Days of Playing Church are Gone With the Wind

August 13, 2003 | Rick J. Radecki

[DesertGOP]

Folks,

Forgive me if I'm stepping on too many toes here, but after several years of trying so desperately to encourage those of the Christian faith to join me in being the "salt and the light" in all aspects of society--including (dare I say it!) "politics"--I just have to sound off over my disappointment and frustration at evangelical leadership, in particular, that seems more concerned about filling the pews every Sunday than getting out there and putting their faith on the line and in the public arena for the better.

I mean, at least in my neck of the woods in the High Desert of Southern Cal' (Victorville, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, etc.), it's like "pulling teeth" to get even a handful of mainstream churchgoers to vote these days, let alone participate with me in a peaceful protest (like the one we organized, "Don't Stall the Recall Voter Registration and Petiton Drive" this past July 5 in Apple Valley--where, with just four of us out there in 100-plus degree heat all day long--we not only rallied to gather over 150 additional recall signatures, signed up ten people to vote, but also made the FRONT PAGE of the local newspaper, The Daily Bulletin, that next Sunday morning).

This letter to the editor, "Days of Playing Church are Gone With the Wind," is my personal protest to the passive attitude that seems so prevalent in America's churches these days, especially how they see any involvement in the political process as, maybe, something dirty or sinful or simply a waste of time (and possibly not the "Lord's work," but the "devil's tool").

If my words are too offensive for most of you who frequent FreeRepublic.com, then I'll consider the majority of responses who request for me to stop posting such edittorials. Otherwise, I'll continue my "agenda" (HA!) to raise awareness in a slumbering Church that seems bent to either become more politically correct or cower in the corner just waiting for the Second Coming.

Thanks!

[ibheath]

Post Away. That is the purpose of this forum. You might get moved to editorial and or religion. I agree with your sentiments.

[Technocrat]

Two shall put their ten thousands to flight....

[Maria S]

"the passive attitude"

That pretty well sums things up, at least about being involved with voting, learning about politics, etc. And the bottom line reason why Christianity and evangelism are in the state they're in...Americans have grown comfortably affluent and feel comfortably safe and secure. There is no real need for God in their lives...they have their TIVO's, DVD's, SUV's, etc., and in most places feel personally safe. Don't worry; be happy!

The frog IS in the pot of water, and the water IS getting warm. Just not warm enough yet to even alarm the frog too much!

[Roughneck]

I dont think this thread should be moved. This is of Great Relevance to the survival of our society.

I too, have come across an unwillingness by my christain friends to "rock the boat" (somehow, they have the impression that it is not christian to speak out, make waves. . .).

Although it kind of gets to me, I do know this: Moses was only one man and the King of Egypt eventually got his anyway. Scriptures will be fullfilled, the faithful will be rewarded - others punished.

Christians have no need to fear.

[StarCMC]

Hear! Hear!

Have you read the book "Roaring Lions?" An awesome encouragement in this area! I'm with you!

[StarCMC]

Hear! Hear!

Have you read the book "Roaring Lions?" An awesome encouragement in this area! I'm with you!

[Right_Rev]

The Frogs will never realize it's too hot. They will be boiled to death!!!

[HeadOn]

Go get 'em. Defiant Southern Baptist bump.

We are being assaulted from all sides, however. Political action cannot confront the spiritual attacks from within, and that's a problem. The Episcopal Church has just been successfully bombarded. Apparently, there were not enough in their ranks who believe the plain word of God.

Our denomination has similar problems, in that we are going through a time when, for some churches, attracting members who want to have a good time seems to out-rank studying God's word.

Our little church tends to vote, and for that, I thank God.

[Right_Rev]

No pun intended toward the French, nor their current climatic conditions!!!

[Right_Rev]

Wee Wee, is that hot water?

[DeweyCA]

Keep fighting the good fight. I experience the same thing in my church. I used to be allowed to occasionally teach in my Sunday School class of 120 adults, which included the Senior Executive Pastor (the church has 5,000 attendes on Sundays). But after I mentioned applying our biblical views by voting for people who would uphold in political office, I was no longer asked to teach. Nothing was said to me, but the invitations no longer were extended. I also have given out voter guides. Last year, a new guy on the church staff threatened to call the police if I didn't move away from the driveway of the church. Since then I have become involved in another church, but still keep ties to old friends.

That big church has the potential to do great good, but there are afraid of offending anyone. I personally KNOW that the former Church Chairman voted for Clinton in both 1992 and 1996. There is no way that the church board will let the church do anything significant. OF course, they might be rightfully afraid of offending people who would otherwise become a Christian through the church. That is of more long-lasting value. But it might also be of eternal value to mobilize the members to be activisits who take their faith seriously in practical political terms, and talk to others about it.

[tbpiper]

admonishment to withdraw from the public square altogether in anticipation of the impending Great Tribulation

I've noticed this myself and consider it a form of cowardice. I would much prefer to fight until the trumpet blows. Who knows how many would be saved if believers took a stand? Many will be offended and turn away, but some won't. It would be very arrogant for us to consign the whole lot to hell.

[Buggman]

BTTT for a later read.

[StarCMC]

This is appalling to me. Our church (SBC)has a Christian Life Committee. Their job is to keep our congregation apprised of political situations that are arising. (Pro-life, etc.) The constitution never mentions the seperation of church and state -- it's a lie from the pit of hell and the devil has truly convinced Christians to sit still and shut up. ARGH!!!!!

[Prov3456]

Thanks for posting this, DesertGOP. I agree with you completely.

It seems to me that American Christians of all sorts have that "it won't happen to me/us; Not in America, we're good" attitude. It makes me think of the section somewhere in the NT that people are being born and dying, living their normal everyday lives, when the "End" comes and takes them by surprise.

That is precisely where the church in America is today.

Just like the citizens of Germany woke up one day, looked around and said to themselves and asked themselves, "How did this (1943) happen?" so American Christians will look around one day and discover that they ARE being persecuted and imprisoned for their faith, and they will ask, "How did this happen?"

Sad. But I agree with you.

[holyscroller]

I'm at a loss to see how anyone who is a Christian could vote Democrat. To me, a vote Democrat is a vote for evil

[RaceBannon]

We are failing because we are seeking to make changes to a political system God has condemned.

Our only genuine solution is for us to getback on track with God so we CAN be salt and light, not get active and get or keep laws intact/overturned.

This is a spiritual battle, and all our screaming about a world system that God condemned is not going o work.

The only real response is for us to shave our heads, cover ourselves with sackcloth and ashes and repent, and beg God to forgive us and heal our land.

[DesertGOP]

Wow!

I had no idea there were SO MANY out there who shared the same frustration I do week after week after week. This is very encouraging, indeed! But, don't misunderstand me, for there are still some evangelical leaders in churches out there who DO see the need for a Godly influence in society and the political arena--where, I might remind my fellow Christians, in particular, is exactly where public policy--for better or for worse--is formulated and eventually implemented. Why is that such a difficult concept to grasp for people like the good-hearted Senior Pastor of our congregation (Assembly of God) in Victorville.

I realize that some in the "blogosphere" will vehemently disagree with my thoughts in the letter, for they are entitled to their opinions, right? But, are we not called in Scripture to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth? Why is it so far-fetched for some to believe that Christ was also talking about bringing Biblical truths to the "political ends" of the earth, as well. Tell me, where in the Word are we NOT commanded to effect our government, our society for the betterment of all (according to the same absolute truth as found between Genesis and Revelation and related commentaries about the same)?

Those of you who have reminded me about "two putting ten thousand to flight" are RIGHT ON! Faithfullness is the key, but the hardest part is just stepping out there and saying, "Here am I."

Thanks for putting up with my "rantings,"

DesertGOP

[Gritty]

Christians need to be involved locally in the secular and political realm. Being 'salt and light' is more than sitting piously, tucked away in some pew. That is what the Liberals are always insisting you do. The very fact that is what they insist on should be a red flag to anybody who thinks about it.