Theological Literacy in Today's Church - Distracting Issues

The Church today is more consumer oriented and with that many pet or side projects that are important to individuals. These issues fall into several different categories (at least as this author sees them):

• Social Justice
• Political Activism
• End Time Prophecies

I do believe as christians that we need to be socially and politically aware and the first two issues may cross over and become blurred. However, when it comes to watering down or replacing the gospel message with one of social justice or political activism ans pretending that is what the gospel means is wrong. These things can be reflections of what the Gospel has done ine ones life, however they should not be taught as being "The Gospel".

California is a good example of political activism in the Church with Prop 8. There are many that see this as defending the Gospel and an outreach when not one of them has had a conversation with someone who was on the opposing side and explained the Gospel. To be fair, I must point a finger at myself as well.  I have not been very diligent about sharing the Gospel outside of my family and sphere of influence, so this one hits home.

Being socially active as a result of what the Gospel has done in our lives is important, however there are many that see social justice as the Gospel. Several years back many Americans were introduced to liberation theology because of President Obama's pastor. Liberation Theology is what is seen in many of the emergent churches today. We are exhorted by James to be doers of the word and not merely hearers.

[26] If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. [27] Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (James 1:26-27 ESV)

We are to be socially active, however it is a response to the Gospel and not a replacement of the Gospel. New Liberation theology encompasses the idea of being "Green" as well. This is not the foremost responsibility of the the Christian, it is spreading the Gospel.

[18] And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)

Finally there is the issue of Biblical prophecies. I have several friends that are dispensational in their theology. When I was at an outreach at the state capitol this weekend there was a Bible Prophecy tract. I am cause to pause when I see this. Is a tract on end time prophecies the best way to spread the Gospel? In my opinion, no. A clear presentation of the Law and the Gospel is what I have come to believe as the best biblical way to spread the gospel, ala Way of the Master.  By the way I am taking the class over the next few weeks and would ask my readers to please pray for me as I have often been terrified to spread the gospel in this way.

There are many pet issues that are distracting the Evangelical Church in America today that have taken it away from a clear gospel presentation. Many of the issues discussed are presented to make the Church and Jesus attractive and appealing so that people "try it out." Well Jesus did not command us to go out and market the Church but to "Make Disciples." That does not fit with the Social, Political, and Prophecy driven marketing machine that many Churches and ministries have become.