Pastor’s Note:
Christian Consistency
In determining what I should share with you for the New Year, I came across an article by Jim Wallis, editor of Sojourner’s Magazine, and author of the book, Rediscovering Values: A Guide for Economic and Moral Recovery, much of what he says is included in the following:
“One of the greatest failures of Christians in this country is when they don’t think and act as Christians first. Instead, they think first as Americans, consumers, partisans, and sometimes even as Red Sox fans (a real problem in Old Saybrook, but Wallis’ favorite team). This leads to bending over backward to justify un-Christian behavior and attitudes to fit these other identities. The biblical name for this behavior is idolatry.”
“Now, Christians can and do identify as Americans, consumers, partisans, and even Red Sox fans. But, it should never be our first or primary identity. Those other identities should all be subservient and accountable to our identity in Christ.”
“The antidote is simple. Christians need to read their Bibles more. It makes a difference.”
“I was surprised, as were many others, when a headline in Christianity Today a few months ago read, “Survey: Frequent Bible Reading Can Turn You Liberal.” “
“While many studies have shown a correlation between frequent church attendance and conservative political views, a new study from Baylor University (considered an evangelical university) shows that frequent Bible reading leads to broadening one’s concern for social and economic justice.”
“In fact, Baylor set up a five point scale to measure Bible reading frequency. Participants were asked, "How important is it to actively seek social and economic justice in order to be a good person?" Each point moving up the Bible reading scale correlated with a 35 percent increase in Christians who would agree with that statement.”
“Frequent Bible reading doesn’t correlate with any neat political category. Christians must and should engage, struggle with, and be accountable to the scriptures. It is what keeps us honest, ensuring that we are Christians before we are Americans, consumers, partisans, or Red Sox fans.”
“A new poll from the Public Religion Research Institute in partnership with Religion News Service asked what different Americans favor or oppose when it comes to reducing the federal deficit. Here is what’s surprising: 58 percent of white evangelicals now oppose cutting federal programs that help the poor, 72 percent oppose cutting federal funding to religious organizations that help the poor, and 60 percent favor raising taxes on those that make more than $1 million a year, in order to help reduce the deficit.”
I have re-worked into a survey some (and by no means all) considerations concerning what it means to be a Christian. The survey is printed in the current "Tower," or click here to download a copy. Please take the time to consider your response to each thought about “What It Means To Be A Christian.” When you have completed the survey, bring it to church, unsigned, and deposit it in the special box in the Connector. After a couple of weeks (I will also include the survey in the Bulletin for Sunday morning worship) I will review and report back in the next “Tower” where we as a church stand in general.
Faithfully,
Pastor Craig |
