I’ve been thinking quite a bit about the way we are to make a difference in society. This has been an ongoing issue for me for a long time now, but was fuelled by a mailing that I received a few days ago. I won’t name the organisation involved, but what came across was an apparent need for us to impose Christian moral teachings on our society, and that this is the only way we can make society a better place for Christians to live.
Something about this simply doesn’t sit comfortably with me! There is something that speaks of religious domination and abuse of power in this sort of imposition of our beliefs on others. It doesn’t seem to be the sort of thing that Jesus would do!
To me what seems to be the Christian way is one of transforming society, not forcing change upon it by shouting the loudest and longest. If we, as Christians, want to see our society and our communities changed we have to go about transforming it by being salt and light in the world. We don’t need to force our views on people, but instead need to persuade them that our way is the best way by proving it through our actions.
It’s the same thing I currently see from the secularists and humanists who seem to feel that Christian’s should not be allowed a voice in society. In my opinion this situation isn’t the case of persecution that many Christians seem to think it is, but is instead a reaction to the centuries of church imposed dogma, and let’s face it for years the Christian voices in the debate didn’t think that other faith groups should have the right to a voice; some still don’t!
We need to learn to speak into issues without an accompanying attitude that suggests that no-one else’s views hold any credence. When we speak words of love into all situation, rather than hate or intolerance, and at the same time practice what we are saying, then surely society will sit up and take notice.
This is the way that I feel Jesus would operate. His often talked about authority came out of his life of integrity, obvious love for others and his adherence to his own teaching. It was this that was attractive!
I agree.
I’m always uncomfortable with Christians who think they’ve got it all right - whoever their talking to.
Rob Bell preaches on something like this in one of his “God wants to save Christians” sermons.
In fear and trepidation I’ll admit that I like Rob Bell and a lot of his teaching. I particularly like his willingness to admit that he doesn’t necessarily have the answer, and also that people should test what he says. It’s something I always remember learning that you have to test what anyone preaches or states as truth against what Scripture says. Unfortunately, too many jump on the defensive when their teaching is questioned!