Posted on 07/16/2005 7:46:58 AM PDT by sionnsar
From WORLD magazine, Gene Edward Veith has an essay, Liberal conservatives, that may indeed describe part of a problem many evangelicals face: they are conservative everywhere but at church. As Veith writes:
Todd Wilken, the Lutheran talk-show host, has identified another kind of liberal conservative. In an article titled "Bible-believing Liberals" in Issues, Etc. Journal, he observes that many Christians are conservative politically, economically, culturally, and in every other way except one: They are liberal/progressives when it comes to church.I think he is right about this, and it may explain some of what has happened in Anglicanism.
"While they believe that the culture needs to return to its historic traditions, they think the church needs to abandon hers," Mr. Wilken writes. "While they believe men and women have defined roles in marriage and family, they don't see why a woman can't replace a man in the pulpit. . . . They want the Ten Commandments in the public square, but are unconcerned when those commandments are replaced with ‘principles for living' from the pulpit. To the Bible-believing liberal, ceremonies of a presidential inauguration are meaningful and inspiring, but the Sunday morning liturgy is boring. For the Bible-believing liberal, the differences between political parties are serious, but the differences between Christian denominations are petty. While they insist on a strict literal interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, they play fast and loose with the Bible and its theology, even while maintaining its inerrancy and inspiration. These are the Bible-believing liberals."
In other words, many Christians reject the dogmas of progressivism—the old is bad, what's new is good, we should change along with the cultural trends—in the culture wars, while embracing them in church.
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams. Both are fellow Missouri Synod Lutherans--and, in the interest of disclosure I suppose, I happen to know both of the gentlemen.
I think we should be aware that outright atheists are moving into the churches as well. Yesterday two of Michael Medveds guests were atheists who attend a Lutheran church.
They never gave a real reason for attending church but I don't think their reasons are honorable. If I were to hazard a guess I would say that they intend to destroy from within.
The recent story of child molestation at a Baptist church in Louisiana uncovered satanists within the church.
Thanks!
Click here for the article from World Magazine:
Liberal conservatives: Many evangelicals are liberal when it comes to the church
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1438970/posts
Thank you pastor, I will have to check the links out.
Depends on the church body. "Mainstream" Protestant churches are resorting to attracting would-be members in with entertainment and Hollywood hooks, not the Gospel. The hope is that if you get people inside the church building, that somehow, some way, they'll be saved without ever hearing the Word.
Thanks, Pastor.
Bttt.
I distributed (locally) the Wilkin essay the same day I received it. He has nailed the issue. Now if he would just call it by its proper name..."neo-pietism".
My disclosure: I know, and have harmonized with, Pastor Henrickson in SanLooee (although he may not have called it "harmony").
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.