There are several people here in the Treasure Valley who call themselves "Christian Activists". But they have a completely different definition for Christian activism than what the concept truly means. These individuals believe that Christian activism deals with causing a raucus, making the news, standing all alone, challenging authority, and causing enough fuss to get your issue in the papers. If someone's not getting upset - then you are not doing your Christian activism job very well.
But this is not true Christian activism.
This is only an outer shell - a prideful outer shell that is more focused on the activism part than on the Christian part.
In order to see the true heart of Christian activism, you have to look at the heart of Christ. Would Jesus Christ care if there was a monument for the Ten Commandments that nobody ever saw in a lonely park? Or would He instead care about the homeless man who sleeps next to it - and try to fulfill His life through hope, purpose, help for his addictions, and job training. Would Jesus be holding huge anti-abortion signs in front of a clinic? Or would He be talking with the young girls and their families in their homes - trying to bring restoration and healing in the midst of a difficult situation. Would Jesus travel all the way to China just to get arrested for illegally throwing His beliefs all over the country? Or would He focus on real and practical ways to be able to spread His church around the globe?
The heart of Christ is other people. The heart of true Christian activism needs to be other people. It needs to be tangible help and hope for the lowly and the poor. It needs to be relevant assistance for those who are suffering or being oppressed. It needs to be a loving strategy, loving actions, and loving attitudes.
True Christian activism flows from the heart of Christ.
The things that some people are doing now are not Christian activism.
So where are all the true Christian activists? Who will stand up to take back the reputation of the Church and bring real help and hope to those who really need it?
Monday, September 29, 2008
True Christian Activism
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Have you asked your buddy Vlade?
but seriously, good insight Kenton. This Bible study I'm going to is reading "where God happens" and this guy relates the Christian life to building a house and how many believe you start with the foundation (your own self) when what we really need to do is start with the foundation (our neighbor) and go from there.
Post a Comment