I read this article this morning, at the recommendation of a friend, and it blew me away. The author, an atheist, argues that the most effective means of helping Africa develop has been and will be the missionary efforts of the Christian church. Though fascinating in itself, the religious side of this story is not what most interests me. Sure, it is refreshing, if not a bit odd, to see an atheist speak so frankly, kindly, and reasonably in defense of Christianity, but this is not what really got my attention reading this article. What blew me away was that I think this atheist has a more healthy view of social change than many Christians. He understands that the fundamental means of change, for a Christian, ought to be the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to change souls. Real change, for the Christian, is heart change. This atheist recognizes this. Unfortunately, it seems many Christians today don't. There are Christians on both sides of the aisle who insist that real change, whether the economic change sought by those on the left or the social/moral change sought by those on the right, ought to be brought about by government policy. Somehow, Christians have managed to forget what this atheist recognizes is at the core of the Christian message: real change is heart change.
Friday, January 9, 2009
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3 comments:
I received the same from a friend a few days ago, and found it as interesting as you did. I have lived in Africa for a few years, and agree 100% with his perception.
An incredibly refreshing and well articulated blog. I too, have no religion because, while I do believe that religion is a great way to find fortitude and purpose within oneself, I'm sick of it being used as a soapbox for political issues.
As a Christian, I'm sick of it too. The silly thing about it, is that it weakens the message when it's abused. When Christians do nothing but browbeat people for not behaving like Christians, they've forgotten the point. Christianity is not about getting people's behavior right externally. Christianity starts with the premise that everyone has already failed to get their behavior right, and we all need the sacrifice of Jesus to save us from ourselves. Thus it is silly for Christians to demand lifestyle change, from homosexuals for example. Instead, Christians should be preaching the need for hearts to be changed by the message of the salvation offered in Jesus Christ. Sure, heart change should result in lifestyle change, but lifestyle change without heart change is empty. And I'm so sorry that so many Christians have distorted this and needlessly alienated people like yourself.
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