Evangelicals say faith is now too political
> Do you think the evangelical faith is too political?
Monday, May 05, 2008
Conservative Christian leaders who believe the word "evangelical" has lost its religious meaning plan to release a starkly self-critical document saying the movement has become too political and has diminished the Gospel through its approach to the culture wars.
The statement, called "An Evangelical Manifesto," condemns Christians on the right and left for "using faith" to express political views without regard to the truth of the Bible, according to a draft of the document obtained Friday by The Associated Press.
Extras
Get latest headlines via RSS feeds"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."
"All too often we have attacked the evils and injustices of others," they wrote, "while we have condoned our own sins." They argue, "we must reform our own behavior."
The document is the latest chapter in the debate among conservative Christians about their role in public life. Most veteran leaders believe the focus should remain on abortion and marriage, while other evangelicals — especially in the younger generation — are pushing for a broader agenda. The manifesto sides with those seeking a wide-range of concerns beyond "single-issue politics."
Among the signers of the manifesto are Os Guiness, a well-known evangelical author and speaker, and Richard Mouw, president of Fuller Theological Seminary, a leading evangelical school in Pasadena, Calif. Organizers declined to comment until the final document is released.
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."
Some champions of traditional culture war issues are not among the supporters.
Richard Land, head of the public policy arm for the Southern Baptist Convention, said through a spokeswoman that he has not seen the document and was not asked to sign it.
James Dobson, the influential founder of Focus on the Family, a Christian group in Colorado Springs, Colo., did not sign the document, said Gary Schneeberger, a Dobson spokesman. Schneeberger would not say whether Dobson had read the manifesto or had been asked to sign on.
Phil Burress, an Ohio activist who networks with national evangelical leaders, said that if high-profile evangelical leaders such as Dobson and Land don't support the document, "it's like throwing a pebble in the ocean" and will carry no weight.
But the drafters hope they can start a movement among evangelicals to reflect and act on the document. "We must find a new understanding of our place in public life," the drafters wrote.
Comments
By Thomas
May 8, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
So, they will no longer be “useful,” just “idiots?”
By DJ Johnson
May 6, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
Christians are the “salt of the earth”. Why should Christians be silenced when the Godless left has been in control of our culture for the last four decades? I think Christians have been silent long enough. Look at what the kids are being taught in the schools, moral relativity:homosexual behavior and abortion: good; Bibles and Christian books no good. Speak up. Look at what Jesus did with the money changers in the Temple! He didn`t sit silently by, no, He took action. Be salt and light
By Mark
May 5, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
I couldn’t agree more. Religion has been way over politicized. Now, we see why the Founding Fathers we’re adamant about the separation of Church and State.
By Tips
May 5, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
What ever happened to the separation of church and state? That’s the issue with countries like Iran & Iraq, there is no such separation. Religious zeal is just as responsible for war as greed.
By Joanie
May 5, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
I absolutely agree that evangelicals have become too political! They try to shove their own personal brand of Christianity down everyone’s throats and give their views the enforcement of law. They show no respect for other religions.
By Nina
May 5, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
The Bible and politics don’t mix. True Christians shouldn’t even get involved in politics. Jesus said My Kingdom is no part of this world. (John 18:36) Also, the scriptures mention how at Armageddon thek kings of the earth (or political entities) will be destroyed. God’s Kingom will put an end to all human kingdoms (governments) Daniel 2:44. The book of Daniel and Revelation refer to the political powers as ferocious beasts. Now what sense does it make for a Christian to be inolved in politics?
By Paul
May 5, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
It is interesting to me that nobody seems to ask this question of liberals and Democrats. When the Revs. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton ran for President, no one suggested that it was mixing politics and religion. On the other hand, liberals and media have a field day if Pres. Bush is merely said to pray. As an evagelical I sometimes think that evangelicals are too tied to the Republican party, but that seems to only be the case because most Dems tend to oppose issues we believe in.
By Paul
May 5, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
It is interesting to me that nobody seems to ask this question of liberals and Democrats. When the Revs. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton ran for President, no one suggested that it was mixing politics and religion. On the other hand, liberals and media have a field day if Pres. Bush is merely said to pray. As an evagelical I sometimes think that evangelicals are too tied to the Republican party, but that seems to only be the case because most Dems tend to oppose issues we belive in.
By Jim 5
May 5, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Yes, religion and politics have grown a little too close lately. The “faith-based initiatives” by President Bush sought to direct money toward religious charitable programs that already had a track record of success. These initiatives were generally a failure, and largely because the churches did not like all the strings that federal monies come with. The same problem occurs when “religious” leaders try to foist their political ideology into their religious followers (See: Wright, Jeremiah).
By Bob540
May 5, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
I agree that religion has become too politicized, but that happens when politicians and PAC’s seek to enlist support for their agendas by courting the faithful. On the other hand, I don’t think one’s religious beliefs should be reserved for that hour on Sunday. For faith to make a difference, one must carry that into your life and the outside world. I think EACH individual’s actions, including voting, should reflect their personal beliefs. That is different than mobilizing a group.
By andy
May 5, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
This has been true for over 20 years. The worst part is how inconsistent their message is from the words of Christ. They need to read their Bibles and ask “what would Jesus do?”
By Boat 4 Sale
May 5, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
I don’t know really. There are some good points and some of them I don’t think are as good you know.