It seems to be becoming more insidious. At least, it must seem that way to established church leaders. More and more, they're having to look around and realize that the new American Christian church is more liberal, more tolerant, and less judgmental.
This article from the Washington Post discussed the resurgence of a book written in 2003 that is now on the New York Times Bestseller list. The book was written by an evangelical Christian who was searching for a God and a Jesus that he believed he found in the Bible but not in the church. When he wrote the book, Donald Miller only sold enough copies to pay the rent for a couple of months. Yet, five years later, it's being used almost as a pamphlet or tract by young Christians who are looking for a new identity.
Of course the book has its critics. The Washington Post:
In my view, this can only be a good thing for the modern church. Heads up, though. There will be a backlash as the older church leaders remind us of Christ's other message - the one in which he said that he didn't come to bring peace but to bring the sword. (Matthew 10:24)
So, I guess my point is this. Hurray for reasonable minds like Miller's but let's not drink the KoolAid yet. Jesus wasn't only crunchy granola--he was also Pattonesque and divisive.
This article from the Washington Post discussed the resurgence of a book written in 2003 that is now on the New York Times Bestseller list. The book was written by an evangelical Christian who was searching for a God and a Jesus that he believed he found in the Bible but not in the church. When he wrote the book, Donald Miller only sold enough copies to pay the rent for a couple of months. Yet, five years later, it's being used almost as a pamphlet or tract by young Christians who are looking for a new identity.
Of course the book has its critics. The Washington Post:
One such critic, Shane Walker, says Miller presents Jesus as a "nice fellow who meets one at the campfire and swaps stories." He forgets to remind readers that Jesus is also a judge and avenger who "wants to save you from his just wrath," according to his review for 9Marks, an organization designed to help churches reestablish their biblical bearings.Nonetheless, this book and others like it can't be dismissed by entrenched evangelical leaders. There is clearly a growing trend of Christians identifying themselves (openly) as politically liberal and socially tolerant.
In my view, this can only be a good thing for the modern church. Heads up, though. There will be a backlash as the older church leaders remind us of Christ's other message - the one in which he said that he didn't come to bring peace but to bring the sword. (Matthew 10:24)
So, I guess my point is this. Hurray for reasonable minds like Miller's but let's not drink the KoolAid yet. Jesus wasn't only crunchy granola--he was also Pattonesque and divisive.
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