Decisions are made by those who show up!

I have been wondering how and why so many of our future leaders are finding themselves in a place that is questionable theologically. As a result of this, they appear impotent to make appropriate judgements about important biblical and theological issues. I do not want to give the perception that I feel everything I hold is right or that I wave the banner for true Christendom; that would simple be not true. I just want to understand why we are so quick to whore out our beliefs to appease our culture. The gospel is offensive to non-believers; that is the bottom line. Paul calls it foolishness and a stumbling block (1 Cor 1; 3). Jesus cautions his disciples that they will be hated by all the nations (Matt. 24:9; cf Matt. 10) on account of his name. This is not a case where Jesus is upsetting the apple cart of Jewish institutionalized religion. Though Jesus did often give a voice to the “down and outers” of the Jewish worldview, he is not doing this here. This is everyone (all nations –the Gentiles) hating the disciples for following him; for daring to bring a message that flew in the face of their societal norms. Were they passing moral judgments? Probably, but at very least they were presenting a contrary worldview. Certainly though, Paul does make moral judgments. This is explicit in the first three chapters of Romans (specifically 1:28-31). Also, God’s prophets from the Old Testament were quick to hold all the nations (Israel/Judah included) to account for their actions (read Amos 1-2). Is Paul judgmental or unloving? The early part of 2 Corinthians suggests Paul is heartbroken that he has to write his painful letter (2 Cor 2:1-4). He is in anguish that he had to harshly correct one of his churches. This does not sound unloving. Paul and Amos both seem willing to hold believers and non-believers to some sort of standard. They did not just sit idly by because they lived in a narrative and were just trying to make sense of themselves in relation to God. They were not just putting an end to religion through some abstract and allusive kingdom principles. They did this but they defined what these principles were! There was a standard with which one could measure. Therefore, does it make us judgmental or unloving to follow suit and call something which is sinful a sin? Under the proper circumstances, I think it is the most loving of acts. I think we are obligated to ask the tough questions but we must also try to answer them meaningfully. Our answers must also make better sense of the data, not worse, than the answers we are rejecting. If you tear down a house rebuild a better one! If you cannot, why do you bother to remove it in the first place. What kind of good news do we offer if we are unwilling to stand up and say what is right and what is wrong?