Liz: Respect Begets Respect

21 comments on this post so far. Add yours!

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  Arch_Druid on March 14 at 9:13 a.m.

  They have, and Liz put it together very well. Let’s put it bluntly that I have the greatest respect for Liz because of what she had to say.

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  Sam on March 14 at 11:14 a.m.

  If Evangelical Christians bugged me I’ve never be able to go to Thanksgiving in Idaho.

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  Sam on March 14 at 11:15 a.m.

  I’ve = I’d. Bah.

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  florined on March 14 at 11:27 a.m.

  yes.

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  Rosalind on March 14 at 11:47 a.m.

  What a loaded question. Actions bother me; not an individual’s faith.

  Some of the actions that are common of Evangelical Christians are bothersome, but I try not to automatically judge based on stereotypes.

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  Charlie on March 14 at 12:09 p.m.

  Evangelical Christians to me are less of a problem than people who try and ram their politics down my throat. I gladly listen to alternative views as long as they listen to mine.

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  Stickman on March 14 at 6:25 p.m.

  Thanks Charlie, I couldn’t have said it any better.

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  sue on March 14 at 7:55 p.m.

  The term bugs me, and the idea that evangelicals think they have a secret that other Christians and non-christians don’t know. It’s also a little telling that Liz refers to herself as an evangelical, then mentions her “political” views. She says it without even a hitch, and that to me has been the rub. Why do some people of a religious persuasion insist not only on one true way to heaven, but also one true way to vote? They’re two separate things, and one of them is ever so much more important than the other.

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  cantyoureadthesigns on March 14 at 9:08 p.m.

  Theologically, there’s not at all a precise definition of an “Evangelical” Christian, and those who call themselves such vary significantly on their various religious beliefs and practices, let alone how this diverse group attempts, or not, to influence the political world.

  A prominent Spokane Evangelical Lutheran Church (America) minister that I know, and have heard preach, and his “flock” are extraordinarily involved in doing good works for the community, yet theologically, ELCA doctrine is founded in emphasizing confession of faith, etc:

  “The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America understands “evangelical” as emphasizing the gospel or good news of salvation received apart from human works and, based on this, the ELCA values worship forms and confessions of faith of the historic Christian tradition.”

  Politically speaking, the ELCA members and leaders that I know are extremely liberal, or if you prefer, “politically correct”. Very social justice and environmental activist oriented, in beliefs and deeds.

  However, they certainly do not disrespect fellow humans of whatever faith and beliefs they may have. And I think this is key to what Liz was saying, and is quite in keeping with the central teachings of Christ, to love our neighbors and do unto them as we would want done unto ourselves.

  As to political engagement, there was recently a good article about this in the Christian Science Monitor, the central parts of which were dissected and discussed on the Statesman a few days ago:

  “Within two generations, evangelicalism will be a house deserted of half its occupants. (Between 25 and 35 percent of Americans today are Evangelicals.) In the “Protestant” 20th century, Evangelicals flourished. But they will soon be living in a very secular and religiously antagonistic 21st century.
  …
  Evangelicals have identified their movement with the culture war and with political conservatism. This will prove to be a very costly mistake. Evangelicals will increasingly be seen as a threat to cultural progress. Public leaders will consider us bad for America, bad for education, bad for children, and bad for society.

  The evangelical investment in moral, social, and political issues has depleted our resources and exposed our weaknesses. Being against gay marriage and being rhetorically pro-life will not make up for the fact that massive majorities of Evangelicals can’t articulate the Gospel with any coherence. We fell for the trap of believing in a cause more than a faith.
  …”

  http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/faith/entries/2009/03/12/i_meant_to_post_this_1.html

  Again, I would suggest that there are many believers who consider themselves “Evangelical” Christians that do not share the conservative political beliefs widely attributed to this term “Evangelical” Christian.

  Personally, I always associate the term “Evangelical Christian” as one who was quite interested in proselytizing, i.e., always trying to convert non-believers, or “other believers”, those of different faith tradition to their own faith tradition. But this is a stereotype as well.

  “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.”

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  JIMMYMAC on March 15 at 12:33 a.m.

  Sue,
  Might this “secret that other Christians and non-christians don’t know” come from the their faith in The Bible? As a Christian, I personally struggle with much of the Bible and it’s exclusivity. That doesn’t necessarily make it right not wrong, correct? But, if it is the truth and one is betting their life on it, does that make their stance wrong? Personally, I don’t like the line in the sand more than the next person. But if I believe it to be TRUTH and you don’t, I think we can have a difference in opinion and get along just fine under those differences. To each his or her own and I pray we both end up okay.

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  JIMMYMAC on March 15 at 12:40 a.m.

  Cantreadyoursigns,
  Although you and I don’t see eye to eye on a majority of things, I do enjoy your posts. To counter your posts about Evangelicals and their stances being popular or not, I don’t think they much care about that as their teachings already articulate much of what you are saying. The way they respond to such is another matter. I say a response of love is the best reaction but is is often missed. Ridiculed, scrutinized, doubted….all part of the plan according to The Bible.

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