Several high-profile evangelical Christians are criticizing the evangelical movement for its close alliance with the Republican Party. These voices - scholars, clergy and laypeople - say that evangelicals have sacrificed the message of Jesus at the altar of political influence, throwing over their biblically mandated mission to the poor and disadvantaged in favor of trying to affect decisions about gay marriage, abortion and other issues laden with "moral values." Evangelicals, many of these critics contend, have forgotten Christ's admonition to wage peace in favor of waging the culture wars.
A half-dozen books by evangelical authors are calling for major reform.
Baptist bloggers discontented with the conservative alignment of the Southern Baptist Convention were instrumental in the election of Frank Page, a younger and potentially more progressive pastor, as the denomination's new president.
A gathering of African-American pastors, led by Dallas pastor Frederick Haynes III, criticized some megachurches and their pastors as being more concerned with politics and wealth than with the poor.
In May, a group of conservative Southern Baptist pastors signed the "Memphis Declaration," a document that calls for repentance and remorse for "triumphalism" in pursuing Baptist causes and for turning "a blind eye to wickedness" within the denomination.
According to a recent Gallup Poll, the percentage of Americans who believe the federal government should promote "moral values" has fallen 12 points in the last decade, from 60 percent in 1996 to 48 percent in 2006.
Some people's opinions on current political issues - from war and terrorism to abortion and same-sex marriage - are shaped by religious beliefs. Debate over how people's faith should affect their votes can sway elections.
Often we are own worst enemy. I wonder how many churches are planning sermons on public issues leading into November elections? Will they hand out voter guides? Or will they claim they are not of this world and therefore have no concern?
2 comments:
And I'm SO SURE these critics of conservative Christians have taken the time to do the research about how much they give to and work for the poor! (end sarcasm).
I don't remember anywhere in the bible where Christ said to use government to forcibly take from people, waste 70%, and give the remaining 30% to the poor. I remember Christ telling us to help the poor, which is a commission that most of the evengelicals / fundamentalists I know take very seriously.
I agree. The problem is many think paying taxes fulfills our obligation to the poor when it only fulfills our obligation to the government.
We have removed the human aspect. I know many people who abuse the system and think it's ok because it's government money.
These same people never have to turn to a real person or a church for help.
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