[L,TOWM]

A number of Christian lawmakers didn’t attend the opening ceremony to protest the priestess’ historic invocation.

I have a real problem with this. Eventually, if followers of Christ refuse to engage the culture we live in and meet it head on, showing the love, holiness, and power of God to everyone that Christ died to save, including this witch, we'll abandon those that we are supposed to evangelize and disciple.

Its pretty tough to witness to anyone without connecting to them and making a connection with a person is impossible if you turn your back on them.

[null and void]

*shrug* Yes. But one can chose the time and place to contact, it doesn’t have to be in a context where engagement=validation.

[so_real]

The prodigal son was brought low before returning to his father. There is no humility felt when seeking the peak of degradation; instead the perverse is celebrated and spread. When these lost sheep are awarded an audience before the representatives, they are gaining moment toward their peak. I don't believe they can be effectively ministered to until they reach the peak and see the vast wasteland beyond it. Some will then be brought low. The best we can do is prevent them from suckering other good people along for the ride. And that is what those lawmakers were attempting to do by not attending the ceremony. They took a stand, essentially saying this is not healthy for me, or for you. It may not be abandonment so much as it is 'tough love'.

[metmom]

I have a real problem with this. Eventually, if followers of Christ refuse to engage the culture we live in and meet it head on, showing the love, holiness, and power of God to everyone that Christ died to save, including this witch, we'll abandon those that we are supposed to evangelize and disciple.

Somehow the admonition to turn the other cheek has been corrupted into not taking any action at all. An extreme form of pacifism that I don't believe is really supported by Scripture.

It seems that it's been more of an excuse by Christians for not getting out of their comfort zone and actually having the um... backbone to take a stand.