Comments on: A Sad Day for Evangelicalism http://glenscorgie.com/2008/12/12/a-sad-day-for-evangelicalism/ Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:05:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.2 By: John Mustol http://glenscorgie.com/2008/12/12/a-sad-day-for-evangelicalism/#comment-3942 John Mustol Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:13:50 +0000 http://glenscorgie.com/2008/12/12/a-sad-day-for-evangelicalism/#comment-3942 This is indeed an unattractive episode for evangelicals. During his interview on December 2, Cisik did make some comments that were problematic, but on the whole his interview was honest, compassionate, and deeply humble. When some within the organization objected, Cizik apologized and sought reconciliation. They would have none of it. The NAE leadership caved and Cizik was let go. What is disturbing to me is that this appears to be simple power politics. In the NAE’s action I do not see Christ-likeness, but the behavior of “mere men” (1Cor. 3:4). There is no compassion, forgiveness, reconciliation, or humility. It appears that Cizik’s enemies were waiting for an opportunity, and when it came they pounced. Gandhi once said that after reading the Sermon on the Mount, he was so deeply moved that he would have become a Christian . . . if were not for Christians. I, John Mustol, certainly have my share of Christ-dishonoring errors and life-patterns to account for. So I do not want to judge (Matt 7:1). But at least I am aware of these problems and seek the Lord’s help and the help of others in dealing with them. All of us mess up. But, it seems to me, that what sets Christians apart is our first-hand knowledge and experience of God’s grace and forgiveness. If we who, while we were enemies of God, were not condemned but were forgiven and reconciled to God through the precious blood of his Son (Ro. 5:10), how can we not be profoundly and gratefully humbled and compassionate toward ourselves, one another, everyone, and everything? How could we not think of ourselves as anything more than “sinners saved by grace”? Why would not this incredible love of God shown to us in Christ lead us to incredible love, compassion, reconciliation, and humility that would be constantly on display for the world to see? Cizik seems to have demonstrated this, both in the interview and in his response of humility and repentance when called to account. Instead the world has witnessed what appears to be self-righteousness and power politics. I guess the Gandhi’s of this world will remain Hindus. Lastly, let me say that Christians have to respond to the Ecological Problem. We have uncritically participated in our worldly system of pleonexia, consumerism, self-indulgence, and excess that is destroying God’s good earth. We who claim to worship the true Creator, cannot ignore this. Richard Cizik was providing outstanding leadership in this area. Under his leadership the NAE included a section on “Creation Care” in their 2003 “For the Health of the Nation” statement. His loss is a setback. But I pray and hope that the NAE will continue to inch toward more humble and grateful attitudes and action for living within God’s creation. This is indeed an unattractive episode for evangelicals. During his interview on December 2, Cisik did make some comments that were problematic, but on the whole his interview was honest, compassionate, and deeply humble. When some within the organization objected, Cizik apologized and sought reconciliation. They would have none of it. The NAE leadership caved and Cizik was let go. What is disturbing to me is that this appears to be simple power politics. In the NAE’s action I do not see Christ-likeness, but the behavior of “mere men” (1Cor. 3:4). There is no compassion, forgiveness, reconciliation, or humility. It appears that Cizik’s enemies were waiting for an opportunity, and when it came they pounced.

Gandhi once said that after reading the Sermon on the Mount, he was so deeply moved that he would have become a Christian . . . if were not for Christians. I, John Mustol, certainly have my share of Christ-dishonoring errors and life-patterns to account for. So I do not want to judge (Matt 7:1). But at least I am aware of these problems and seek the Lord’s help and the help of others in dealing with them. All of us mess up. But, it seems to me, that what sets Christians apart is our first-hand knowledge and experience of God’s grace and forgiveness. If we who, while we were enemies of God, were not condemned but were forgiven and reconciled to God through the precious blood of his Son (Ro. 5:10), how can we not be profoundly and gratefully humbled and compassionate toward ourselves, one another, everyone, and everything? How could we not think of ourselves as anything more than “sinners saved by grace”? Why would not this incredible love of God shown to us in Christ lead us to incredible love, compassion, reconciliation, and humility that would be constantly on display for the world to see? Cizik seems to have demonstrated this, both in the interview and in his response of humility and repentance when called to account. Instead the world has witnessed what appears to be self-righteousness and power politics. I guess the Gandhi’s of this world will remain Hindus.

Lastly, let me say that Christians have to respond to the Ecological Problem. We have uncritically participated in our worldly system of pleonexia, consumerism, self-indulgence, and excess that is destroying God’s good earth. We who claim to worship the true Creator, cannot ignore this. Richard Cizik was providing outstanding leadership in this area. Under his leadership the NAE included a section on “Creation Care” in their 2003 “For the Health of the Nation” statement. His loss is a setback. But I pray and hope that the NAE will continue to inch toward more humble and grateful attitudes and action for living within God’s creation.

]]> By: brian tallman http://glenscorgie.com/2008/12/12/a-sad-day-for-evangelicalism/#comment-3936 brian tallman Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:09:41 +0000 http://glenscorgie.com/2008/12/12/a-sad-day-for-evangelicalism/#comment-3936 The real issue is, "what is an evangelical?" What no one seems to be able to see is that Evangelicals have no creed--well, no Creed but Christ (like the JW's and Mormons). And consequently, Evangelicals make stuff up as they go. This should not be all that surprising, for this is how it all began. A more helpful approach would be to take up a Creed and historic confession of the church (I would recommend the WCF). Therefore, everyone who repudiates the NAE from a non-confessional position is merely making it up as they go along and is guilty of the exact same thing they hate in the NAE. Oh, the irony. Only those with confessional moorings have the right to decry the NAE. If it makes you feel any better I have been decrying the NAE for years and stopped using the adjective Evangelical a long time ago. But I am confessional and have the moral high ground here. Maybe, Glen, you can lead the charge back to historic, confessional, Reformational protestantism. The real issue is, “what is an evangelical?” What no one seems to be able to see is that Evangelicals have no creed–well, no Creed but Christ (like the JW’s and Mormons). And consequently, Evangelicals make stuff up as they go. This should not be all that surprising, for this is how it all began. A more helpful approach would be to take up a Creed and historic confession of the church (I would recommend the WCF). Therefore, everyone who repudiates the NAE from a non-confessional position is merely making it up as they go along and is guilty of the exact same thing they hate in the NAE. Oh, the irony. Only those with confessional moorings have the right to decry the NAE. If it makes you feel any better I have been decrying the NAE for years and stopped using the adjective Evangelical a long time ago. But I am confessional and have the moral high ground here. Maybe, Glen, you can lead the charge back to historic, confessional, Reformational protestantism.

]]> By: Ross Bassingthwaighte http://glenscorgie.com/2008/12/12/a-sad-day-for-evangelicalism/#comment-3923 Ross Bassingthwaighte Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:02:15 +0000 http://glenscorgie.com/2008/12/12/a-sad-day-for-evangelicalism/#comment-3923 It would appear that the NAE leadership really does want to ensconce itself in the bedrooms of the nation. What is the world to think when an august body such as the NAE shoots one of its own? What was the crime? I would conclude that I am not to seek to be honest and compassionate, while striving to balance truth and grace, if I am to be an "evangelical." That's ok with me... I would rather be known for associating with sinners. At least I am in good company! It would appear that the NAE leadership really does want to ensconce itself in the bedrooms of the nation. What is the world to think when an august body such as the NAE shoots one of its own? What was the crime? I would conclude that I am not to seek to be honest and compassionate, while striving to balance truth and grace, if I am to be an “evangelical.” That’s ok with me… I would rather be known for associating with sinners. At least I am in good company!

]]> By: Ron Short http://glenscorgie.com/2008/12/12/a-sad-day-for-evangelicalism/#comment-3903 Ron Short Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:13:57 +0000 http://glenscorgie.com/2008/12/12/a-sad-day-for-evangelicalism/#comment-3903 This confirms what I've been feeling for a while. For several years I've struggled over whether or not to continue using the label "evangelical" to describe my Christian faith. This was the final nail in the coffin. If there is no room in the NAE for an articulate, devout, and thinking person like Richard Cizik, then I am not interested in being associated with that organization or their constituency. I'm done. And this makes me very sad. I grew up Pentecostal, but they didn't want me because I questioned whether or not everyone should and could speak in tongues. Evangelicalism became my new home. Now, for the second time, I'm homeless. This confirms what I’ve been feeling for a while. For several years I’ve struggled over whether or not to continue using the label “evangelical” to describe my Christian faith. This was the final nail in the coffin. If there is no room in the NAE for an articulate, devout, and thinking person like Richard Cizik, then I am not interested in being associated with that organization or their constituency. I’m done. And this makes me very sad. I grew up Pentecostal, but they didn’t want me because I questioned whether or not everyone should and could speak in tongues. Evangelicalism became my new home. Now, for the second time, I’m homeless.

]]> By: Scott http://glenscorgie.com/2008/12/12/a-sad-day-for-evangelicalism/#comment-3901 Scott Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:53:01 +0000 http://glenscorgie.com/2008/12/12/a-sad-day-for-evangelicalism/#comment-3901 It seems like we are reliving a kind of neo-fundamental/liberal schism. By this I mean that people are polarizing out of fear, and when people are afraid, we seek to control rather than engage in productive dialogue. It doesn't seem very Christ-like to me. I'm disturbed by the continuing number of people that attend our churches that only know how to react, attack, and debate—completely blind that the process is often more destructive than the issue. I'm afraid that many evangelicals will ultimately get there wish with this approach—that is, find ourselves totally separate and cu toff from the culture we are meant to influence. I think the "Principled Centrism" model is a far more productive and Christ-like approach to the fear-mongering and control tendencies that have risen of late. It allows one to keep his/her principles intact, while seeking to find common ground (build bridges). Wow, it almost sounds incarnational. The Christ-mass spirit must be getting to me . . . . It seems like we are reliving a kind of neo-fundamental/liberal schism. By this I mean that people are polarizing out of fear, and when people are afraid, we seek to control rather than engage in productive dialogue. It doesn’t seem very Christ-like to me.

I’m disturbed by the continuing number of people that attend our churches that only know how to react, attack, and debate—completely blind that the process is often more destructive than the issue.

I’m afraid that many evangelicals will ultimately get there wish with this approach—that is, find ourselves totally separate and cu toff from the culture we are meant to influence.

I think the “Principled Centrism” model is a far more productive and Christ-like approach to the fear-mongering and control tendencies that have risen of late. It allows one to keep his/her principles intact, while seeking to find common ground (build bridges). Wow, it almost sounds incarnational. The Christ-mass spirit must be getting to me . . . .

]]> By: Jimmy http://glenscorgie.com/2008/12/12/a-sad-day-for-evangelicalism/#comment-3898 Jimmy Fri, 12 Dec 2008 05:11:23 +0000 http://glenscorgie.com/2008/12/12/a-sad-day-for-evangelicalism/#comment-3898 Fortunately for the environment, without Evangelical support, many policies and movements will continue to grow. Unfortunately for Evangelicals, they will need to learn from nonbelievers about God's cultural mandate. Fortunately for the environment, without Evangelical support, many policies and movements will continue to grow. Unfortunately for Evangelicals, they will need to learn from nonbelievers about God’s cultural mandate.

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