Comments on: Losing the Battle for Hearts and Minds

By: Christopher Baker

Christopher Baker — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 18:21:09 +0000

I agree with these sentiments. Hypocrisy is at the root of these things. It certainly comes down to all sides of the aisle. To support and cheer on candidates who are openly in favor of abortion is just as egregious. It is unarguable that this is the epitome of sending the wrong message to the world and accepting evil in our midst.

By: Michael Frost

Michael Frost — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 00:33:02 +0000

In reply to Rainer Moeller. It must be idyllic to live in such a simplistic world where you can just categorize everyone as a "leftist" or a "rightist". I'll leave you there in the comfort of your ignorance.

By: Rainer Moeller

Rainer Moeller — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 18:41:11 +0000

I don’t quite see the point. There are rightists ad leftists in the population. Rightists may be offended by leftist pastors, leaving the church – or may be content that there are some rightist pastors staying. Leftists may be offended by rightist pastors being in the church – or may be content that there are some leftist pastors staying.
The interesting question is : Has Jesus any message which is joyful for everyone, rightists and leftists?

By: Andrea Do Santos

Andrea Do Santos — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 03:32:40 +0000

In reply to Paul Arnott.

I find myself wanting to apologise on behalf of Jesus to nonbelievers for the ugly acts of those of us who represent Him on Earth.
There have been times when I have actually said sorry- like when Joel Osteen refused to offer his church as sanctuary from the floods in Texas (he did eventually do so but only after it was called to the medias attention) or when a New Zealand Pastor claimed local earthquakes as punishment for homosexuality in NZ.
When I say sorry I also admit that I have often failed to show the face of Christ though I try my best to be a good Christian.
I’ve found my nonbeliver friends to respond graciously, a knowledging they realise the actions of some do not reflect the heart of Christ. But I think its important for Christians to speak up and acknowledge when one of our own has failed to hold up the loving and merciful standards God has shared with us through Christ.
I don’t mean in an overcritical way but certainly in a way that lets nonbelievers know God is not ok with this type of behaviour.

The article you did a few months ago on two different types of Christianity fighting it out in public- one that pushed for recognition and its rights as a religion (I think you wrote it in responce to the public prayer bann in American football) and the other fighting for social justice, was a brilliant critique and certainly helped me identify what it was that angered me when Western Christians backed Trump or complained about the right to public prayer. In that piece you said there was some sort of middle ground to be met by both sides- I haven’t quite yet discovered that middle ground but acknowledging the failures of certain Christians with a heartfelt apology and letting nonbelievers know that certain actions are not in accord with Christ seems to help a bit.

By: Paul Arnott

Paul Arnott — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 02:53:24 +0000

Thank you Michael for shining a light on these events and people. I very much resonate with the definition of apostasy. What the non church world is longing for are followers of Jesus whose actions match their proclaimed faith.

By: Randy Myers

Randy Myers — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 00:48:02 +0000

In reply to Michael Frost. Will do!

By: Michael Frost

Michael Frost — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 23:47:16 +0000

In reply to Randy Myers.

Ugh on both accounts – your son and that church “safety” seminar. I’ll pray that your boy pulls through with his faith in tact. It’s tough that the church is more hindrance than help when it comes to holding onto faith as you journey into adulthood (and adult faith). Peace.
ps. Maybe you should avoid those safety seminars in future. 😉

By: Randy Myers

Randy Myers — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 22:03:08 +0000

Yes, a very bad week. This is also the reason why my son, a philosophy major in college, veers away from church at this point in his life. I got a taste of it myself last week in a local gathering of church leaders and pastors (over 200 in attendance) where nothing short of “The Gospel According to American Sniper” was promoted in a church safety seminar. I’m not sure I can be as charitable as you are in your post. I’m not sure I can call much of this Christian. Jesus’ way (let alone Jesus himself) doesn’t figure in the equations.