VirusHead

Kudos to Charlie Rose for hosting two more decent Christians on Thursday’s show.

RICK WARREN
Pastor, Saddleback Church
Author, “The Purpose Driven Life”

It’s all about service.

GREG BOYD
Senior Pastor, Woodland Hills Church
Author, “The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church”
Recent NYT article on him: Disowning Conservative Politics, Evangelical Pastor Rattles Flock

“Like most pastors who lead thriving evangelical megachurches, the Rev. Gregory A. Boyd was asked frequently to give his blessing — and the church’s — to conservative political candidates and causes. The requests came from church members and visitors alike: Would he please announce a rally against gay marriage? Would he introduce a politician from the pulpit? Could members set up a table in the lobby promoting their anti-abortion work? Would the church distribute ‘voters’ guides’ that all but endorsed Republican candidates? And with the country at war, please couldn’t the church hang an American flag in the sanctuary?”

He calls it correctly, in my view. If you worship nation or political party, that is idolatry for a Christian. He also makes a great point about how the separation of church and state protects the unique role of the church in America.

It was just the kind of thing I needed to show my hubby. We argue about religion sometimes because recent times hasn’t given him a very favorable view of Christians in America. I have been trying to argue that what we are seeing – the hatred, the greed and manipulation, the will to power – have nothing to do with Christianity. In my view, all of that is actually fundamentally anti-Christian.

We watched these two interviews with avid interest, and John said he now understands what I mean.

I have been waiting for this kind of antedote for the poison. I just knew there were some decent Christians (even of the evangelical brand) who would – eventually – start to speak up. I don’t agree with everything either one of them believes, but I do appreciate their approaches and the way they each interpret the role of a Christian.

Thank you, Rick Warren, Greg Boyd, Charlie Rose.