In 2005, an overlooked study by two sociologists examined the spiritual lives of American teenagers (13-19) from a wide variety of backgrounds. What they found (and please realize that this study is now indicative of adults 23-35) was that in most cases our culture adhered to a pseudo-religion researchers call Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD).
MTD has 5 basic tenets (read carefully)…
Be patient with me as I put another perspective on the table of civic engagement discussion. This is a longer article than my normal opining.
My journey into civic engagement (politics) began nearly 15 years ago. It is a long story about how I, as a pastor, made the final steps out of compartmentalizing my faith with regards to public policy and cultural concerns to embracing a comprehensive biblical worldview which claims Christ as Lord in ALL arenas of life. It has been both an exciting and bumpy journey.
If a doctrine can be twisted, then be sure, it will be twisted.
I have said for years that if the great Deceiver (the devil) cannot keep you from entering the Kingdom and receiving the emancipating grace and atonement of Jesus Christ, he will resort to strategic plan “b” which is to twist legitimate doctrines and confuse you so you will live far beneath your scripturally endorsed right.
Case in point…
Prosperity.
Christians, as a whole, want to be a cooperative and peaceful people. There are of course, exceptions in any group, but I am convinced that the vast majority of Jesus followers would rather be left alone in peace rather than look for a fight. The reason is because at heart, Christians are commanded to love people and that includes our enemies. So, as a people group, Christians try to find ways to demonstrate that love to a world which is inherently selfish and power-hungry. This perspective should be of no surprise to anyone in or out of the Church.
“Moreover, you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.”
Exodus 18:21
Exodus 18:21 has become a focal point in recent years with regards to choosing our civic leaders. It is the passage where Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, tells Moses how he should rule the people and not get a heart attack (my take). Jethro adds some qualifications that these men should demonstrate. I use the acrostic FACT, to remember these qualifications…
