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.

[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.

[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.

[shinerbock]

Originally Posted by DeltAlum

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.

Indeed. I've always found it strange when I hear about evangelical churches getting directly political. Don't get me wrong, I've attended several evangelical churches, and nearly all vote pretty uniformly. However, I've never heard any mention of any political candidate by the pastors at any of those churches. You can discern how they feel of course, but that is because one side usually aligns with issues the church cares about, and one takes a fairly opposite stance.

I have heard some snippets of the politicization of the black church, but not much. I have basically zero experience with black churches, but it does seem they're often more overt when it comes to advocating for "social justice" discussing political matters.

[UGAalum94]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

Indeed. I've always found it strange when I hear about evangelical churches getting directly political. Don't get me wrong, I've attended several evangelical churches, and nearly all vote pretty uniformly. However, I've never heard any mention of any political candidate by the pastors at any of those churches. You can discern how they feel of course, but that is because one side usually aligns with issues the church cares about, and one takes a fairly opposite stance.

I have heard some snippets of the politicization of the black church, but not much. I have basically zero experience with black churches, but it does seem they're often more overt when it comes to advocating for "social justice" discussing political matters.

Yeah, it seems to me that it's the politicians who have latched on to selling themselves as the candidate who represents "evangelical" issues, rather than direct endorsements by many, mainstream, non-televised religious leaders.

Sometimes you get a sense of an endorsement in terms of the issues that a church leader might emphasize at a certain time, but I've never known anyone who wasn't a televangelist who really tried to endorse anyone or manipulate voters, at least in real life.

[shinerbock]

Originally Posted by UGAalum94

Yeah, it seems to me that it's the politicians who have latched on to selling themselves as the candidate who represents "evangelical" issues, rather than direct endorsements by many, mainstream, non-televised religious leaders.

Sometimes you get a sense of an endorsement in terms of the issues that a church leader might emphasize at a certain time, but I've never known anyone who wasn't a televangelist who really tried to endorse anyone or manipulate voters, at least in real life.

I'm sure it happens, but having attended several southern baptist churches without ever hearing these things (or the extreme fire and brimstone), I think a lot of the "attributes" of evangelicals are vastly overplayed.

[DeltAlum]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

I'm sure it happens, but having attended several southern baptist churches without ever hearing these things (or the extreme fire and brimstone), I think a lot of the "attributes" of evangelicals are vastly overplayed.

I grew up in a fundamentalist (read that Hell, Fire and Brimstone) church and got out when my teen rebellion came along.

The cynic in me would say, at least at that time, our church was a lot more interested in the collection plate than the ballot box.

But times do change.

[shinerbock]

Originally Posted by DeltAlum

I grew up in a fundamentalist (read that Hell, Fire and Brimstone) church and got out when my teen rebellion came along.

The cynic in me would say, at least at that time, our church was a lot more interested in the collection plate than the ballot box.

But times do change.

Well, I dunno that they completely change. I'm sure plenty of churches are still like that. But I've been to a range of Methodist and Southern Baptist churches and haven't really seen anything I'd consider greedy, overtly political, or with over-emphasis on damnation.

I'm sure some people would point to any reference to hell or salvation as being "fire and brimstone" type stuff, but I really don't see it.

[DeltAlum]

It seemed to me at the time that the "begging" for offering was nearly as long as the sermon.

And, they did it twice during the service.

Plus during Sunday School.