It's not about religion as much as it is about power. The Taliban doesn't want charity to reach the needy villagers of remote parts of Afghanistan because it would hurt their grip of power over them.
Charity: 6 Americans on medical team among 10 killed by militants in remote Afghanistan
They fear Christianity. Light shining in darkness reveals the evil that lurks therein.
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Altruism and Belief
I came across an article on FoxNews that references a new study concerning the motivations for altruistic behavior. The title of the piece, "Guilt, Not Religion, Makes People Do Good," indicates the secular orientation of both the researchers and the writer of the article. In my opinion, neither of them has "experienced" the altruistic feelings that come with a maturing faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior that is the ultimate hallmark of His followers.
The article points to guilt, or fear of a "watching" authority, as the real motivators for altruism. I can see that such motivations might arise out of many religions or out of secular perceptions of religion. Catholicism comes to mind -- especially with the emphasis on penitence and repentance. It stresses doing good as a path of atonement for sinful behavior. It is not the only "christian" religious organization that promotes such behavior -- either overtly, or through the subtleties of its teaching. In fact, many evangelical churches are guilty as well because of inadvertent messages in their teachings.
I would contend however, that true followers of Jesus, those who live by the power of the indwelling of His Spirit, experience a life-changing process that creates in them a changed nature that includes a true desire to serve others -- not out of guilt, not out of a desire to emulate Jesus -- but, a true desire to do good for others. I know, because I have experienced it.
There is only one way to change this world for the better. That way is through the life-changing belief in Jesus as Savior and the desire to have Him enter into your life and change you so that you might live according to His will. It is the rejection of a self-serving lifestyle for the gain of new life that is everlasting.
John 3:16 -- "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but have eternal life."
The article points to guilt, or fear of a "watching" authority, as the real motivators for altruism. I can see that such motivations might arise out of many religions or out of secular perceptions of religion. Catholicism comes to mind -- especially with the emphasis on penitence and repentance. It stresses doing good as a path of atonement for sinful behavior. It is not the only "christian" religious organization that promotes such behavior -- either overtly, or through the subtleties of its teaching. In fact, many evangelical churches are guilty as well because of inadvertent messages in their teachings.
I would contend however, that true followers of Jesus, those who live by the power of the indwelling of His Spirit, experience a life-changing process that creates in them a changed nature that includes a true desire to serve others -- not out of guilt, not out of a desire to emulate Jesus -- but, a true desire to do good for others. I know, because I have experienced it.
There is only one way to change this world for the better. That way is through the life-changing belief in Jesus as Savior and the desire to have Him enter into your life and change you so that you might live according to His will. It is the rejection of a self-serving lifestyle for the gain of new life that is everlasting.
John 3:16 -- "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but have eternal life."
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Obama's Embrace of Faith-based Initiative?
Obama is bombarding the MSM with press opportunities regarding his faith. His aggressive campaign to offset the many remarks about his faith is a political necessity. However, on two key issues to the evangelical vote he is at the opposite end of the spectrum. Those issues are gay/lesbian rights/marriage and abortion. The evangelical vote will be a moral vote. It is also typically a high-percentage conservative vote. There are evangelical Christians who place social issues in the Democratic camp -- that is pour money into them. The majority however, are more likely to see most social issues as needing shoe leather -- not more government programs. Issues such as poverty, crime, the disintegration of the family, etc. require Christian foot soldiers reaching into needy communities. Evangelicals often see government programs as detrimental to their efforts. Mr. Obama may be disappointed in his effect on the evangelical community.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Dr. Dobson's Views
James Dobson is pro-family. There is no doubt. His message arises from his strong belief in the message of the Bible. He is also know as being outspoken about his beliefs. I respect that. I agree with Dr. Dobson in his views and recent statements about Obama. I also agree with him in what I have heard him say about Mr. McCain. I don't agree with him on a key issue however. He seems to have indicated that he would prefer to stay home and not vote rather than to vote for either of the candidates for the Presidency. Not voting is surrender. It is saying that you have given up. Would it not be better to provide a qualified endorsement of the candidate who best fits your values? I certainly agree that the idea of "the lesser of two evils is still evil" but I don't believe that is an accurate assessment of the situation. There is the danger for Evangelical Christians to fall into the trap of being Pharisaical about the issues. God can work with anyone and anything -- shouldn't we find a way to do the same?
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