Christians Too Political...

[DeltAlum]

A group of Evangelical Christians will release a report in Washington this week saying that religion has become too political.

The AP has gotten a copy of the document. Following are quotes from the AP article:

"That way faith loses its independence, Christians become `useful idiots' for one political party or another, and the Christian faith becomes an ideology," according to the draft.

The declaration, scheduled to be released Wednesday in Washington, encourages Christians to be politically engaged and uphold teachings such as traditional marriage. But the drafters say evangelicals have often expressed "truth without love," helping create a backlash against religion during a "generation of culture warring."They say more than 80 evangelicals have signed the statement, although only a few names have been released. A. Larry Ross, spokesman for the authors, said the theologicans and Christian leaders involved are seeking to "go back to the root theological meaning of the term evangelical."

To put it simply, I agree.

Here's a link:

http://www.cleveland.com/newsflash/i...ylist=national

[DSTCHAOS]

Yep.

[ThetaPrincess24]

I agree too. I believe a book is out about this topic. The title slips my mind but it basically talks about how Christians have become too political and are neglecting to help the common folks.

[Tom Earp]

Didn't Henry the VIII say the same thing about the Roman Catholics back in his day!

What is ironic is that while America (Federal Govt.) is trying to distance itself from the Relegions, the religions are getting more into politics?

But remember too, they do get tax breaks!

[ThetaPrincess24]

I used the search function on the Barnes & Noble website and found this:

The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power is Destroying the Church by Gregory A. Boyd.

[shinerbock]

I agree, but I certainly think it should be expanding beyond "evangelicals." Usually people are referring to the Christian-GOP connection, but it certainly goes the other way as well.

[DeltAlum]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

I agree, but I certainly think it should be expanding beyond "evangelicals." Usually people are referring to the Christian-GOP connection, but it certainly goes the other way as well.

As I recall from the link, there is language pertaining to concerns about both conservatives and liberals, so there may be at least some balance.

Also, the document was written by self proclaimed Evangelicals, so perhaps they're interested in addressing themselves without taking issue with others.

[UGAalum94]

Originally Posted by DeltAlum

A group of Evangelical Christians will release a report in Washington this week saying that religion has become too political.

The AP has gotten a copy of the document. Following are quotes from the AP article:

"That way faith loses its independence, Christians become `useful idiots' for one political party or another, and the Christian faith becomes an ideology," according to the draft.

The declaration, scheduled to be released Wednesday in Washington, encourages Christians to be politically engaged and uphold teachings such as traditional marriage. But the drafters say evangelicals have often expressed "truth without love," helping create a backlash against religion during a "generation of culture warring."They say more than 80 evangelicals have signed the statement, although only a few names have been released. A. Larry Ross, spokesman for the authors, said the theologicans and Christian leaders involved are seeking to "go back to the root theological meaning of the term evangelical."

To put it simply, I agree.

Here's a link:

http://www.cleveland.com/newsflash/i...ylist=national

I like the idea of sending this message, and I think the problems described were frustrating to Christians for both political and religious reasons. As a voter one might not like being labeled or marginalized. As a Christian, one might not like being spoken for my the likes of the folks that the media and politicians go to (or who seek out the media and politicians) to make statements on behalf of Christians. ETA: not to mention, of course, the sincere problem of the most vocal and political Christians advocating positions that didn't seem Christ-like.

It's interesting to me that this resolution happens after the guy perceived as the evangelical candidate lost the Republican nomination and while connections to a Christian religious figure may be hampering one of the Democratic candidates.

I don't really doubt the sincerity of those putting the document forward or signing it, but it does give those who were kind of guilty of political pandering or manipulation a face saving out: it's not that the lost their influence; it's that they are backing away from politics to be more Christian.