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Friday, January 14, 2005
Divisions that Hurt - part 1
The Christian world is dividing itself up and taking sides. Lines have been drawn in the sand. Debates are running rampant. Accusations abound. Name calling and labeling profusely rule the day.
In our post-election climate, Christians are searching for a sense of Christian identity. The outspoken, Christian conservative movement has new found momentum but is not a flavor that has lasting appeal for everyone. The Christian Left is fragmented but beginning to speak out. Divisions within the Christian community are the result.
In Paul's letter to the Corinthians he simply says: Stop! "I beg you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that all of you agree with each other and not be split into groups." (1 Corinthians 1:10 - NCV) Today, we are facing a crisis in the Christian church that far surpasses the "Apollos vs. Peter" debate of Corinth. But it is the same debate - a debate of identity.
Whereas the issues are many and the lines a bit gray, the basis for this identity crisis stems from a focus on Social Justice versus Righteousness. Do we have the moral obligation to impose a specific brand of morality onto the world in the name of Christ or should our hearts reach out and embrace the world in love?
The Christian Left will say that it is not our job to judge the world. Jesus taught us to love one another, including our enemies. All aspects of our faith should be measured by our love. "But if I do not have love, I am only a noisy bell or a crashing cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13:1 NCV) The problems of the world are better served through loving outreach.
On the other hand, the Conservative Right throws its emphasis towards righteous living. The problems of our society are caused by ignoring God moral plan. We need to create a climate of righteous living. In this view, the sins become the main focus and we are called by God to fight sin, wherever we find it. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness..." (Romans 1:18 - NRSV)
These two little paragraphs do not begin to account for the current schism in the Christian community. A doctoral treatise on the topic would probably fall short in capturing the complexity of this modern debate.
These, however, are not new issues unique to a modern age. Jesus began the debate in His unceasing attack on the legalistic and literal views of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Evidence of this debate also can be found in letters of Paul and James. Paul accused Peter of being too legalistic and not allowing the message of Christ to be openly available to the world. Martin Luther and John Wesley, among many others, were deeply involved with these same issues during their lives. We are not breaking new ground.
Is Paul's advice pertinent in our modern society? Are we wrong to debate and divide? Is Christian harmony important? If so, why? What would Jesus say? Ultimately, isn't this the question all Christians should ask?
In our post-election climate, Christians are searching for a sense of Christian identity. The outspoken, Christian conservative movement has new found momentum but is not a flavor that has lasting appeal for everyone. The Christian Left is fragmented but beginning to speak out. Divisions within the Christian community are the result.
In Paul's letter to the Corinthians he simply says: Stop! "I beg you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that all of you agree with each other and not be split into groups." (1 Corinthians 1:10 - NCV) Today, we are facing a crisis in the Christian church that far surpasses the "Apollos vs. Peter" debate of Corinth. But it is the same debate - a debate of identity.
Whereas the issues are many and the lines a bit gray, the basis for this identity crisis stems from a focus on Social Justice versus Righteousness. Do we have the moral obligation to impose a specific brand of morality onto the world in the name of Christ or should our hearts reach out and embrace the world in love?
The Christian Left will say that it is not our job to judge the world. Jesus taught us to love one another, including our enemies. All aspects of our faith should be measured by our love. "But if I do not have love, I am only a noisy bell or a crashing cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13:1 NCV) The problems of the world are better served through loving outreach.
On the other hand, the Conservative Right throws its emphasis towards righteous living. The problems of our society are caused by ignoring God moral plan. We need to create a climate of righteous living. In this view, the sins become the main focus and we are called by God to fight sin, wherever we find it. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness..." (Romans 1:18 - NRSV)
These two little paragraphs do not begin to account for the current schism in the Christian community. A doctoral treatise on the topic would probably fall short in capturing the complexity of this modern debate.
These, however, are not new issues unique to a modern age. Jesus began the debate in His unceasing attack on the legalistic and literal views of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Evidence of this debate also can be found in letters of Paul and James. Paul accused Peter of being too legalistic and not allowing the message of Christ to be openly available to the world. Martin Luther and John Wesley, among many others, were deeply involved with these same issues during their lives. We are not breaking new ground.
Is Paul's advice pertinent in our modern society? Are we wrong to debate and divide? Is Christian harmony important? If so, why? What would Jesus say? Ultimately, isn't this the question all Christians should ask?
