8.11.2004
The Culture War
This pretty much reflects my own thoughts on the matter.
rick
A Radical Alternative to Political Activism
by John MacArthur
from: http://www.5solas.org/media.php?id=447
While I'm disturbed by the anti-Christian, morally debauched culture we live in, and long to see our nation turn to the biblical standard, I'm also concerned about the hostile response to that culture by some believers, churches, and Christian ministries.
Appalled by the lack of biblical morality or sense of justice, believers have taken the spiritual battle to the streets. Christians are being urged by other Christians to fight for cultural change by demonstrating, protesting, boycotting, and blockading anything that conflicts with our traditional values.
I'm concerned about the prevailing mindset that makes political and social activism the primary business of Christianity and reduces faith in Christ to just another political force. Here are a few ways I believe this current trend has inflicted serious harm on the cause of Christ and crippled the effectiveness of believers:
First, by looking to human means to reform society and establish Christian values, we've denied God's sovereignty over human history and events. Imagine what the world must think of our God. Do we think Him so weak and incapable of caring for us that we prefer using protests and political pressure rather than the spiritual resources He offers?
Second, seeking to bring biblical values to our culture by changing itthrough fleshly means is a selfish pursuit. The truth is, God never intended for us to be at ease with our culture. What effect will our being comfortable in our culture have on the eternal destination of the men and women in our communities who don't know Christ? Rather than demanding our rights and feathering for ourselves a nest where we feel safe and accepted, we need to see the deep spiritual needs of the world, and concern ourselves with offering them hope through Jesus Christ. That's what being a living sacrifice is all about.
Third, by establishing Christian values through earthly methods, we risk creating a false sense of morality. However difficult this is to accept, we do people little good by forcing them to adopt our biblical standards of morality. Doing so only brings superficial change and hides the real issue—sin and their need for rebirth in Jesus Christ. Policeman or prostitute, doctor or drug dealer, when people of this world face God's judgment, their traditional Christian values won't matter at all—only how they responded to JesusChrist. That's why pursuing outward change at the expense of inward transformation is always a nearsighted, costly choice.
Finally, by making activism our priority, we fashion a reputation as rabble rousing malcontents, and foster hostility toward unbelievers that alienates us from them, and them from us. We need to let go of the notion that culture and government are the enemy. Yes, the world is sinful, but must we act surprised or shocked by their sinfulness? How else should sinners act? They are blinded by the powers of darkness and have no spiritual discernment. That's why we must stop looking at the world as our enemy, and begin seeing them as our mission field. Indeed, we are in a battle, but it is a spiritual battle, one in which we must use spiritual weapons.
This pretty much reflects my own thoughts on the matter.
rick
A Radical Alternative to Political Activism
by John MacArthur
from: http://www.5solas.org/media.php?id=447
While I'm disturbed by the anti-Christian, morally debauched culture we live in, and long to see our nation turn to the biblical standard, I'm also concerned about the hostile response to that culture by some believers, churches, and Christian ministries.
Appalled by the lack of biblical morality or sense of justice, believers have taken the spiritual battle to the streets. Christians are being urged by other Christians to fight for cultural change by demonstrating, protesting, boycotting, and blockading anything that conflicts with our traditional values.
I'm concerned about the prevailing mindset that makes political and social activism the primary business of Christianity and reduces faith in Christ to just another political force. Here are a few ways I believe this current trend has inflicted serious harm on the cause of Christ and crippled the effectiveness of believers:
First, by looking to human means to reform society and establish Christian values, we've denied God's sovereignty over human history and events. Imagine what the world must think of our God. Do we think Him so weak and incapable of caring for us that we prefer using protests and political pressure rather than the spiritual resources He offers?
Second, seeking to bring biblical values to our culture by changing itthrough fleshly means is a selfish pursuit. The truth is, God never intended for us to be at ease with our culture. What effect will our being comfortable in our culture have on the eternal destination of the men and women in our communities who don't know Christ? Rather than demanding our rights and feathering for ourselves a nest where we feel safe and accepted, we need to see the deep spiritual needs of the world, and concern ourselves with offering them hope through Jesus Christ. That's what being a living sacrifice is all about.
Third, by establishing Christian values through earthly methods, we risk creating a false sense of morality. However difficult this is to accept, we do people little good by forcing them to adopt our biblical standards of morality. Doing so only brings superficial change and hides the real issue—sin and their need for rebirth in Jesus Christ. Policeman or prostitute, doctor or drug dealer, when people of this world face God's judgment, their traditional Christian values won't matter at all—only how they responded to JesusChrist. That's why pursuing outward change at the expense of inward transformation is always a nearsighted, costly choice.
Finally, by making activism our priority, we fashion a reputation as rabble rousing malcontents, and foster hostility toward unbelievers that alienates us from them, and them from us. We need to let go of the notion that culture and government are the enemy. Yes, the world is sinful, but must we act surprised or shocked by their sinfulness? How else should sinners act? They are blinded by the powers of darkness and have no spiritual discernment. That's why we must stop looking at the world as our enemy, and begin seeing them as our mission field. Indeed, we are in a battle, but it is a spiritual battle, one in which we must use spiritual weapons.
