widows (vulnerable women)
orphans (vulnerable children)
sojourners (vulnerable immigrants)
poor (economically vulnerable)
They must be the repeated focus of Xtian orthopraxis -when they are centered in our prayers, policy, and actions everyone benefits.
When they are not...
Ppl can hide behind costless labels like "pro-life" that give the veneer of a moral high ground with 0 sacrifices
No universal health care
No justice for sexual trauma survivors (moreover granting abusers power)
No accountability for the sexual practices of men
No credibility
I have limited expectations for people who complained about a piece of cloth on their faces to give up anything truly costly for the sake of the unborn.
Limited expectations for people who turned a blind eye to multiple sexual assault allegations to gain political power to actually care with understanding about and for rape victims seeking termination
But ultimately the question is not about my expectations of them but my own self-expectations.
What shall I/we give?
What shall I/we sacrifice?
The wicked plot evil. (Ps 36:4)
Will you plot for good?
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Do you know the Kingian Principles of Non-violence?
PRINCIPLE ONE: Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people.
It is active nonviolent resistance to evil.
It is aggressive spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
PRINCIPLE TWO: Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding.
The end result of nonviolence is redemption and reconciliation.
The purpose of nonviolence is the creation of the Beloved Community.
A significant segment of Christians mainly white but not exclusively get their discipleship from Fox (and even more partisan spaces) than their church. For pastors who do speak up, they are met with claims of heresy and dismissal.
Love without courage is no love at all. It is well documented that the CRT debate is orchestrated propaganda yet without apology too many white Christian orgs have participated through silence and elevation of slanderous voices. I have talked to a few in hopes they would retract.
None have. It is critical that those who give justification for racism and deny racial suffering be "called out and in" to a better way. I will personally sound the alarm and anticipate the pattern of angry white men writing unfounded smear pieces without accountability.
But credibility (being above reproach witnessed inside and outside the church) is necessary for leadership
What are you known for, “preacher”?
“He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,...
One “slippery slope” is the elevation of biblically unqualified men to positions of leadership. Men who lack the wisdom, character and compassion to properly handle abuses in the church. Men who are insecure so they hoard power. Men who long to be kings and not servants.
Cantankerous and feisty men can give the illusion that they are “standing on the Word” but fidelity, winsomeness, and humility are what make one a respected leader in the long term.
They get in the way of the Church’s witness because they actually think they deserve leadership
I know a black man that left the visible church because of disappointment in a conservative leader. He used to listen to his teaching on doctrine but in the past 3 yrs, he became more acquainted with the insensitive, sweeping cultural analysis given under the guise of orthodoxy.
When you use your "credibility" from one area to pontificate about another area there are very real consequences. Even more regretful is when we take the name of Christ to steal credibility, Christ's name requires Christ's ways-sacrifice, humility, drawing near to our enemies.
Wisdom says silence on matters outside of your lived/academic scope and reach of love. Wisdom says whisper uncertainties, boldly proclaim truths.
You only have as much moral credibility as you have love. Rebukes are most effective when given by those that undoubtedly love.