An Open Letter To Christians

In the past few weeks, two issues have brought to a head a phenomenon that’s been brewing for several years. The issues are the current debate about gay marriages and Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. The phenomenon is the labeling and targeting of “Christians” in this nation as some kind of renegade, radical group that lurks in the shadows of our nation, lying in wait for the opportunity to destroy the foundation of our Constitution, tear down the hallowed walls of the Establishment Clause and tread all over worn floorboards of Free Speech. (In some circles there is even the implication that the ultimate goal of the “Christians” is to spiral our country back to the days preceding the Civil Rights movement so that they can resume KKK lynches, or even better, slavery.)

The objective of this letter is not to point out the absurdity of such a portrait, though it is not only ludicrous, it is downright offensive. Nor is the goal to remind us all of the demographics in this nation, though the last time I checked, the “Christians”, be them Catholic or Lutheran or Methodist or Presbyterian or Baptist or Pentecostal or a whole host of other denominations, made up the vast religious majority of the United States. No, the purpose is not even to suggest that the labels and insults are actually being thrown by a very small (but very LOUD) group of Americans with a heavy political agenda.

It is to simply ask the question, WHERE are all these Christians?!?! Think about it. If such a group exists (as is suggested by the mass hordes of people filling the theatres to watch a film about Christ that the moviemakers insisted would be a bust) and is as powerful and to-be-reckoned-with as has been suggested, where are they? More accurately, where are WE? Because I have a dirty little secret to confess: I am a Christian. Yes, it’s true.

And being one, I have been in social situations where these two issues have come up. Let me assure you, I am not the one center stage, sounding my barbaric yawp from the rooftops (or at least the soapbox). I’m usually the wallflower hiding in the corner, trying to look inconspicuous as I dodge the dreaded label of “Christian” and wait for the cock to crow three times.

Well, no more. Too many times we allow the political arena to be manipulated by extreme liberalism through our refusal to be heard. (It almost makes one believe in the ‘silent majority’ spoken of by Nixon.) The root of our passivity is laziness and apathy, but we justify it under the guise of “be ye in the world but not of this world” as we roll our eyes heavenward and dream of the ever after.

There is no Biblical model for that attitude. The Noahs, Esthers, Jobs, Peters and Johns of our teachings all had a voice and were willing to use it for righteousness’ sake. We may not be of this world, but we do have to live in this nation. God has a plan – He always has. But perhaps rather than act as spectators, watching it all unfold, we should be participants – even instruments – of that plan. I think of the words of Mordecai, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

It is time for Christian citizens to stop being afraid of those five magical words: “I---don’t----think---that’s---right!” and then to be proactive in backing up our belief systems by getting to the polls and exercising our civic responsibility. It is time for Christian elected officials to stop being afraid of the labels they attract as the time for re-election draws near and to realize that they have been called ‘for such a time as this’.

For my part, I am going to remind myself everyday that I am in the majority in this nation. I’m going to stand on the ground that I have the right to want Christian, moral leaders in office and that there’s nothing wrong with character and morality being a central campaign issue. This nation, despite revisionist efforts, WAS founded upon Christian principals, and I want it to continue to be. No longer am I going to sit idly by as a radical minority works to remove “In God We Trust” from our currency, strike “under God” from our national pledge, or redefine marriage in a manner that is clearly not Biblical. The same free speech that allows all of the decent, hardworking, kind, caring Christians to be characterized as nut jobs gives me the right to loudly proclaim that I want to live in a country that honors and reveres my Creator. I hope and pray you will join me, but regardless, I can no longer be intimidated.

WHERE are all these Christians?!?!
Most are doing what we normally do. Minding our own business, raising our families to fear God and respect Biblical truths.
Many years ago, probably around the 1890's or so the moral decay began in our country. (Cases could be made for later or earlier dates) It began slowly and most Christians didn't bother to consider the implications of society as a whole. Over time these deviants went from hiding to public. Still not considering the social ramifications, we were silent.
As time progressed, the deviants permiated our public "education" system and have taught for over 30 or so years (to varing degrees) that to say anything is "wrong" is to be intolerant. Now the deviants want to force society to accept their behavior as normal and healthy. It is nearly too late to save our society, but finally I think the Christians are awakening to the fact that if we don't do something our society - and our nation as we know it, will be gone.
I have been screaming and yelling the whole way down. A many years ago I shed my fear to say this or that is wrong because thus sayeth the Lord.
This "modernism" has even invaded our churches to the point that many don't even believe the Bible to be God's word.

Psst.... Me too.

IMO, it is not enough to vote anymore. It is long past time to get out in the streets.

God's instructions to us are to oppose evil. There is a pretty clear dichotomy in this country where most moral issues are concerned. They (pretty much) line up along party lines.

I'm not saying vote Republican. I AM saying oppose the 'Rats because they are evil.

Nice post btw, how come i never see you posting here?

Uh, in 1988, was a dividing line. Operation Rescue. Thousands on Christians in the street and in jail.

The so-called leaders (Falwell, Stanley, Dobson and the whole RC hieracy) went wobbly.

I hope there is another moment like that, but I doubt it.

Im calling for a separation of church and state. NOT according to the liberal definition, but that will allow the church to operate and practice our doctrines as christians with out government interference. Where the church becomes a separate idenity with the power to govern itself without fear of the state. Something I fear the clergy will not like so much. They would betray the body of Christ before giving up their desire for money and power. They all ready have look at the methodist as the recent example of surrendering to, and conspiring against the church, its laws, the congregation, and the Word of God. Trying ever means to ram this most recent abomination (Gay agenda)down decent christians throws. All because the clergy do not want to lose their precious IRS tax free status, out of fear, and of losing financial support from the congregation over their status. We need a separation of church and state NOW. Or we will lose this battle.

Well put. The Statist-Socialist-Secularist Taliban is comfortable with the Christianity of a Kerry or a Kennedy, who claim Catholicism but don't let old-fashioned ideas like right and wrong affect their autonomy. They're comfortable with these and folks like Clinton, for whom Christianity was a convenient stage prop, just as it was used with ridiculous cynicism by Howard Dean. But a real Christian who actually believes that Scripture is the Word of God, and is authoritative not only for me but for you, too? Why, such an affront cannot be tolerated! In the name of TOLERANCE!.

Im calling for a separation of church and state. Good points, but the problem is that even when you just use the term "separation of church and state," it is immediately associated with the liberal/Soviet ideology of the state controlling the church, which is what's beginning to happen today. So a new term for that would be better. Having said that, I agree with you, mostly. Unless the state (as it currently is) is kicked out of the churches, we Christians will soon have to start holding our services in basements and caves out of fear of the liberals tromping around and arresting everyone so much as quoting the Bible for "hate crimes." However, the problem with church-state separation is that it means that there cannot be any religious reasons for making laws. Meaning the cases against abortion and gay marriage, to say the least, will be weakened quite a bit.

Where are all the Christians?
For the most part... they are getting the shopping, housework and buget handled on a day to day basis.
They are busy earning enough income to support the entire weight of the free world, "LITERALLY!".
They have 2.3 children and work 2.9 jobs to pay 100% of the tax burden.
Some times Christians actually enjoy the fellowship of saints at the denomination of their choice.
Once in a while they attend high school football games, or little league baseball or catch the odd college basketball game.
Christians are a sicere honest lot who have little time to march down town in protest (of anything!). Thank God they have the common sense to resist the urge to beat the cr**p out of those who insult the constitution, the flag or the Lord!
Christians have recently been seen in the last 34 days taking in a motion picture at the cinema, you may have bumped into these Christians as you came from or went to see Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ.In regard to this surge of ticket sales I would coment , Christians are selective about what they toss their hard earned money at!

So I believe in my heart we will see a very strong turn out for the election in November, do not let that minority of liberals distract you from the truth... perhaps Andy Rooney, the left wing Hollywood critics and the liberal media will be again dumbfounded when these American Christians march on the ballot boxes like they marched on the ticket boothes!

This nation, despite revisionist efforts, WAS founded upon Christian principals, and I want it to continue to be. No longer am I going to sit idly by as a radical minority works to remove “In God We Trust” from our currency, strike “under God” from our national pledge, or redefine marriage in a manner that is clearly not Biblical. The same free speech that allows all of the decent, hardworking, kind, caring Christians to be characterized as nut jobs gives me the right to loudly proclaim that I want to live in a country that honors and reveres my Creator. I hope and pray you will join me, but regardless, I can no longer be intimidated.

Call me a “Christian” – I dare you.

I fear the revisionists efforts WILL prevail. It's already happening in public school textbooks. Although, you may read "Give me liberty or give me death", you won't read the passage that came before that line. It's just too Christian!

They will remove "In God we trust" from our currency. They will remove "under God" from the pledge (if, very soon, the pledge is even allowed ) It's only "Free Speech" when it comes from the very people who will do these things. If a moral, Christian conservative wishes to speak up, it's now "hate speech", rather than "free speech". One of the saddest things about this is........those who "will not see" are those who will have a hand in ruining this great country. After it is done, they will say: "How did this happen?".

I agree with you also that the meaning of separation of church and state has been twisted. Im hoping that christian can re-define it to our favor. And still have the right to be politically active on aleast moral issues that effect this society. And support people running for office that support church issues. I think that even many liberals would bend to atleast these points despite their liberal views. Sorry for not responding sooner been busy the last couple of days. Thanks

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.