There is a proper order of religious obligations in this life, and the worship of God must always be #1. Every other good thing is subordinate to that, but flows from it and is harmonious with it.
Action for justice in culture, in custom, and in law is a constitutive element of the preaching of the Gospel.
When I’ve helped at missions who help the poor and have volunteered to help the church with sermons at the same places, the people know that the way they are being helped is a direct result of the Gospel message of Salvation and not of simply “good works” and merely for “helping” people.
It’s part of the actual “help” in that the Gospel is given first and foremost even before any consideration of the help itself. And then any help, in the way of food or clothes or any other kind of assistance is given.
NOW..., if this organization were to set out the Gospel Message of Salvation as the first priority in their organization and all that it does and for all the actions that it is taking, then I would consider things differently.
But, I doubt anyone every hears the Gospel Message of Salvation and what is required in order for one to be saved, from the lake of fire and certain eternal damnation, even if they do all the good in the world.
I would make the Gospel message the first priority of any meeting, of any statement to others and to anyone who has the least little thing to do with it. And, in addition, I would make darned sure that all who participate actually do know what it takes in order to be saved, and is actually saved.
And so, you have this group do those two things (give the Gospel Message at every event or talk — and — their organizational priorities after that), at the same time (i.e., chew gum and also walk...) then I would reconsider, like I said...
“Who says it “supplants” the obligation to make disciples of all nations? I believe this is an example of the either/or fallacy.
There is a proper order of religious obligations in this life, and the worship of God must always be #1. Every other good thing is subordinate to that, but flows from it and is harmonious with it.
Action for justice in culture, in custom, and in law is a constitutive element of the preaching of the Gospel.
AMEN! That’s why I signed it!!!!!!!!!!
A CALL OF CHRISTIAN CONSCIENCE
Christians, when they have lived up to the highest ideals of their faith, have defended the weak and vulnerable and worked tirelessly to protect and strengthen vital institutions of civil society, beginning with the family.
We are Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them. These truths are:
Inasmuch as these truths are foundational to human dignity and the well-being of society, they are inviolable and non-negotiable. Because they are increasingly under assault from powerful forces in our culture, we are compelled today to speak out forcefully in their defense, and to commit ourselves to honoring them fully no matter what pressures are brought upon us and our institutions to abandon or compromise them. We make this commitment not as partisans of any political group but as followers of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.