The Loudest Voices: Duane W.H. Arnold, PhD
It seems to me, in many quarters of American Christianity, that a crisis can be seen in what I can only describe as the victory of anger and grievance over empathy and kindness. There are voices that can be heard and they claim to be speaking for Christ as they angrily weigh in on politics, culture and the like wrapping them into a twisted version of Christianity.
What is perhaps worse, however, is that empathy and kindness, once the very hallmarks of Christian character, are berated by some or are considered signs of weakness by others. How did we get to such a state as believers that belligerence is not only accepted but amplified and applauded, even in the Church?
I hope this doesn’t come across as glib…
I think Duane has IDed very well, what’s going on. We need to show the love of Christ, more than ever. And we need to find like-minded wayfarers.
As I age, I find myself more and more focusing on God’s Kingdom.
I’m not saying we should ignore what’s going down. We can’t. We need to stay sober, informed with an eye on finding out what’s true.
At least for me, I guess I’m trying to do both. I find the promise of God’s Kingdom and rule to be a solace through all of this.
Bob1
I agree! We can get distracted with all the news and responses to it, or we can busy ourselves with the kingdom (which definitely includes sharing God’s love with others) and set our sights on the city God has prepared for us (Heb 11).
How did it happen? American exceptionalism for one…