a good documentary about it on Amazon called "The Submerging Church." Churches (and many pastors) were influenced to be more focused on "nickels and noses" than preaching, teaching and believing the Word of God and it trickled down to the youth and children's ministries that became more concerned about entertainment and "hooking" the children so they come back and parents wanted unpaid babysitting. There are exceptions out there, but I'm sad to say I would stay away from all mainline denomination churches (maybe some SBC - of which I was born, taught and educated) and really do your research on any prospective church.
These are some topics (Abortion, euthanasia, immigration, racial relationships) we should deal with in our classes, at levels from jr. high and up. Leaves room for conversations. Not sure this is a "pulpit" kind of talk?
And then make sure that it is a "safe" place - disagreeing with one another should be allowed. As former president of the local RTL group, I ran in to some "strange" reasoning (if the life of the mother is at stake, let the mother die... and such) but it still is the personal opinion.
I grew up where abortion was accepted both legally and "normal." It was also the country where euthanasia was first legalized. These are "old" conversations for me - but each generation needs to think through these issues on a personal level. Too often we act as if these conclusions are clear and should apply to everyone...
As an immigrant, I hear weird arguments as well (We were here first). And having grown up (??) in a country where interracial relationships were "normal," makes me wonder why people can be amazing people - until it involves race. Granted, for a long time there was an enormous dislike towards both Germans and Japanese.
As parents, we have a still greater responsibility to help our children think through issues like this.
Sadly, some of "us" get too close to preaching hate and condemnation.
And here we all agree that, as children of God, we should be imitators of Him. How does that translate into our thoughts AND actions in these topics? Do we agree with someone who claims to be a devout Catholic that it is okay to lie when it comes to political issues? With someone who speaks in a most derogatory way about ones not liked?
I don't know what you mean by icky for sure. But I know we have too many people speaking "for the Lord" on issues they have barely considered, and their opinion on world events closes the door on the gospel message.
People who need to be saved but have never heard the gospel that the apostles preached, the gospel that was believed and obeyed, the gospel that needs to be clearly taught today, often quit listening when "Christians" dogmatically proclaim bold opinions on politics, economics, sports teams, etc.
Men who preach do not automatically become experts that can speak ex-cathedra on all subjects, and when you have an opinion without information, it is a potential stumblingblock.
Honestly, I'm losing patience with the types of people you're talking about. If our Christian beliefs can't inform our decisions on real life issues it isn't a particularly useful religion.
Too many people are perfectly happy deceiving themselves into thinking that their opinions are biblical and the only ones that matter while also fully refusing to actually explore what the Bible says.
They want the comfort of thinking they're Christian without the challenge of exploring what that means.
Me too. I can't believe how much they're doubling down on that view as things continually deteriorate around us.
All goes back to Satan's deception of "did God really say.........................?"
You're exactly right
Thank you for your ministry of truth
One of the most encouraging articles for Christians who want to make a difference. Thanks Jack for letting me know that the Bible applies to this world regardless of what people may think. I believe I am right there with Jason Clark in his comments. Sometimes we may question what we preach because of the reaction but as long as we are grounded in God's word we are obeying His commands.
People's knowledge of the Bible has declined significantly since the seeker-sensitive movement started over 30 years ago. My time in ministry has spanned from 1983 to today and I have watched the rapid decline of the American Church. There used to be a good documentary about it on Amazon called "The Submerging Church." Churches (and many pastors) were influenced to be more focused on "nickels and noses" than preaching, teaching and believing the Word of God and it trickled down to the youth and children's ministries that became more concerned about entertainment and "hooking" the children so they come back and parents wanted unpaid babysitting. There are exceptions out there, but I'm sad to say I would stay away from all mainline denomination churches (maybe some SBC - of which I was born, taught and educated) and really do your research on any prospective church.
“Your boos mean nothing. I’ve seen what you cheer”
These are some topics (Abortion, euthanasia, immigration, racial relationships) we should deal with in our classes, at levels from jr. high and up. Leaves room for conversations. Not sure this is a "pulpit" kind of talk?
And then make sure that it is a "safe" place - disagreeing with one another should be allowed. As former president of the local RTL group, I ran in to some "strange" reasoning (if the life of the mother is at stake, let the mother die... and such) but it still is the personal opinion.
I grew up where abortion was accepted both legally and "normal." It was also the country where euthanasia was first legalized. These are "old" conversations for me - but each generation needs to think through these issues on a personal level. Too often we act as if these conclusions are clear and should apply to everyone...
As an immigrant, I hear weird arguments as well (We were here first). And having grown up (??) in a country where interracial relationships were "normal," makes me wonder why people can be amazing people - until it involves race. Granted, for a long time there was an enormous dislike towards both Germans and Japanese.
As parents, we have a still greater responsibility to help our children think through issues like this.
Sadly, some of "us" get too close to preaching hate and condemnation.
And here we all agree that, as children of God, we should be imitators of Him. How does that translate into our thoughts AND actions in these topics? Do we agree with someone who claims to be a devout Catholic that it is okay to lie when it comes to political issues? With someone who speaks in a most derogatory way about ones not liked?
I don't know what you mean by icky for sure. But I know we have too many people speaking "for the Lord" on issues they have barely considered, and their opinion on world events closes the door on the gospel message.
You have to define Gospel message in that sentence.
People who need to be saved but have never heard the gospel that the apostles preached, the gospel that was believed and obeyed, the gospel that needs to be clearly taught today, often quit listening when "Christians" dogmatically proclaim bold opinions on politics, economics, sports teams, etc.
Men who preach do not automatically become experts that can speak ex-cathedra on all subjects, and when you have an opinion without information, it is a potential stumblingblock.
I don’t know about sports teams, but as far as the Bible discusses politics and economics, the church should, too.