More on Schiavo
With Terri’s passing this morning, I was compelled to write down more of my thoughts here and here. It is easier for me to link, then to write them in two places.
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March 31st, 2005 at 3:57 pm
Over the last couple of weeks, I have found myself questioning/wondering what role Christians should have in the activism surrounding Terri Schiavo. I have become more and more frustrated with what seems to me a dangerous change in evangelical focus from the individual to the “system”. We are to be God’s instuments to change lives. What is the best way to do that? Is it by changing legislation to control people’s actions or is it rather by being personal with people and revealing the light that God has placed in us? I choose the latter, though it may be more emotionally difficult than the former. However, I do not want to forget the former. We have a responsibility to those who cannot speak for themselves. All in all, I am more than a bit confused on the whole matter.
April 1st, 2005 at 12:46 pm
There is a balance isn’t there. I myself have questioned the federal govt’s intervention at one point. I still do not know whether it was right or wrong (which is different, in my mind, in saying whether it was legal or illegal).
I am generally uncomfortable with some of the actions of Christian activist groups. As much as I feel that Christians have to have a voice in our democracy, I hesitate when I see how hypocritical we become in the process.
The problem comes in when Christians align themselves politically. A Christian should participate in the political/legal process as one who is engaged, but yet, outside of the process. It is a difficult thing to do. Our culture is beginning to think that Chrisitianity is synonomous with the Republican party platform. That is dangerous.
As much as one may be in line with the general leanings of a given party, the Christian is asked to step outside of that and ultimately give allegiance to God. By not stepping outside of the circle we run the risk of selling our souls to idols.
As much as it means to fight for a change in our legislative process, it also means seriously questioning ALL legislators of any stripe and not fighting for particular Republican or Democrat ideals, but fighting for what is right based on convictions formed by Scripture.
With that said, we need to apply those convictions in a manner that is consistent with an attitude of Christ. How many people think Christians are arrogant? How many think that we are know it alls? We do seem to come off that way sometime. 1 Cor 13 applies here as well as other passages.
Whether we seek to change the “system” or work with individuals directly, if we have not love, we are nothing.