Are Evangelicals Too Reactionary?

HeyHomie

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I thought we could spice things up in this forum - I'm tired of seeing the same three threads at the top of the page!

A poster in another sub-forum put forth the idea that a lot of Christians, particularly Evangelicals, are too crisis-oriented and reactionary. Like, every time there's a new idea that we deem as even remotely a threat to us, we sound the rallying cry. Sermons are preached! Books are written! The call to action goes out to the troops (the butts in the pews)! In my lifetime, it's been rock music, outcome-based education, the New Age movement, Y2K, and innumberable other issues.

The question is: are we, as a group, too reactionary and crisis-oriented? Do we get our backs up too quickly and too easily at things that, in the end, aren't nearly as earth-shattering as we make them out to be?
 

DerSchweik

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Well, in a very general sense, I'd probably agree. What ever happened to similar passion for evangelism, spreading the Gospel, or dare I say - revival?

It's a sad commentary when many Christians in countries outside North America are targeting America for their evangelistic efforts, while we perhaps are "majoring in the minors" addressing "reactionary" topics rather than focusing on what ought (imo) be our major concern - seeking and saving the lost - versus cajoling and debating one another into doctrinal purity and social bliss.

Perhaps our reactions are dulled, if not diverted entirely from true crises. Rather than converting people to Christ, we instead seek to legislate their behavior to appear Christ-like; rather than pray and work for changed hearts, we demonstrate and vote for new laws. Rather than decry people going to hell, we cry for them to go to prison instead.

How big is that plank in our eyes anyway?
 
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- DRA -

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I thought we could spice things up in this forum - I'm tired of seeing the same three threads at the top of the page!

A poster in another sub-forum put forth the idea that a lot of Christians, particularly Evangelicals, are too crisis-oriented and reactionary. Like, every time there's a new idea that we deem as even remotely a threat to us, we sound the rallying cry. Sermons are preached! Books are written! The call to action goes out to the troops (the butts in the pews)! In my lifetime, it's been rock music, outcome-based education, the New Age movement, Y2K, and innumberable other issues.

The question is: are we, as a group, too reactionary and crisis-oriented? Do we get our backs up too quickly and too easily at things that, in the end, aren't nearly as earth-shattering as we make them out to be?

The answer to your question is based on one's perspective. Consider the cross in 1 Corinthians 1:18. To those who are lost the message of the cross is foolishness. On the other hand, to those who have submitted to the Lord it is a message of God's power at work to save mankind. Therefore, although men may be divided over how they view the cross, the important thing is how God presents the cross to mankind (e.g., John 3:16).

For sure, God is not the only player involved in this spiritual warfare over the souls of men and women. Satan or the devil is also at work. From the beginning of time (i.e., Genesis 3), he has deceived people and led them into temptation and sin. According to 2 Corinthians 2:11, God's people should not be ignorant of his devices (the methods, deceit, etc. he uses to ensnare people in sin). With that in mind, I believe it would serve God's people well to realize that satan uses both bold and subtle methods to undermine God's word. In light of God's declaration in Genesis 1:1, the bold approach of opposition would be to counter with, "God did NOT create the heavens and the earth - things happened by mere chance" (i.e., the evolutionary approach). However, not all efforts to undermine God's word use such a bold approach. Aaron's feeble excuse of Exodus 32:24 is an example of a different approach to lead folks astray. Aaron just didn't put some gold into a fire and a molded calf came out by chance. The truth is that Aaron melted the gold, poured it into a mold of a calf, and trimmed the image when the gold cooled and the mold was removed. Obviously, Aaron chose to leave out those "little" details. Something closer to current events would be the Da Vinci Code. No doubt, some "believers" may wonder what the big deal is all about, while other believers may see ole satan at work once again trying to undermine the cross just as he did in the first century (e.g., Matthew 28:11-15).

Personally, I think there is a big difference between a mountain and a mole hill (as the old saying goes). Everything doesn't have to be treated as if it were a mountain (i.e., a crisis involving major effort to resolve).
I tend to think the issue of Acts 15:2,5 was a pretty significant event. However, the issues discussed in Romans 14 are to be handled in a much different manner.

As for rock music, I view it like all others. The Christian needs to listen to that which is wholesome and good - versus that which glorifies sin and encourages folks to engage in it. Country music has its faults. Rap has its faults. Rock is no different. I humbly suggest that folks hand-pick carefully what they listen to ... following their conscience as it is influenced by God's word.

So, are God's people today "too reactionary and crisis-oriented?" Generally speaking, I don't think so. Christians are commanded to "contend earnestly for the faith" (Jude 3). I understand that to mean to not just be silent while the truth of God's word is being undermined or downplayed ... even in subtle ways. Considering the imagery of Matthew 7:13-14, whether one veers off-course quickly or slowly leads to the same destructive ending. :(
 
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heapshake

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The question is: are we, as a group, too reactionary and crisis-oriented? Do we get our backs up too quickly and too easily at things that, in the end, aren't nearly as earth-shattering as we make them out to be?

Sure. I think we are often times looking for things to offend us.
 
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