Moralism

To a lot of people, Christians are all about moral issues such as homosexuality. You hear words phrases like “Take a stand” and “the cultural battle.” The assumption is that Christians are responsible to influence the country to live according to our moral values. Most of the time, this assumption is wrong. We are called to be salt and light, and I believe we are called to social action primarily around issues of justice. We aren’t called, however, to ensure that everyone behaves as if they were Christians. It drives me crazy when Christians try to get others to pray in school or parliament, and when they talk about making this a Christian country. That’s the talk of theocracy, and it all started with Constantine and his commitment to Christendom. This is extremely dangerous, as it gives the illusion of Christianity without any of its substance. It sometimes makes people into hypocrites. The Apostle Paul himself said that he didn’t expect those who aren’t Christians to act as if they are Christians. Where does that leave us? First, there’s still lots of room for political engagement. I think you can make an extremely strong case for standing up for the rights of the oppressed, and calling for justice for the poor. Christians in the past have done just this: founded hospitals, fought slavery, opposed racism. We have a spotty record, to be sure, but this is precisely where we should be involved in the political process. I wish you heard as many Christians today speaking out in support of the widow and the orphan as you do about some of the hot button issues. Second, there’s lots of room for this discussion within the church. Some of you will disagree with me, but I’m concerned about the decision the Anglican church has taken this week. I feel for some of my Anglican friends who are caught right in the middle of this. I applaud their efforts to influence the church toward what they feel is right. That doesn’t mean anything goes, but we do need strong thinkers and communicators who can do justice to this issue within the church. Third, I think we need to remember that our mission isn’t to make people moral. It goes much deeper than that. Our job is to figure out how we can live in such a way that people are introduced to the One who’s changed us. Your thoughts?

Darryl Dash

Darryl Dash

I'm a grateful husband, father, oupa, and pastor of Grace Fellowship Church East Toronto. I love learning, writing, and encouraging. I'm on a lifelong quest to become a humble, gracious old man.
Toronto, Canada