I am not sure how to continue the series I started about 'Critiques of Christianity'. Since, I am often misunderstood when I criticise. I criticize to try to make things better, not to break-down and to tred on the Church. Rather, I believe in the potential of the gospel as a relevant message in our times. However, the current representation of the gospel by the Church and Christian politics fall short. I do not expect perfection, however, whether Christendom has anything to add to today's world remains a pressing question. Let me therefore continue to pose a couple of questions.How can the most overtly Christian political systems, such as the US and the UK have some of the worst records on social welfare and poverty? While liberal, agnostic countries such as the Nordic countries have the most developed welfare systems?
How can pro-life actually become pro-death, when abortion ratios are higher in countries with a higher percentage of avowedly Christians than in 'liberal' countries?
Perhaps these questions indicate that many traditional Christian institutions look at the wrong issues, while employing the wrong tools.
The wrong issues
For instance, the American Christian right has been much concerned about all kinds of (foreign) threats, a slight hint of caring for the poor is called 'socialism'. Instead of focussing on the issues that - according to the gospel really matter - such as the fearless advocacy the poor; a greater part of Western Christian politics focuses on the fearful protection against loss of property.
The wrong tools
Also, the legalistic focus in the realisation of God's kingdom on earth seems to lead to the exact opposite. For instance, the law is seen as the supreme instrument to impose societal change. Whereas there's a very good argument to look at things more substantially; not banning abortion, but creating the best circumstances for a healthy and supportive parentship as an alternative to abortion. (George Monbiot wrote an interesting contribution on how pro-life becomes pro-death)
I hope a focus on issues such as care for the poor, the environment and emancipation will unlock the potential and treasure that undoubtedly is enshrined in the Christian gospel.
Bible,politics,church,abortion,social justice
2 Comments:
Excuse my indulgence but I'm so glad I found this blog. This is a very interesting topic and I do not bleieve any religion is above criticism. You have posed some very important questions!
Thank you Red Eyes,
I don't know how this particular series will continue. But critical notes to (some forms of) religion is a common thread in many of my blog posts nowadays. For instance on the Church and the environment and the Bible and homosexuality.
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