Posted on 12/25/2019 7:42:25 AM PST by Lee N. Field
It occurred to me yesterday in the context of a somewhat heated exchange with someone who is all gaga over CT-editor Mark Galli’s call for Trump’s removal from office, that all this progressive evangelical blather about Trump as a threat to “the gospel” is really coded language about other evangelicals. His fervent opposition to Trump, he said, is all about “the gospel.” When I pressed the guy about how Trump undermines “the gospel,” the conversation quickly turned to his perception that prominent Trump apologists like Franklin Graham and Jerry Falwell, Jr. are discrediting evangelical Christianity and thus making it harder to “share the gospel.” In other words, this brouhaha really isn’t so much about Donald Trump simpliciter. Rather, it’s about tensions WITHIN evangelicalism, and opposition to Trump is really a sort of “boundary posturing mechanism” (to use the sociological jargon), saying in essence that “we’re not like THOSE evangelicals.”
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Not to sound Marxist or anything, but I’m prepared to argue, using Peter Berger’s new-class thesis, that this is really about class warfare and that Trump came along at precisely the time when the class tensions between the information-economy-manipulators-of-symbolic-knowledge new class on the one hand and the entrepreneurial-class/working-class elements within evangelicalism were becoming acute.
(Excerpt) Read more at theaquilareport.com ...
The original CT editorial is "Same old same old", on the horrors of Trump, by someone who "doesn't know anyone who voted for DJT", and doesn't have a clue why anyone would.
My sense is that evangelicalism has always been more sociologically than theologically determined, and I suppose it’s appropriate that sociology is now the engine of its demolition.
Right now everything is social justice.
The old I am not like those Christians. I am tolerant and inclusive.
I suspect the biggest cheerleaders of Galli are atheists and those who hate Christians.
Bump
“The Christianity Today Editorial on Trump: ‘We’re Not Like Those Evangelicals’”
The irony is that the organization was founded by Billy Graham, a legendary “evangelist”. Rolling in his grave, I expect.
This one needs some basic training
Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance.
Saint Augustine
where is the ‘Well, Bye” meme?
Billy Graham mentored Donald Trump during the last few years of his life, and the two were often interviewed at the home of one or the other.
I suspect that Christianity Today was targeted for takeover of as a bitter dig at two people who threw a wrench in their plans.
RE: My sense is that evangelicalism has always been more sociologically than theologically determined, and I suppose it’s appropriate that sociology is now the engine of its demolition.
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Historian David Bebbington also provides a helpful summary of evangelical distinctives, identifying four primary characteristics of evangelicalism:
* Conversionism: the belief that lives need to be transformed through a “born-again” experience and a life long process of following Jesus
* Activism: the expression and demonstration of the gospel in missionary and social reform efforts
* Biblicism: a high regard for and obedience to the Bible as the ultimate authority
* Crucicentrism: a stress on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as making possible the redemption of humanity
These distinctives and theological convictions define us — not political, social or cultural trends. In fact, many evangelicals rarely use the term “evangelical” to describe themselves, focusing simply on the core convictions of the triune God, the Bible, faith, Jesus, salvation, evangelism and discipleship.
Hence, in regards to the third attribute — a HIGH REGARD for Biblical Authority, how can someone who calls himself “Evangelical” vote for a candidate who supports late term abortion, homosexuality and gay marriage? These are antithetical to the teaching of scripture.
The author has a valid, if obvious, point - the difference of opinion reflects class differences among Evangelicals - but what about his conclusion:
Are we witnessing the implosion of evangelicalism? Evangelicalism as we know it has its roots in the eighteenth century but really took shape in the nineteenth, so I guess two centuries or so was a pretty good run. My sense is that evangelicalism has always been more sociologically than theologically determined, and I suppose it’s appropriate that sociology is now the engine of its demolition.
Typical violent Democrat snob.
I can’t divine Mr. Galli’s fantasies, but US evangelicals live physically, like it or not, in a world with a secular government. History proves abundantly that human perfection is not an option, even when choosing Presidents and evangelical editors). Since the Republican side has no viable choice except Trump, to undermine Trump is to endorse his Democrat rivals. Democrats of late have moved beyond first trimester abortion, to legalizing/normalizing post-natal infanticide. Mr. Galli might be too stupid to realize it, but promoting socialism, serfdom, and infanticide because he doesn’t like Mr. Trump’s bad language is a devil’s bargain.
Wow, that’s a big image file, this is width 45, I could have done width 20...
Someone needs to re-read Galatians. I am not sure they understand what the Gospel is.
“I suspect the biggest cheerleaders of Galli are atheists and those who hate Christians.“
....perhaps self-hating Christians, if it’s possible for such a thing to exist.
The old I am not like those Christians. I am tolerant and inclusive.
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Unlike Jesus who didn’t tolerate sin.
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