BreakPoint Blog
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A greater loss than we realized Of all the articles and blog posts I've read about Chuck since his death, this is one of the best. Don't be fooled by the title; by "moderate evangelicalism," blogger Kevin Davis is referring not to the actual beliefs of Chuck and other evangelical leaders of his generation, but to their way of expressing them and acting on them. As Davis explains: I lament the passing of this generation for the obvious reasons that any passing of great persons of faith is lamentable. Their presence and their example [are] an encouragement to us all. But, I lament the passing of this generation for another reason. It is the passing away of a moderate evangelicalism -- not moderate in its fervency to reach others with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Rather, their unrelenting focus on the core of Christian faith -- conversion toward Christ -- made them moderate in respect to those who would draw the lines much tighter on what it means to be an evangelical.Davis believes that, with the passing of Chuck's generation, the future of evangelicalism belongs to those who are all too willing to thrust fellow evangelicals outside the circle unless they perfectly dot every i and cross every t of what those people consider the correct theology. Sadly, I fear he may be right. |
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Strictly from my humble lay perspective, I find that scripturally-solid Christians of different denominations are more and more inclined to overlook theological differences for God’s transcendent truth: creation, fall, redemption. (By definition of course this excludes the “emerging church” which is merely “emerging” onto some higher plane of secular consciousness.)
I happen to be a frequently-lapsed Lutheran married to a Catholic for more than 30 years. While I would never consider converting, intellectually I can’t discount two millennia of Rome’s defense and preservation of the faith. And I’ve found conservative Catholics to be much more biblically-grounded than liberal Lutherans.
“The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord.” We capital “C” Christians share a world view that’s wholly incompatible with the morally relativistic culture that’s threatening to overwhelm us. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 And it’s a battle that requires a united front.
Like that old boiling frog analogy, over the last few decades we Christians have been lulled into complacency. But in recent years the cultural heat has been notched up so high – we’re finally jumping out of the pot.
And I believe Chuck Colson’s tireless example of living his faith has inspired many of us to wake up the other “frogs.” How many lives has the man touched over the years? Thousands? Tens of thousands? Excuse my mixed metaphors, but think of all those seeds of faith that have been planted. Surely God will provide the food and water they need to thrive.
Because of Colson’s words and deeds, I’m more convicted in my faith than ever. (I was especially moved by the simulcast of “Doing the Right Thing” that I watched last year.) I’m inspired to share the Truth with others in my own small way and plan to begin a regular feature on my blog [DesignsontheTruth.com], tying current events to various topics in “How Now Shall We Live,” that wonderful book that Colson wrote with Nancy Pearcy which has practically become my second Bible.
Charles Colson was truly was a modern-day prophet, and I know his legacy will live on. The Holy Spirit is on the job!
“Let not your heart be troubled.” We know how the story ends.
And Mike, I agree completely with the danger posed by secularist absolutists. But I would also venture that one of our greatest opportunities to counter their threat is increased unity among believers, and acts of service that transform the culture from which politics is derived.
If it sounds like I'm parroting Mr. Colson, let's just say that was my intent, and that any errors made are mine, not his.
Those Christians who think the Church has been tainted by politics would have certainly been Royalists before our Declaration of Independence, because the churches of the day were full of politics, as the very thick two volumes of "Political Sermons of the American Founding Era 1730-1805" attests. It sounds like many of the Christians referred to in the piece would see the term "political sermon" as an oxymoron, if not as heresy. What right has the state to tell our churches what we can or cannot preach from the pulpit? The First Amendment applies there as well as anywhere, but it doesn't today.
And I'm all for helping widows and orphans, or other needy people in our day, but the greatest poverty program in the history of the world is called capitalism. It is morally superior to any statist system to equal the playing field of material outcomes, and Christians who think that re-distribution of wealth is a moral good are absolutely wrong. One political party, though far from perfect, believes and tries to act on the former, while the other is completely committed to the latter. It's very clear to me where Christian sympathies should lie, and to think that these are not important matters for Christians to address is insane.
May I suggest that there is good reason to hope those prayers are being answered? Aside from our confidence in God, let us give thanks for churches that do love Jesus and preach the Bible, and for ministries that place an emphasis on those marginalized in today's society! The next generation WILL respond as they see God's truth put into action.
Honestly, I see movements like "Jesus Is _____" in Seattle, and books such as "Blue Like Jazz", and I think "Wow!!". God is raising up leaders, including Judah Smith and Donald Miller, who creatively and passionately smash denominational barriers and remind us persuasively that the core of the Gospel is a person ... Jesus ... and the core of our response is helping widows and orphans (James 1:27).
Yes, I believe the message of 'moderate evangelicalism' will continue to resonate and find acceptance, if we, individually accept the challenge to love Jesus and our neighbors. It is no more than what Chuck wanted for each of us ... and no less than what Christ commanded. Peace.
(FaceBook & Twitter, Youtube), but I am seeing that I must constantly re-iterate to them the things of God as they are. The exiting generation were in no way perfect, but most were committed & had that fear of the Lord. I think about have I imparted enough to my children to be able to stand when I am no longer here to be that voice of encouragement, wisdom, that strengthen them when they were weak. Have I imparted into them enough to know that no man, no song, no praise dancing can save, only the word of God. I just this year started listening to Brother Colson's 2 minute warnings. I was so encouraged and taken by his un-relenting stance on the truth, I started playing them during my ministry's broadcast, & posting them on the ministry's website as well. Anything to get the truth to the people of God. Because of brother Colson I will start posting like commentaries as well. But i will not leave out brother Colson's ministry's (BreakPoint, 2 minute Warnings) as he is a mentor to me.
It is a greater loss than we could have ever imagined it would be, for just knowing that he was coming with more defining encouragement each week, was a greater encouragement that could not be measured. Oh how I prayed for my brother when I heard he was ill, because I was just getting to know a true friend. I encourage all at the Colson center to stand strong & step up as Brother Colson as encouraged us all to do.
Blessings & Peace to your homes!!!