MINDBOGGLES AND BOONDOGGLES

I Was Just Thinking About - - -

In a recent Blog, I wrote that “Marginalization” can occur by various means. A usual tactic is for Person A to promote a narrative about Person B, and doing so with relentless repetition. The reasons why this is a successful tactic range from lack of research skills by the reader or listener; gullibility; laziness; and/or blindly accepting and endorsing the person who speaks the loudest and who is reckless with intimidation, criticism and generalizations. There is little doubt that the culture is influencing the thinking of this day and time. It becomes mind-boggling (astonishing; bewildering; intellectually overwhelming) when one observes the trend towards a greater reality of one thinking their contribution will make a difference while it amounts to little more than a boondoggle (to do futile and unnecessary work; or - to deceive or attempt to deceive). The Church has become an example as it flounders with the thought that it remains the voice of influence and authority in terms of moral standards, principles and core values. It tries to address issues but it does so more from the cultural influences than it does from Biblical affirmations. The Church has slid down the proverbial slope of accommodation rather than “this is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21). It’s difficult to hear that word and to follow its direction when consciences are seared, vision is dimmed and ears are plugged.

David Limbaugh has written a column entitled, “Evangelicals Are Not the Boogeyman” (February 16, 2016). He attempts to define what “evangelical” means in today’s culture and political climate. He states, “There are so many misconceptions about "evangelicals" from the definition of the word to the intentions of the people themselves, but the most damaging myth is that we evangelicals seek a theocracy for the United States of America, which couldn't be further from the truth.” He submits the following as his derived definition: “One respected dictionary defines it: Of, relating to, or being a Christian church believing in the Bible as the sole source of religious authority, in salvation only through conversion and spiritual regeneration, and in the necessity of public witness to faith." He goes on to suggest, “Many use the term loosely, as a synonym for protestant. More precisely, and in line with the dictionary definition, I'd say evangelicals are a subset of Protestants. They are Bible-believing individuals who believe in salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone. They believe that Christians are spiritually "born again," but only because the Bible says so, and not because they are snake-handling fanatics, as is sometimes assumed.”

Part of the above article draws certain conclusions, one of which is: “Historians have revised our history, and the conventional wisdom is that our liberties are owing to secular enlightenment influences. Christianity, they say, is intolerant, rigid and incompatible with freedom. To the contrary, Christianity undergirds, rather than undermines, our liberties. Christian precepts formed the intellectual underpinnings of American constitutional government. Even if French Enlightenment thinking had its run for a time, America experienced its "Great Awakening" around 1734, which was a nationwide Christian revival that re-energized America's spiritual flames and gave it a sense of unity. Its unique cultural identity was centered on Christian principles.” 

In 1734, Jonathan Edwards was a leading voice that addressed the need for and availability of the grace of God for all who desired it. One of his powerful sermons (1741) that brought many to see their need for God’s Grace was titled, “Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God.” It was based upon Deuteronomy 32:35, “In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.” He began his sermon with these words: “In this verse the vengeance of God is threatened upon the wicked unbelieving Israelites, who were God's chosen people, and who lived under the means of grace; but who, despite all of God's wonderful works towards them, remained without sense, having no discernment in them (Deuteronomy 32:28). After all the cultivations of Heaven, they brought forth bitter and poisonous fruit; as shown in verses 32 and 33.” The sermon brought about conviction and confession of sin as people cried out to God in repentance and seeking forgiveness. We need such a message and result today if America is to return to its foundational and spiritual roots. May God be merciful to all who will seek Him! Consider these things with me!