Is Christianity dead / dying? No not really
Sigmund, Carl and Alfred by use of a posts / articles by The Anchoress and Michael Lerner has excellent post today that ponders the many deaths and rebirth of Christianity and church, concluding that the church never really dies but merely fades at times, or goes underground, before re-emerging. Great points and a great post. Read SC & A’s full post here.
I, for one, reject the overall premise provided in your link - notably, that of Michael Lerner. While there is absolutely a concerted effort by elements of the left to sweep religion out of society - that atheist dude that had a problem with the pledge, for example - I think it’s unfair to assume the “liberal movement” as a whole wants religion dumped. That’s an inaccurate generalization of the left, and an improper usage of the term “liberal”, in my opinion. I’m a liberal, and I fervently believe in God. Where I part company with my conservative friends, more often than not, is where exactly the line of separation between church and state should be drawn. Most importantly, I don’t view organized religions as the proper denotation of the “church”. The correct defintion, I feel, should be that spiritual entity that resides within the hearts and minds of ALL people of faith - including us liberals. I always fight against the overextension of religious influence within government, because I don’t feel there’s any place for it in a secular government. Look at the problems that existed for centuries with the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. It is ABSOLUTELY possible for personal religious expression and secular government to exist separately within the same cultural sphere.
Just my opinion, of course.
Comment by
Hermann the Malevolent — 1/31/2006 @ 4:59 pm
Excellent points Hermann as always. I have always said that politics is irrelevent to salvation. God is neither conservative or liberal, He is God and that is all that matters in the end. I linked to it where people could / would read it and come to their own views - as you did. We have always had a policy of linking to things that are interesting, even if we do not fully agree with them. Like SC & A says I think Lerner has oversimplied his agruments.
As for the line between church and state, well that one will be fought over until Christ returns, both within and between poltical views. I do not think any party, movement or view is 100% unifed on where that line should be or is.
As for the church, well I think Sigmund, Carl and Alfred and the Anchoress were attempting to make the same point as you - about the church not being a certain creed or denomination with their parting lines -
The Anchoress only states a truth of the ages: “When the church is oppressed, she is also most fervent.”
She isn’t referring to the institution that is the church, but rather, she speaks of the foundation of the Church- those who put their trust in God and find peace under His tent.
Again, as for Lerner well I think that is why SC& A mentions his OVERSIMPLLIFICATIONS before quoting him.
As always Hermann thanks for reading, commenting and participating. You always make thought provoking comments and that is appreciated.
Stay strong, be couragous, and serve God in all things. Also know that I look forward to talking wto you for eternity in heaven as you will be a very pleasant companion and conversation partner.
Comment by
admin — 1/31/2006 @ 9:52 pm