Rosie O'Donnell Speaks Out Part Two

While Rosie is seriously mistaken in her analysis, I think evangelicalism is largely to blame for her misunderstanding. The unbridled push towards greater evangelical political activism has lead to the misunderstanding that its aim is creating a quasi theocracy. An idea that many, if not most, evangelicals would embrace, depending on their eschatology and ecclesiology.

This misunderstanding has proliferated to the point that the primary dividing line between political parties is moralistic. With presidential, among other elections, looming just around the corner we must exercise due diligence in both how and why we vote. We must also be clear in explaining these convictions to others, lest others confuse the actions of the United States with the actions of Christ.

I see Rosie’s understanding of the situation as representative of the culture at large. I also think her understanding of the situation is representative of the international community as well; most internationals tend to view America as a “Christian nation.” While viewing a nation as “Christian” may be distinct from a “Christian Theocracy,” it is very easy to conceive of the US as a “Theocratic Democracy,” where Christ rules through the passions of the masses.

I think it is time that American Evangelicals embrace the fact that America is not a Christian nation; that we would stop reducing the Gospel to a moralistic message enforceable by legislation, that we would cease to belittle God by reducing Him to a political party, and that we would cease misrepresenting the name of Christ for the sake of political gain.

I think it is time that American Evangelicals realize that the gospel is not advanced on the back of public favor, that self-righteous legalism and enforced morality glorifies self and not God, that God is not a Republican, nor is He a Democrat, as He transcends all worldly institutions, that we have become Pharisaic in our quest for a political Messiah, and that failure to realize these things blasphemes the living God.

18For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 20Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” I Corinthians 1:18-31

Rosie O'Donnell Speaks Out Part One

I am sure many of you have heard of Rosie O’Donnell’s recent comments on The View comparing radical Christianity and radical Islam. She is quoted as saying, “Radical Christianity is just as threatening as radical Islam in a country like America where we have separation of church and state. . . And as a result of the attack and the killing of 3,000 innocent people, we invaded two countries and killed innocent people.” When confronted about radical Muslims desire to kill Americans. O’Donnell replied, “No, but we are bombing innocent people in other countries, true or false?”

I will post my thoughts on this later, however, I want to know if the majority of you feel that, her actions are unfounded, or are we to blame for her misunderstanding?

The Evangelical Impact on American Foreign Policy

Foreign Affairs has an informative article, God’s Country?, describing the current and historical relationship between American Evangelicals and American foreign policy. Below is their description of the article. I hope you find it informative and look forward to hearing your thoughts.

“Religion has always been a major force in U.S. politics, but the recent surge in the number and the power of evangelicals is recasting the country's political scene -- with dramatic implications for foreign policy. This should not be cause for panic: evangelicals are passionately devoted to justice and improving the world, and eager to reach out across sectarian lines.”

Something Completely Different

Since the five year anniversary of September 11th is just around the corner and it will certainly dominate much of what we read and hear over the coming week I have decided to post a link to the following website: September 11th Revisited. The contents of this site are controversial to say the least; however, I find it to be very thought provoking and just a nice diversion from the norm. Yes, the video is about an hour long; although I am sure you will probably spend an equal, if not greater, amount of time watching similar programs on TV during the coming week. It is unlikely that I will reply to comments on this one, but as always, I look forward to reading your reactions.