Sacred Causes through Earthly Powers?
It is
neither novel to articulate that we live amidst the darkening twilight of Christendom
nor new to affirm that the power to rekindle civilization lies in the true
Church of Jesus Christ However, how is this to be accomplished? Today many
Evangelicals are suggesting that the church utilize political participation and
sociological maneuvering to return our country to biblical morality. I tend to
agree with the desired ends but wonder about the associations used for the
means.
I am
in opposition to same-sex marriage, transgender identity adjustment, abortion,
and other key moral problems threatening our culture. I am appalled by the
moral decay, philosophical utilitarianism, and pragmatism that rule the
thinking of most of our political leaders, even those who name the name of
Christ as their savior.
I
desire freedom of religion for all Americans without being held hostage by any.
But it appears that we have forgotten to ask a very important question;
"What is the ultimate power and means to accomplish the ultimate
goal?" It seems to me that it is the Gospel that is the power of God that
can change lives, Romans 1:16-17. Paul did not tell the church to link up with
the Jews to participate in a geo-political maneuver to fix the social
corruption of Rome. Paul did not ask the church to participate in overthrowing
the Roman government but instead "preached Christ crucified" as the
answer to a lost and dying world; i.e. the Gospel.
Is
it true that the power for this social agenda is to come from
political-religious alignment? One wonders if sacred causes come through
worldly powers. It seems that true change will only come from the Lord Himself
through the power of the Holy Spirit in His people. The Great Commission still
stands as our marching orders from the true head of the Body, not a Western
Pope or Eastern Patriarch.
I am aware that we are to be
wise as serpents and gentle as doves. I do not see the word "compromise" as a term that is fundamentally evil
when used in the right context. I am concerned about our country and its moral
decay. It seems that modern man does not have the capacity even to measure his
descent and degradation. I feel tremendous blame is to be leveled against the
evangelical church for its arrogance and for its blatant participation in
worldly behavior as predicted by Richard Quebedeaux in his book; The Worldly
Evangelicals in the early 1970's, as well as the failure to heed the
warning issued by Richard Weaver in, Ideas Have Consequences in 1948.
If the goal is to provide
conservative, social / moral change for this country by protecting religious
rights then societal change can be accomplished in many ways. The birth and
growth of the modern political conservative party by the likes of Edmund Burke,
Friedrich Hayek, Russell Kirk, Richard Weaver, and William Buckley provided a
strong platform for religious freedom. The political arm has a place, as Mark
Hatfield and Richard Halverson demonstrated in the United States Senate. But
there is always a danger of unintended consequences. Ultimately sacred causes
cannot truly be accomplished by worldly powers.
I wish to repudiate evil and
return to the goodness that made this country great for its people, brought
glory to God, and spread the Gospel of salvation to the world. In a
day in which we see political
utilitarianism, religious pluralism, and soteriological inclusivism gaining
acceptability, we must think carefully so as not to confuse or
compromise
the glorious grace of the Gospel of God. For it is the power unto salvation.
After all, we must never forget
that the devil is an angel of light and functions
as a liar and a counterfeit. As
the Lutheran sociologist Peter Berger stated, "He who sups with the devil
must make sure to use a very long spoon."
Serving Him with you
Until
He comes for us,
Fred