Over at the Catoosa County News, homeschooler Jeannie Babb Taylor has a bone to pick with the "exit strategy" put forth by some Southern Baptists. It is actually an interesting article, with a few characterizations of conservative Christians which I personally would contest. I'm not "running from evolution, homosexuality or even drugs," but she provides enough quotes for her stance that she does not appear to be working solely from stereotypes. This, however, I found quite interesting, since it so closely adheres to my personal beliefs about the Church in America today:
When the church sets up overseas missions, some of the first things we do is set up schools and hospitals. We care for the physical and spiritual needs of the community, becoming a light of hope in a dark world. What do we do in the United States? Set up a grassroots lobbying organization to make sure that homosexual marriage is made unconstitutional? Does that really save anyone?
It seems to me that the church has become reactionary. We respond to threats (real or perceived) rather than really confronting them at their roots.
There is no governmental solution which will make this a more virtuous nation. On the contrary, becoming a virtuous nation will solve our governmental problems. We should be focused on solving the very real needs in our communities more than imposing governmental restrictions based on Christian values. Submission to the law of God is voluntary. Codifying it into federal law helps no one.
After Peter's confession, Christ says,
Which is all about education.
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If the souls of children were number one on the Baptist agenda, the churches would be focused on adding more educational options, not sabotaging the options we have now. Just imagine if church activists took the millions spent opposing abortion, homosexuality and public school, and simply funneled it into free Christian schools. Imagine if any child who wanted a Christian education could walk into the church and — at no cost — receive 12 years in math, history, science, language studies and Bible. Provide a superior education at no cost, and students will flock to the church in droves. Catoosa County NewsI disagree with the apparent focus on daycares and schools. And I do believe it is entirely appropriate for church leaders to encourage their members to investigate what is being taught at their local public and private schools. But education is one of the central purposes of the church. And we should be taking it more seriously.
When the church sets up overseas missions, some of the first things we do is set up schools and hospitals. We care for the physical and spiritual needs of the community, becoming a light of hope in a dark world. What do we do in the United States? Set up a grassroots lobbying organization to make sure that homosexual marriage is made unconstitutional? Does that really save anyone?
It seems to me that the church has become reactionary. We respond to threats (real or perceived) rather than really confronting them at their roots.
There is no governmental solution which will make this a more virtuous nation. On the contrary, becoming a virtuous nation will solve our governmental problems. We should be focused on solving the very real needs in our communities more than imposing governmental restrictions based on Christian values. Submission to the law of God is voluntary. Codifying it into federal law helps no one.
After Peter's confession, Christ says,
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. --Matthew 16:18Unfortunately, I think many Christian organizations spend to much energy attempting to control movements within society through governmental regulations rather than focusing on the roots of the problem: personal sin. If we are on His side, we cannot lose. But we are fighting a spiritual battle, not a physical one.
Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. John 18:36We judge our victories by the hearts of man, not legal precedent. It is all about education. The goal isn't (or shouldn't be) to "bankrupt the American educational establishment" but to edify the body. From Websters 1812:
ED''IFY, v.t. [L. oedifico; oedes, a house, and facio, to make.]1. To build, in a literal sense. [Not now used.] 2. To instruct and improve the mind in knowledge generally,and particularly in moral and religious knowledge, in faith and holiness. Edify one another. 1 Thess.5. 3. To teach or persuade. [Not used.]
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