“Help Fight Religious Leftists”

John Armstrong: “Help Fight Religious Leftists”

There it was, on the outside of the funding appeal letter, “Help Fight Religious Leftists from turning churches into cockpits for political mobilization.” My first response was to file the letter in the trash can by my desk. My next was to read it. Why? I once served on the board of the organization that sent this letter and these types of extremely partisan political appeals actually prompted my resignation. So, I reasoned, “See what they are telling constituents now. See if you find hope or more of the same in their present appeals for your money.” The letter told me how three mainline denominations would claim to speak for “you” (if you are a member of one of these congregations) in 2011. How could this non-profit organization help you stop this? Here is their response: “Please join with us in the battle to ensure that our beloved churches focus on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and are not hijacked for ultra-liberal political agendas.” ...

... So what is it that troubles me the most about this kind of appeal? Besides the fact that it represents a clearly political stance of its own, it is clearly rooted in fear and the growing need to always be on the opposition. It frames a whole subset of Christian faith in America that I find just as difficult to unity and mission as that of the far left. It reduces the good news to politics and my vote.

Here was the part of this appeal I said above I liked, with the one exception that I now omit: “Churches should be reluctant to speak to political details and instead remain centered on central Christians themes of salvation, transformation, discipleship, help for the poor, and speaking to social issues to which the Bible and Christian tradition . . . . offer direct guidance.” Amen.

As I read the envelope once again I couldn’t help but think of how I could get an appeal from another group which said, “Help Fight Religious Rightists from turning churches into cockpits for political mobilization.” I have seen this problem with my own eyes. I believe it is just as dangerous to our churches as the political leanings of the far left. I have seen the gospel become small in conservative churches and the political, pro-America message become huge. I have lived through this change over my lifetime. I have also seen churches split over this ideological form of faith. I have seen sectarian anger boil over into public conflict between conservative Christians who see these things differently. I believe, when all is said and done, that this approach is just as harmful to the gospel and the mission of Christ as what this organization is opposing by this appeal letter. This approach does not raise funds for ACT 3 but that’s just the way I see it. ACT 3 is committed to one goal: “Equipping leaders for unity in Christ’s mission.” We believe this is the really big idea whether or not it works in fund-raising letters or not. Generally, the truth is that it does not work, which raises a lot of other questions I will keep writing about if the Lord gives me the grace.

Great piece, John!

Comments

[Eric]

Yes! Why can't everyone seek unity and peace like we moderate American pragmatists?

[Michael W. Kruse]

I think the issue for me is seeing every political question in terms of sin/atonement or evil/righteous. A great many decisions are trade-offs ... weighing opportunity costs. It is the linking of religious certitude with political positions that I frequently find troubling.