By Andrew L. Pate, Jr., Th.D.
Choices can be intimidating. For they can be very complex. But Christians must make them, and in "the right Way." Such is our calling.
To discover that "Way" requires us, in the first instance we believe, to dismiss everything blocking us, like world politics and American politics in particular. The individuals involved in these processes have but one controlling purpose, to wield political power. Faith, or its consideration, is secondary to them. So they are not in any way our guides or leaders in Christian decision-making.
So, let us then lay aside not just Trumpism, but also Socialism, Communism, Fascism, and Progressive-ism. These too are "politics." Faith is not their priority.
We cannot stop here with our dismissals, however; we must also do our best to lay aside certain"Christian" positions which, despite their claims, are not accurate faith interpretations. We include here the heretical forms of "evangelical Christianity" and " Christian Liberalism."
Understand. This is not to say that everything advocated by the above-named groups is in Christian error. No--it is to say that they are misguided in serious ways, whatever their positions.
For one, take the"evangelical Christians" who hold staunchly to an anti-abortion position. While their enthusiasm and strength of conviction are admirable, their faith-insight is too narrow and extreme, too seldom inclusive, if at all.
Christian Liberals are no better. They err in the opposite direction, too quick to go with whichever way the wind is blowing.
Most "Christian" opinions that should be shunned by serious Christians are radical to the extreme. excessively passionate, not about Christ, but about their own ability to interpret Christ's teachings for the 21st century. Encountering these extremes, we should tread softly and, when necessary, run from them!
Of course, we too are here attempting to interpret faith in a meaningful way, which requires us, we believe, to travel on a certain path.
First of all, to be Christ-centered always.
For example, in application:: we Christians cannot simply throw away as outdated Jesus' teaching on the sanctity of the male-female union. To take such a radical step would indeed be a radical departure from our historic and biblical faith, into what amounts to a non-Christian position.
Accurate faith interpretations also aim for for the Oneness of humanity and for the unreserved acceptance of all people. These are, let us reaffirm, our "keys" to the kingdom.
One Faith, One Lord, One Father of us All--these stand at the center of our faith as our bulwarks against folly and scandalous behavior.. Without them, we fail.
Where Christ leads, we must follow.
Yes, it is that simple.
En Espanol
Cómo nuestra fe puede guiarnos a través de la locura de un mundo extraño
Las decisiones pueden ser intimidantes. Porque pueden ser muy complejos. Pero los cristianos deben hacerlas, y de "la manera correcta". Tal es nuestra vocación. Descubrir ese "Camino" requiere que, en primera instancia creemos, descartemos todo lo que nos bloquea, como la política mundial y la política estadounidense en particular. Los individuos involucrados en estos procesos no tienen más que un propósito de control, ejercer el poder político. La fe, o su consideración, es secundaria a ellos. Así que no son de ninguna manera nuestros guías o líderes en la toma de decisiones cristianas. Entonces, dejemos de lado no solo el trumpismo, sino también el socialismo, el comunismo, el fascismo y el progresista. Estos también son "política". La fe no es su prioridad. Sin embargo, no podemos quernos aquí con nuestros despidos; también debemos hacer todo lo posible para dejar de lado ciertas posiciones
Por un lado, tomemos a los "cristianos evangélicos" que se aferran firmemente a una posición antiaborto. Si bien el entusiasmo teórico y la fuerza de la convicción son admirables, su visión de la fe es demasiado estrecha y extrema, muy rara vez inclusiva, si es que lo es. Los liberales cristianos no son mejores. Yerran en la dirección opuesta, demasiado rápido para ir con lo que sea el viento. La mayoría de las opiniones "cristianas" que deberían ser rechazadas por los cristianos serios son radicales hasta el extremo. excesivamente apasionados, no acerca de Cristo, sino acerca de su propia capacidad para interpretar las enseñanzas de Cristo para el siglo 21ste. Al encontrarnos con estos extremos, ¡debemos andar suavemente y, cuando sea necesario, huir de ellos!
Por supuesto, nosotros también estamos aquí intentando nterpret la fe de una manera significativa, que requiere que, creemos, para viajar en un cierto camino. En primer lugar, estar siempre centrado en Cristo. Por ejemplo, en la aplicación:: los cristianos no podemos simplemente tirar como anticuada la enseñanza de Jesús sobre la santidad de la unión hombre-mujer. Dar un paso tan radical sería, de hecho, una desviación radical de nuestra fe histórica y bíblica, hacia lo que equivale a una posición no cristiana. Las interpretaciones precisas de la fe también apuntan a la Unidad de la humanidad y a la aceptación sin reservas de nuestro pueblo. Estas son, reafirmemos, nuestras "llaves" del reino. Una Fe, Un Señor, Un Padre de nosotros Todos--estos están en el centro de nuestra fe como nuestros baluartes contra la locura y el comportamiento escandaloso.. Sin ellos, fracasamos. Donde Cristo guía, debemos seguir.
Insight and wisdom are often not enough. For even when understood they can strengthen the weaknesses they endeavor to expose. Case in point:
By Andrew L. Pate, Jr.
When numbers—size, value, etc.—count the most, human beings count the least. Yes, there's sufficient truth in that statement to take it seriously.
Along with this greater appreciation of me and you, there also has to be the recovery of a sense of a purpose in everyone. People who feel defeated have lost their sense of direction. they too often think they are useless and different, sometimes failing to realize that no one is perfect.
Which calls for a maturity of insight and wisdom in us: a summons to each of us to see in others their imago dei We can catch a glimpse of it in the smiles of endangered Afghan children, or the children of poverty playing games.
By Andrew L. Pate, Jr.
to where that education was obtained? Yes, some schools are better than others; some actually have years of research and success in support of their spokespersons and graduates It's not by accident that Einstein was Einstein
Thirdly, ask whether the "other" is trustworthy? Politicians are biased as are preachers and others whose chief concern is to protect their status quo.
Thirdly, apply your own experience and intelligence. Trust your best judgment when alarms are sounded. Every individual can think for himself or herself. So can you!
Faith2021.net is a creation of Andrew L. Pate, Jr. Dr. Pate is an experiened pastor and theologian known for his ability to apply Christian values to contemporary issues.
Por Andrew L. Pate, Jr., Th.D.