Archive for the ‘Politics and Culture’ Category

Oct
29
2010

Friday Five Interview – Michael Gerson and Peter Wehner

Today I’m highly honored to have two distinguished men stop by the blog for this very special Friday Five interview. We’re less than two weeks before the midterm elections and so thoughtful people of faith on both sides of the political divide will go to the polls and help shape their government. So I thought I’d bring a little perspective to bear from two men who have been in the arena.

Michael Gerson and Peter Wehner are both veterans of Washington, D.C. and most recently the Bush White House. They recently released a fantastic new book, City of Man, published by Moody Publishers. You can read my review here.

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Oct
12
2010

Kids These Days . . . .

In the last month or so, I’ve had a chance to speak to a few different groups of Christian teens, from Christian school kids, to home-schooled kids, to groups of youth group/public schooled Christian kids. I have to say that while the settings were vastly different, there is a theme that emerged for me that I must write about.

The next generation will be fine.

I know that runs counter to the scary stuff Barna continually churns out about how the next generation is going to fall into the sea spiritually, because we haven’t trained them right. I know my experience is of a very small sample size, its anecdotale, etc.

And yet I wonder if we evangelicals just like to worry. We worry that we’re not teaching our kids enough of the Bible. We worry that culture will grab them by the soul and keep them from God. We worry that they won’t have the intestinal fortitude to step up and defend Christianity.

I know we worry, because I worry. I’m a pastor. I’m a father of three. I’m an observer of the church and of culture.

But I wonder if some of our worry is a bit of old-fashioned pride. Are we becoming like our parents, who probably sat around saying, “This generation . . .”?

Every group of Christian teens I’ve been with has surprised me by their passion for God–a passion that was far more real and heartfelt than I have felt from similar groups of Christian adults. They surprised me with their knowledge of the Bible. They surprised me with their desire to serve humbly, to learn, to take notes of older generations.

I was deeply encouraged. It reminded me of God’s faithfulness. The truth is that God raises up leaders in every generation. God is building the church in every generation until He comes back. And kingdom-building isn’t dependent on our skill, our particular poll-tested methods. It’s dependent on God, who through the Spirit is working in the hearts of His people.

So, parents, pastors, youth pastors, influencers–work hard at passing on your faith, don’t assume your kids will know God by osmosis. Be concerned. But, in the end, know that while we are parenting, discipling, training our kids, so is God. And from what I have seen, God is doing a grand job.

I’m hopeful about the next generation. I believe in them.

Oct
06
2010

Rush, Biden and the Bible

Ahh, its political season and so the mudslinging continues. Rush Limbaugh calls the President all kind of unflattering names. Vice-President Biden says he wants to strangle the Republicans.

So the question is this. How should Christians react? More than once this year I’ve heard people defend outbursts like Rush Limbaugh’s or something provocative that Sarah Palin might have said. Invariably, they will say, “Yeah, well, did you hear what the other side said?” And then they will cite an egregious instance from the other side.

I think we’re missing something. Personally, I consider myself very conservative politically, especially on the issues of life and marriage. I’m also very concerned about the expansion of government.

I also think Christians must be engaged, because God has given us a rare stewardship in America, to participate in the framing of our country.

But we are still Christians. Which means we don’t check our Christianity at the door. Christians believe in absolute truth, derived from one source, the Bible, God’s revealed Word.

So, when someone with whom we agree politically does something wrong, why do we immediately point out what someone on the other side did that was ten times worse? Isn’t that moral equivalence?

Doesn’t the Bible tell us not to replace evil for evil?

That means Christians should engage in politics, but operate from a biblical worldview, not a political worldview. We must dig in and stand firm on our convictions, but do so with a winsomeness and grace that characterizes followers of Christ. We should love people even as we disagree with them.

I think of three men who were in high positions in government in the Bible: Daniel, Joseph, Nehemiah. Each served monarchs that today would be considered way worse than the worst President we’ve ever had. And yet you don’t once hear them personally attack the person they serve. Part of that is because they lived under a system where such speech would be rewarded with death. They didn’t have the free speech liberties that we possess. But I also think its because they saw things from a Heavenly perspective. Of Daniel it was said, in 60 years, not one bad thing could be found about him. His only vice was prayer.

I think Christians earn more respect and a wider hearing when they refuse to engage in the zero sum nature of politics. When they oppose unbibilical policies, but love the person behind those policies. When they live out the fruits of the Spirit in their lives.

That doesn’t mean backing down, being wimpy, etc. It simply means we tune our spiritual lives according the Bible, not the prevailing winds of politics.

Oct
02
2010

Book Review – City of Man

Younger generations of evangelicals are wrestling with the proper way to engage in the political arena. As a one-time political activist and now a pastor, I have personally felt the tension between radical engagement and radical withdrawal. At times I have felt Christians have been too passive and at times (lately), I have felt that Christians have been far too active.

Plus, American Christians have been afforded a rare historical stewardship. Few if any civilizations have had the opportunity to shape, change, and move their government in a way that we have. But just what is the biblical blueprint for involvement?

History has shown that when the church is too cozy with political power, it has abandoned its Christian witness and influence and has at times actually been the oppressor instead of the protector of the oppressed. GK. Chesterson said, “The coziness between the church and the state is good for the state and bad for the church.”

We’ve also seen the moral vacuum left when the church withdraws into itself. Slightly more than half a century ago, the Christian witness in Germany was so weak that Hitler was largely able to co-opt the Church for his own diabolical purposes.

So what is the proper balance? How can Christians engage their world?

This week I was delighted to receive a review copy of City of Man by Michael Gerson and Peter Wehner. Its part of a new series called, Cultural Renewal, by Moody Publishers. This series will be edited by Tim Keller and Collin Hansen.

If this first offering by Gerson and Wehner is any indication, this series promises to offer believers a robust, winsome, and scripturally sound basis for engagement.

City of Man is a short read, but it is well-written, thoughtful, and honest. The authors explore the depths and difficulties of civic engagement. They peruse history, flesh out the Scriptures, and ultimately provide a working outline for believers who seek to shape the world. What I most love is that it calls Christians to resolute action, but also discernment, integrity, and above all, a winsomeness that opposes policies, but not people.

In my experience with politically active Christians, I have found these traits to be largely lacking. We seem more content with filtering our worldviews through entertainment-based talk shows, ideologically-driven blogs, and snarky pundits. We’re tuned in more to Rush than the book of Romans, we’ve got more Hannity in us than Heaven, and we’re quick to generalize, stereotype, and alienate.

This book suggests Christians do not retreat, that they remain firmly active in shaping government and culture, but adjust their tone for greater effectiveness. I think this is an important book, a must-read for every believer. Here’s hoping it gets wide distribution and is accepted into the mainstream of conservative Christian political activism.

Sep
21
2010

My Surprising Experience with Glenn Beck

Finally Hearing Beck

So, believe it or not, I went and heard Glen Beck speak live this past Saturday night. If you know anything about me, you’ll know that over the last couple of years, I’ve become less focused on politics and more focused on ministry. I’ve also grown disinterested in the shouting, debates, and theatre that makes up much of political theatre.

My news consumption consists of reading sites like Politico, checking a few blogs like National Review, reading Matt Lewis, reading World Magazine, and watching what I think is the most balanced and informative show on TV, Morning Joe with Joe Scarborough. Oh, and yes I do glance at the Drudge Report from time to time because you just can’t help it. Old habits die hard.

But I try to catch a large cross-section of opinion on the center-right spectrum, with my bias being toward guys like Russell Moore, Chuck Colson, and folks who view the world through a broad, biblical lens. I also read David Brooks and Michael Gerson and Peggy Noonan fairly regularly.

But I didn’t watch much of Beck. I had a perception of him based on the snapshots I’ve heard of him, the caricature fed by the media narrative of him. Since I assumed he was just another Rush/Hannity/Coulter megaphone, I didn’t find the time to invest. In fact, I have heavily criticized him, lumping him in with the rest of the conservative media narrative.

But it’s interesting how your opinion changes of a person when you see and actually hear them live. And I must admit, that while I don’t agree with everything Beck says or does, I came away with a more nuanced picture of what he contributes to the culture.

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Sep
13
2010

To the Church: You Will Prevail – Eighth Letter Project

8th-letter-banner

I submitted the following letter to The Eight Letter Project. It’s a letter to the North American Church:

Dear Church in North America,

I write to you at a time of severe duress, when many are beating you up. You’re the object of endless handwringing inside your walls. Much is being written and said about the damage you have caused to the world. Those who hate you work tirelessly for your demise. Those who love you speak with apocalyptic fear that you’ll no longer exist in generations to come.

Truthfully, much of the criticism is deserved. You have chased after political power, prostituting truth in exchange for a seat at the emperor’s table. You have bathed your theology in the American Dream. You’re televangelists promise a gospel of little hardship, much prosperity, and little commitment.

But I’m not writing to you as another critic. You have plenty of those. While I’m keenly aware of your glaring faults, I’m also aware of the Savior’s deep and unrelenting love for you as His bride. You were purchased with great price at Calvary. You’re lover still bears the marks on the palms of His hands. Those are marks of love.

My advice? Ignore the voices within that complain long and loudly of cultural irrelevance. You’ll never be in step with the world system, because that is a system temporarily ruled by the Adversary. The Savior displayed the perfect pitch of cultural context and otherworldly theology. And they killed Him.

They won’t every like you, dear Church. When they do, fear. Because when they like you, you are far from the heart of your Savior.

Stay true to your simple mission. Don’t let political correctness push you from the scandalous nature of the cross. Don’t be seduced by favor. Don’t exchange the easy message of moralism for the radical message of grace.

You have a tendency to morph into another system, another code, another lifestyle. But Jesus didn’t come to establish a lifestyle or code or system. The other lesser gods offer that already. No, Jesus came to offer a relationship, a unique indwelling of His Spirit in ordinary disciples, bound not by common traits but linked by a common faith.

Don’t be religion. Be relational. Be reality. Be redemption.

I also want to encourage you, because as the Church, you are His Chosen. You will be forever protected. Jesus promised that even the gates of Hell couldn’t prevail against you. You might have seasons of weakness, but you’re flame will never be extinguished.

Cling to orthodoxy. Defend the Holy Scriptures. Encourage your people to live the gospel. Don’t simply be a reservoir of biblical knowledge. Be a lighthouse in each community, a way station on every roadside, a beacon of hope in ever crowded city and village around the world.

Above all, be light. Those in darkness don’t need more of what they already have. They need you to make a difference—by being different.

Lastly, lead every generation down the old paths. Let the magnificent glory of the gospel burn freshly in every new heart. Don’t abandon orthodoxy; proclaim it stronger with each passing year.

Because you, God’s Church, are the jewel of Heaven, the Bride of Christ, the object of His love. He rescued you from Hell and you await your triumphant passage to the Wedding Feast of Heaven.

Sep
09
2010

Spare Me the Outrage

Of course the whole world was caught up in this goofy flag-burning story. As of Thursday night, 5 pm Central Time, it seems God has allowed this to be redeemed for His purpose. I hear the pastor is flying to NY and there is some sort of agreement that the mosque in NY will be moved if the Koran-burning pastor stops.

All of us know this Koran burning thing was dumb. Most evangelicals condemned it as not only a colossally bad idea, but as bad theology and bad understanding of our role as ambassadors of another Kingdom. I’m guessing this pastor won’t be invited to speak on the evangelical speaker’s circuit anytime soon.

But what strikes me is this idea that this lone guy somehow represents all of Christianity is baffling. It reveals the animosity that the world has toward the church. Animosity that Jesus predicted (see John 15:18-16:4).

What also bothers me is how some Christians are breathing a huge sigh of relief. As if the stopping of this cross-burning somehow rescues our faith. It demonstrates how small our view of God actually is.

Let me get this straight: The Almighty God, the Eternal I Am, Yahweh entered space and time, took on the form of a man, came as a humble baby, lived a sinless life, performed otherworldly miracles, fulfilled centuries-old predictions of a Messiah, died a cruel death, took on our sin, offers us redemption, defeats sin and death at the cross, rises again and lives in us today—and one goofy pastor in FL has the power to destroy our faith?

Give me a break. Yes this story was bad for Christianity. But Jesus doesn’t need our help. Guess what? The story lives on. The gates of Hell won’t prevail against the church.

In other words, yes this a small black eye for Christianity, but God is not in Heaven slapping himself on the forehead saying, “I didn’t account for this nutty pastor. Now what will I do?” His plan of rescuing lost souls is still on track, folks. His mission is still moving forward. The train has not been derailed.

So the next time this story happens, let’s do ourselves a favor. Yes, let’s speak out and condemn it for the sake of the gospel witness to Muslims and others. But let’s not get so sweat up with worry that one goofy guy (who by the way might be us and our bad ideas) can somehow throw a monkey wrench into the plan of God.

Sep
03
2010

Friday Five Interview: Tullian Tchividjian

Its a great privilege to interview Tullian Tchividjian. William Graham Tullian Tchividjian (pronounced cha-vi-jin) is the Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Tullian comes from a very famous family. He is the grandson of Billy and Ruth Graham.

I first learned about Tullian Tchividjian after reading his terrific book, Unfashionable: Making a Difference in the World by Being Different. Recently, I read his latest book, Surprised by Grace: God’s Relentless Pursuit of Rebels. (Read my review here) This is a terrific book that I highly recommend.

Tullian is also a contributing editor to Leadership Journal. He speaks at conferences throughout the US and his sermons are broadcast daily on the radio program Godward Living.

I’m grateful that Tullian stopped by to answer five questions for Friday Five:

1) I thoroughly enjoyed Unfashionable. I really think it spoke to today’s younger generation of pastors and Christian leaders about the tendency to want to fit in. Do you think this is a struggle for our generation?

Yes! Many well-meaning Christian’s have concluded that the best way to reach the world is to become just like the world. And so we become preoccupied with persuading the world around us that we’re cool, that we can “hang.” But I’m convinced that serious seekers today aren’t looking for something appealing and trendy. They’re looking for something deeper than what’s currently in fashion. New generations are thirsting for truthfulness, not trendiness. They long for someone to speak to them truthfully about a time and a place other than their own, about something and someone other than themselves. They want to know that there are different people out there who are willing to die for what they believe. That’s why, if you stop and listen, you’ll hear that the cry of our times is for something completely otherworldly. People are up to their necks in up-to-date structures and cutting-edge methodologies. They’re beginning to understand that modern capabilities cannot make us better and more satisfied people, nor make this world a better, more satisfying place. They seem desperate to recover a world that once was, a world that allows for mystery, miracle, and wonder—a world with windows to somewhere else. So, the point I make over and over in Unfashionable is that Christians make a difference in this world by being different from this world; they don’t make a difference by being the same. This is critically important, because in our trend-chasing world it’s tempting for Christians to slowly lose their distinctiveness by accommodating to culture. But by trying so hard to fit in, many Christians risk having nothing distinctive to say to those who feel, in Walker Percy’s memorable phrase, “lost in the cosmos.” In contrast, I’m calling this generation to embrace the delicious irony Christ demonstrated in bringing a message of God’s kingdom that subversively transforms both individuals and the world. Only by being properly unfashionable can we engage our broken world with an embodied gospel that witnesses to God’s gracious promise of restoration, significance, and life.

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