Friday, December 30, 2005
Churches as businesses
In recent weeks I have focused some attention on the tragic alliance between religion and politics, and how this relationship provides further evidence of the problems inherent in religion. Jesus offered a different approach, but even among Christians this seems to have been lost.
Another growing area of uneasy relationship is between Christianity and business. I have posted before on this topic (See "The Church Makes Business Week's Front Page" and "Mega-Christianity"). Now The Economist, the highly regarded international business magazine, has published an article, "Jesus, CEO" (December 3, 2005 issue), which examines how "America's most successful churches are modelling themselves on businesses". It's conclusion: "The merger between business and religion has been fabulously successful in America".
The problem with the mixture between the church and business is not merely a matter of technique or business processes themselves. The problem is that Christianity has become "big business" and in order to sustain itself it depends heavily on business skills and approaches. In these cases, the church is no longer seen as a radical, alternative to the values and systems of the world, but appears to have aligned itself out to these prevailing forces.
Jesus came to turn the existing structures of the world upside down, in favor of a new world order, "The Kingdom of God". Has Christianity sold itself out?
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
On "intelligent design"
Yesterday, a U.S. federal judge ruled that a Pennsylvannia public school district cannot teach "intelligent design" in its curriculum concerning biology and earth origins. This has become a major battle ground in recent months as many conservative Christians have been working hard to have their faith perspective included in public school teachings on the matter.
The real issue is not creation versus evolution. It goes back to asking what the role of the Christian religion is within our society.
I can't see Jesus fighting these futile battles if he were walking the earth today, especially when there are so many more important issues to combat in our world.
Another indication how Christianity as religion has losts its grasp of the "Good News" and its ability to meaningfully convey it.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Religious Coalitions in American Politics
One of the most obvious ways that religious Christianity demonstrates itself to be misguided is in its blind allegiances within U.S. politics. I have commented on this before ("Religion, Politics, and Power"), but it is a topic that cuts to the heart of what it really means to follow Jesus apart from religion.
Unfortunately, Christians today have trouble separating their religious allegiances from their political ones. The two are deeply intertwined, and form the underlying fabric of our society, both for good and for bad.
There is an excellent article in Christianity Today's Books and Culture journal (November/December 2005 issue): "Religious Coalitions in American Politics". The article probes into the findings of the Fourth National Survey of Religion and Politics conducted at the University of Akron. While the conclusions are really not that surprising, the discussion raises many important issues. For one, even among Christians there is considerable variance of political convictions, based primarily on religious affiliation and background.
Certainly we must acknowledge that religion continues to play an important role in American public life. But, it's not a matter of people simply allowing their faith to shape their convictions. I am convinced that the marriage between religion and politics is much more a matter of sociological and historical factors, and seems to be far removed from the radical approach that Jesus proposed in his proclamation of the Kingdom of God. Jesus recognized these dangers of religion in his own time, and it's time we see the relevancy of this in our own age.
But are we willing to challenge our warped political systems with the same fervor and sacrifice as Jesus and his earliest followers? Are we willing to give up our aspirations to "save" America through the Christian-izing of politics? What would it really mean to our country and world if we were to follow the way of Jesus radically?
Related topic: See "God's Politics".
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Is it time to take Christ out of Christmas?
In recent weeks there has been considerable discussion and controversy surrounding the movement towards political correctness concerning seasonal greetings. A number of businesses have instructed their employees to say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". While this is not a new development, some Christians feel that they have had enough and are reacting. Jerry Fallwell has been one of the more vocal leaders in the protest in the hope that the meaning of Christmas is retained.
Certainly, Christmas is an important event for Christians. And, one can understand the frustration to see their loss of influence within society.
But, let's get honest for a minute. Much of what takes place at Christmas (even among Christians) is more a reflection of a secular celebration than a spiritual one. Most of the traditions that are so integral to our culture's activities at this time of year come from non-Christian sources, and have been adopted and mixed into religious traditions. They are so deeply ingrained into our psyche and understanding of Christmas that it is hard to separate the two. Sure, if religious Christians find meaning in the current arrangement and want to celebrate Christmas in this manner they should have every right to do so. I'm just not convinced that it's consistent with the radical message of Jesus.
As a follower of Jesus and his rejection of religion, I am concerned that Christians are expending far too much energy to defend their religious and cultural practices of Christmas. Confused themselves as to the true meaning of Christmas within all the cultural trappings, the message to those outside of Christianity must be even more confusing.
I think it's time to take Christ out of "Christmas", at least as it is understood and celebrated in our society. It could be a way to send a more consistent message of Jesus and what he stood for.
I am not saying that Jesus' birth should be ignored. But let's separate the tight association of our reflections and celebrations on the incarnation from the winter holiday that we so enjoy. This is a great time of the year for connecting with family and friends, and for bringing warmth and light in the midst of the dreary days leading to the winter solstice.
As followers of Jesus it would be better for us live out the meaning of Jesus' coming through our simple actions of love within the world. And, while we may participate in the wonder of the Holiday season, let's resist confusing our faith with the secular celebration around us. The commercialization of Christmas should remind us that many of the values espoused at this time of year are contrary to Jesus' message.
Happy Holidays everyone!
But more importantly, may you also become part of God's mission to enter and impact the world.
