Gospel
PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL
“And the gospel must first be preached to all nations,” Jesus declared (Mark 13:10). Regardless of circumstances, which may in context involve persecution. Expressly because it does not conform to some cultural agenda.
This, in turn, recalls William Watkins’ provocative discussion of the new absolutes in a text by that title. Ten in number, each is by way of contrast to that which preceded it. The initial contrast is between “Religion is the backbone of moral and spiritual light needed for public and private life,” and “Religion is the bane of public life, so for the public good it should be banned from the public square” (p. 45).
This war on religion in public life consists of such things as opposing the appointment of chaplains in prisons and military bases, working to remove the motto “In God We Trust” from coins and postage stamps, likewise removing “under God” from the pledge of allegiance, challenging “Blue law” legislation intended to reduce commercial activity on Sundays, disallowing a tax-exempt status for places of worship, and sweeping public property clean of religious symbolism—even on special occasions. And so on.
Specific instances proliferate. In Michigan, a federal court ordered the removal of a portrait of Jesus Christ that had been hanging in the public school for thirty years. Twenty-four pro-life Christians were arrested and imprisoned in Atlanta, Georgia, because they were praying on a public sidewalk near an abortion facility. Six students in Illinois were arrested because they prayed around their school’s flag pole as part of the annual national event entitled “See You at the Pole.” This was not during but before school hours. And so on.
At issue is the non-establishment, free exercise of religion provision in our bill of rights. Needless to say, it requires a delicate balance between the two. Since when we focus on the one, we are inclined to overlook the other. With this in mind, we ought to cultivate a free exercise of religion in public life, providing it does not extend to a religious establishment.
Moreover, it seems to me that the current secular alternative violates the non-establishment of religion prohibition as well as its religious counterpart. Why? Especially when it makes its agenda a matter of ultimate concern, which is said to be the essence of religion. In other words, that which serves to replace religion is for all practical purposes a religion.
Having touched on the present shift in absolutes, it remains to address Christians impacted by it. (1) We are obligated to proclaim the gospel regardless of circumstances. Some of which will be more favorable than others. We do so by both word and deed, so that our convictions must take precedent over our concerns.
(2) We may experience persecution as a result. Initially, by way of hateful response. Such a sports’ commentator who demeaned Christians as “Bible thumpers,” because they were of another persuasion. Subsequently, by overt action meant to prohibit Christians from engaging in their collective calling.
(3) When this comes to pass, we are encouraged to believe that God’s grace is sufficient for us to manage the ordeal. Qualifications aside, then to identify with Jesus’ suffering. And in doing so, to witness to our faith—as an incentive to others.
(4) Meanwhile, to return good for evil. While in keeping with this ideal, to practice civility. “Being civil means being constantly aware of others and weaving restraint, respect, and consideration into the very fabric of this awareness. Civility is a form of goodness; it is gracious goodness” (P. M. Forni, Choosing Civility, p. 9). As such, it is a virtue greatly lacking in current public polemics.
(5) Be assured that America needs God, but God does not need America to achieve his righteous purposes. Even now, it is thought that there are more Christians in China than any other country. In addition, there appears to be more Christians south of the equator than north of it.
(6) “You are the salt of the earth,” Jesus encouraged his disciples. “But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men” (Matt. 5:13). Thus Christians are cast into the role of a social catalyst.
(7) Then, too, there have been periodic spiritual renewals in American history. Some were more pronounced than others, but all in some degree amounted to a recovery of a cherished legacy, tarnished by subsequent events.
(8) Finally, God will not be denied! So that the best is yet to come, encouraging us to continue in the resolve to proclaim the gospel—whether in more or less favorable circumstances. Amen (so be it).
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