As an evangelical dedicated to the Bible's absolute authority I understand the benevolent social conscientious of Christians. No doubt Biblical exhortations such as "dress, till, and keep the earth," and "...if you have done it unto the least of these you have done it unto me [Jesus]," compel us to seek civil redemption in the face of selfish ambition which destroys both the environment and poverty ridden lives.
And, liberal visionaries espouse claims that sound Christian on their face. Feed the hungry, cut ambitious CEO salaries, put disadvantaged little Johny on a level playing field, cap those oil wells to save our environment, and give health care to each citizen-it sounds so promising, feels so compassionately Christ-like. Yet, without a spiritual impetus behind any social endeavor, the abuse of power only changes addresses. CEO evolves into centralized authoritarianism officer (CAO), better know as tyranny. Evangelicals need to encourage Christian solutions within the context of a free market. Perhaps more boycotts of products, name taking, and of course intentional discipleship in the area of church/government relations may help redeem our broken materialistic society. But, passionately placing the responsibility on big brother government's shoulders only invites stifling oppression over that which we are desperately trying to keep free.
Godfather blogger Hugh Hewitt may offer some thought provoking solutions in his new book The Good and Faithful Servant. Here is an editorial synopsis of the book:
Hugh Hewitt is the host of a nationally syndicated radio show, a professor at Chapman University Law School and the author of a dozen previous books on the subjects of politics, law and Christianity. In this book, Hewitt lays out a 26 week course of study and conversation for small groups on the variety of subjects that Christians interested in politics must consider as they contemplate their lives as citizens in a free society. Christians in America have been accused of unthinking support of both major parties at various times in the country's history. What is crucial for any follower of Christ is not only that they be able to give an account of why they believe in the Gospel, but also of how the Gospel informs every aspect of their lives, including their decisions as citizens and voters. This book provides the millions of small groups that meet weekly or monthly with a series of readings and questions to guide those decisions. Hewitt is a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Michigan Law School. Among his previous books are The Embarrassed Believer and In But Not Of: A Guide to Christian Ambition. He blogs daily at HughHewitt.com.










RACE BLACKMAIL
Star Parker, black syndicated journalist for Sripps Howard News Service, calls out such people in her latest commentary:
This pathological society needs bold prophets in the spirit of Martin Luther King to stand up and ask both liberals and moderates (liberals in sheep's clothing) questions concerning values and core beliefs. Have business owners sold their soul for a mess of temporal pottage? Do we shape our beliefs and actions according to any sort of historical framework? Perhaps Ms. Parker may set the tone for such prophets.
Posted by jeffreymark at 07:36 PM in Commentary, Politics | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)