I have read two posts this morning that I think are well worth your time to read. I will link to them and encourage you to go there.
Alan Cross
First, Alan Cross, who has been one of my favorite bloggers for some time, has a powerful article called “The Failings of Christendom.” He says,
“Christendom is the establishment of Christianity (or a version of it) as the state or accepted religion in the larger culture. It is the syncretism of Biblical Christianity with the goals and purposes of the prevailing world system, creating a mixed civil religion that looks Christian in its forms, but lacks the power to truly transform people and human systems to reflect Christ.”
He then goes on to show how Christendom corrupts the offense of the gospel and how is downplays the real demands of the faith.
“The problem with this version of Christendom is that it provides a harbor of comfort for those who want God’s blessing on their lives and endeavors without the demands of discipleship to Christ.”
Worth your time. I’m a little mad, though. I wish I’d written that!
http://www.downshoredrift.com/downshoredrift/2010/10/the-failings-of-christendom.html
Micah Fries
The second article is one by Micah Fries, called, “The Tie that Binds?”
You can find it here. http://micahfries.com/the-tie-that-binds/
Micah, a strong CP supporter, questions whether the CP ought to be the “tie that binds” Southern Baptists, and suggests that we should be bound by
“a purpose, a theology, a Gospel, and to serve that Gospel with any and every appropriate means possible until we have achieved said purpose.”
Great discussion starter.
“Christendom is the establishment of Christianity (or a version of it) as the state or accepted religion in the larger culture. It is the syncretism of Biblical Christianity with the goals and purposes of the prevailing world system, creating a mixed civil religion that looks Christian in its forms, but lacks the power to truly transform people and human systems to reflect Christ.” Wow. A ‘mixed civil religion’ that ‘looks Christian’ ‘but ‘lacks the power to truly transform people and human systems to reflect Christ.’ So we get a picture of what can happen when a political system merges with… Read more »
Dave, I read Micah’s post earlier today. I’m glad that you linked to it. It probably will not surprise you that I have a different take on his post which I will elaborate on for a new SBC Voices post. By taking one quote by Dr. Crosby, Pastor of FBC New Orleans, Micah was able to build a nice strawman to then knock down with his argument. What those of us on both sides of the GCR (the Task Force document, not the Biblical command) are beginning to realize is that conservative, Bible-believing inerrantists are speaking at least two different… Read more »
Yeah, I thought the post was thought-provoking. That’s my definition of a good post. Looking forward to seeing your “counterpoint.”