A thoughtful entry by Justin Baeder at Radical Congruency sums up some of my own thoughts about Evangelicalism. I’m an Evangelical to the core — grew up in Evangelical churches, youth group President, evangelical college (Gordon College), young adult group leader, promise keeper, elder, worship leader, etc., etc. I couldn’t leave Evangelicalism behind even if I wanted to, not only because it’s in my blood, but also because there aren’t other viable local church communities in which I’d want to raise my own kids (got three of ’em). And by and large I think the broad outlines of Evangelical theology are good.
And yet, and yet, and yet, I’m so very weary of Evangelicalism. I’m weary of our constipated little culture, the way we talk to each other in code words (“that sermon was such a blessing, wasn’t it?), the way we shy away from hard questions and harsh realities of life beyond our suburban gardens. I’m weary of the silly love songs to Jesus on the local Christian radio station and the skate punks wearing “turn or burn” t-shirts at the local Christian skate park. I’m weary of placing everyone in neat categories — “saved or unsaved,” “walking with the Lord or worldly”. I’m weary of fighting with folks who are supposed to be my brothers and sisters about things that seem glaringly self-evident to me (no, “science” does not equal “heresy”, “conservative” does not equal “godly”, and there really is no such thing as a “Christian nation.”) I’m weary of our ignorance of our own history, of the absurd perception that we’ve finally in the last 50 years or so straightened out all the doctrinal questions of the Church’s first 2000 years and now have it all just right. I’m weary of “Left Behind” books and seeing Jim Dobson sputtering on Larry King Live about how the nation’s going down the toilet and reading ridiculous quotes in the Times from Bible study groups that were praying for George Bush’s reelection.
Where are the cries for mercy and justice? Where is the revulsion at the violence of war? Where is the truth spoken humbly in love? Where is the seeking, the striving, the acceptance of ambiguity and uncertainty because of, not in spite of, faith? I don’t want another “movement.” I don’t want to throw out the faith thinking I might save it. I want the real thing. Where is it?
4 replies on “A Third Way in Evangelicalism?”
Maybe some of it is just that we all need some humility, particularly in terms of fighting with people about things. For example, as a physical scientist, I tend to lean towards an old-earth view of creation, but I try to avoid discussing it with anyone. Part of me wants to argue with young-earth people and try to convince them why they’re wrong, and to prove how smart I am. But I’ve realized to some extent it’s better to let them believe that, because I don’t know the answers for sure, and even if I did, it’s not a fundamental issue. I think we need some humility so we don’t fight about things that aren’t fundamental to Christianity.
That probably doesn’t speak to most of your post, just the bit about being tired of arguing with people about various things. I could argue for ages — we both like arguing, so I’m sure you’re like me– but it wouldn’t be productive.
Thanks, David. I try to avoid arguments too, except maybe online. š I guess what I meant to express, as far as the arguments go, is a certain level of frustration at the quality of dialogue within local church leadership. At least in my experience, there are subjects like this that are untouchable. They arouse such passion that it’s impossible to move forward constructively. Yet, as a leader, it breaks my heart that congregants and even many of the other leaders promote particular narrow views that divide on non-essentials. When is it divisive or argumentative to raise such an issue, and when is it courageous leadership?
Why not loosen up a big? You might be surprised how much truth is available in other branches of Christianity. Quakers for example: they have something to say to you. Methodists: likewise.
Liberals: horrors! But yes, they have something to say. We all worship the same God.
Blessings to you, my friend.
Larry — thanks, I was intending to specifically address what I see as the broad trends in Evangelicalism. Of course, there are “Evangelicals” in every branch of Christianity, and Evangelicals can learn from other Christians who wouldn’t identify themselves as Evangelical, maybe particularly on issues relating to the justice of waging war.