Methodist Corner: January 2006

Methodist Corner

So much to do, so little time. You'll find here, from time to time, posts on various topics. Whatever has my attention at the moment will find it's way here.

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

We Are What We Behold

Christianity today has posted an excellent editorial addressing the two-edged sword of cultural influence.
"Scripture gives only one antidote for the temptation that cultural influence presents- —worship of the living God."
How many of our churches have become hubs of social activism instead of assemblies for communall worship? However, I would rather a church be a "hub of social activism" than "meet, greet, and gossip social clubs"; but that's a different topic altogether.

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Evangelicals: For or Against, the War in Iraq?

That's a tough one to call. There's much being said today about the Republican party being hijacked by the "religious right"; but does any political party truly embody the ideals and principals revealed to us by our Holy Creator? I think not. As a self proclaimed evangelical, I am becoming increasingly disillusioned by all things political and yearn for "a better way".

As for the war in Iraq, this article from Christianity Today caused me to pause this morning and re-evaluate my feelings. I must confess, I find myself now more confused than ever. The question I keep asking myself is "does the end justify the means?" I think the question I should be asking is "Do the means reflect Christian love?" If the answer is "no", it doesn't matter what the end is.

Here's another one to ponder. If it's okay to send troops to a foreign country to violently depose a tyrant, then why do we condemn the one who bombs an abortion clinic? I know, I know, one is sanctioned by the government, the other is not; and government is ordained by God. Okay, good answer. So then why seek to depose a foreign government if it's ordained by God? No, no, wait a minute, I think I know the answer. That was "bad" government, ours is "good" government. Sorry, but I'm still confused.

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Monday, January 09, 2006

UM Action Briefing - Fall 2005

Read the latest UM Action Briefing from the Institute on Religion
and Democracy
.

Contents:
  • United Methodist Bishops Denounce War as "Immoral"
  • Lesbian Minister Defrocked
  • UM Lobbyist Criticizes UM Judicial Council
  • Episcopal Group Cancels Event at Lake Junaluska
  • Agency Rejects Church and Society Audit Over Methodist Building
  • Bishop Sprague Denounces Conservatives


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