Christianity and Social Activism - Some Perspectives
The role of the church in society is really in the news these days both in the world and in the church. Over time, we have seen it move from discussion to debate; from debate to argument; from argument to accusation. What role should the Christian play in modern society and why all the venom?
Let's start with the term "social activism" and how we define it. In its simplest form it means active in social issues. To me, the question of whether a Christian should be involved in their community is a given. The world is hurting in body, soul and spirit. It cries out for the grace and love of God. We are called and commissioned to meet that need; to share the gospel, to feed the hungry, to clothe the poor, to visit the prisoner, to care for the widow and orphan, to comfort the sick, to pray for the lost (the list goes on). Hardly the stuff of argument, accusation and venom!
Now comes the part where I may aggravate some of you.
We talk about how sick the world is, how broken the government is, how depraved the nation has become and we look back to the good old days when things were better (by the way. have you ever noticed that we are never actually living IN the good old days). The question to be raised at this point is not, "Why is the world so corrupt and dark?" We live in a fallen world therefore the world is being ... .. the world. The question is, "Where is the salt and light?" Spreading the good news, loving our neighbors - that was our job, right?
So where is the venom coming from? Why is our "social activism" such a point of debate? I think much of it comes when we attempt to save and transform fallen institutions with a message and mission intended to save and transform the hearts of fallen men or even worse, when we try to change fallen men through fallen institutions. Our faith is neither Republican nor Democrat. Our hope is not in the next election. Godly institutions are not built from the outside in but from the inside out. Godly institutions are made up of godly men and women.
Now don't get me wrong. We have a responsibility to rightly participate in our government and in public discourse. Let's just not abdicate our responsibility as the church to some other institution.
So be social activists! Change your corner of the world by loving your neighbor and sharing the life transforming message of the gospel. The gates of hell will not prevail against an obedient church that worships, fellowships and fulfills the Great Commission.
In His Love and Service
HG
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Author: hisgrace
Location: Midlothian Virginia USA
Gender: Male
Age: 47
Blog Entries: 3 (archive)
Blog Comments: 3
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