Evangelical leaders are re-examining whether American evangelicalism has suffered from its portrayal as a conservative political movement rather than as a broad religious philosophy rooted in a close reading of the Bible.

Although evangelical leaders have been among the most prominent spokesmen for conservative causes, “evangelical” and “religious right” are not the same thing. Studies indicate that as many as 40 percent of Americans who call themselves evangelicals are politically moderate or identify with the Democratic Party.

But two recent declarations by evangelical and conservative religious thinkers suggest that evangelicals have become too closely identified with conservative political activism, at the expense of attracting new followers.

“Because evangelicals have been portrayed as being very, very limited in their range of societal concerns, there is an element of challenge in the evangelical community to say, ‘Let’s not get caught up in narrow partisan concerns,’” said Mark L. Sargent, provost of Gordon College, a nondenominational Christian institution in Wenham, Mass. “Many evangelicals say they feel very alienated with the partisan rhetoric in the nation.”

The statement is a diplomatically worded synthesis that reaffirms evangelicals’ traditional opposition to abortion, embryonic stem cell research, pornography and “sexual libertinism.” And it urges evangelicals to remain deeply engaged on those issues.

But “evangelicals have failed to engage with the breadth, depth, and consistency to which we are called,” says the statement. It was signed by nearly 100 of the nation’s most prominent evangelical leaders, among them James Dobson, chairman of Focus on the Family; Richard Land, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention; David Neff, editor of Christianity Today; Charles Colson, president of the Prison Fellowship ministry; and the Rev. Rick Warren, author of the best-seller “The Purpose-Driven Life.”

I again encourage you to check back on my blog but more importantly educate yourself on these issues.  Understand what is being said and balance it with God's biblical instruction.  We hold to the Word for more than sentimental reasons.  We believe it to be the inspired message of our Creator.  Our failure to know our scriptures and the cultural debates they can address sentences us to living in a world alienated from God's wisdom.

What do you think?

Michael

Received an fresh view on this controversial topic.  Thought I would post it. 

 

Text:  "...you are working together and struggling side by side to get others to believe the good news."  Philippians 1:27

 

Most of us remember our first day at work.  It was exciting and frightening.  We were energetic and a little clumsy.  Some of our co-workers welcomed us and others saw us as drag to the job.  New people take time to learn and some learn faster than others.  Most of us have been on the other side too.

 

Mayor Bloomberg of New York City spoke last week to the business school of Columbia University.  When asked for advice on beginning a career, he encouraged them to take a first job where they would find mentors so that they could learn the real world of business.  He saw the lack of communication between young and old as one factor for the financial trouble we are in today. 

 

Never think you know it all.  You don't.  If you are younger, draw closer to a seasoned veteran of faith.  If you are older, take a younger believer under your wing.  It will benefit you both as we witness to the world.  It will also show the world that generations can work together and support each other.  That would be a nice message for the world today.

 

Remember Wayne Gilbert this morning.  He is at Methodist Hospital due to a chanin saw accident yesterday.  He damaged at least two fingers.  Will update you more later.  Remember to reach out this week.

 

Michael

 

My apologies for being out of touch these last few days.  My computer crashed last Friday and the repair is taking all week.  I have a new computer coming in Wednesday and hopefully should be back up and running soon.  We do not realize how dependent we are on these machines.  Joan Davidson did well with her hip replacement and is at home.  Keep Leah and Pedro Pichardo in prayers for their miscarriage.  A little girl.  Private services will be this week.  Finally, Rock Hurley will have his surgery this week to replace a vein in his leg and an aneurysm behind the stomach. 

 

Life stays busy.   I appreciate your prayers.

 

Michael