A conversation with the Chairman of my Church Board and a subsequent article in the Lancaster Sunday News has prompted this posting.
The subject of my conversation was that Christians and particularly Christian Leaders need to be more pro-active and outspoken on the issues of our day, because I believe that if we do not, the time will undoubetdly come when we do not have the right to speak out on anything. While there was overall agreement on the part of our Board Chairman, it was also expressed that there is opposition within the congregation towards the Leaders taking "official" positions on political issues.
Case and Point: A rally and press conference is being held at the State Capitol in Harrisburg to announce the introduction of a proposed Amendment to the State Constitution to protect the sanctity of Marriage as the Union of One Man and One Woman. Organizers of the rally were requesting statements of support from Churches and other organization (on official letterhead) supporting the amendment that would be included in press packets that would given out the day of the event. I was told bluntly: "That's not going to happen!" As disappointing as that was, it was not a surprise.
So, is there a point to all of this??? Simply put--YES, and here it is. The list of issues confronting our culture and society is only going to grow, be it assisted suicide, gay marriage, gambling, or abortion. Frankly the issue really doesn't matter, and it will become necessary for Christians to decide whether or not they will step up to the plate and take a stand on these issues or forever give up the right to do so. Rest assured, however that the other side will not remain silent.
So the gauntlet has been thrown down, and the ultimate question is--HOW MANY CHRISTIANS WILL BE WILLING TO PICK IT UP????
The subject of my conversation was that Christians and particularly Christian Leaders need to be more pro-active and outspoken on the issues of our day, because I believe that if we do not, the time will undoubetdly come when we do not have the right to speak out on anything. While there was overall agreement on the part of our Board Chairman, it was also expressed that there is opposition within the congregation towards the Leaders taking "official" positions on political issues.
Case and Point: A rally and press conference is being held at the State Capitol in Harrisburg to announce the introduction of a proposed Amendment to the State Constitution to protect the sanctity of Marriage as the Union of One Man and One Woman. Organizers of the rally were requesting statements of support from Churches and other organization (on official letterhead) supporting the amendment that would be included in press packets that would given out the day of the event. I was told bluntly: "That's not going to happen!" As disappointing as that was, it was not a surprise.
So, is there a point to all of this??? Simply put--YES, and here it is. The list of issues confronting our culture and society is only going to grow, be it assisted suicide, gay marriage, gambling, or abortion. Frankly the issue really doesn't matter, and it will become necessary for Christians to decide whether or not they will step up to the plate and take a stand on these issues or forever give up the right to do so. Rest assured, however that the other side will not remain silent.
So the gauntlet has been thrown down, and the ultimate question is--HOW MANY CHRISTIANS WILL BE WILLING TO PICK IT UP????
6 comments:
Hey, I just stumbled upon your site while looking for that doofus Maitland's website. I was hoping he'd make an attempt to redeem himself by co-sponsoring the Marriage protection piece, but I didn't see anything about it on his site.
As for Christians getting involved, I think the apathy is that, here in Adams, we're still pretty insulated from the worst of he liberals and their policies. But the times, they are a-changin.
Paul N. A couple of points:
First, I hope you liked what you saw, and that you will be back for many visits.
Second, Steve Maitland DID co-sponsor the Marriage Protection Amendment (HB2381). The reason it didn't make his website yet is because it was just introduced this morning.
Third, methinks you're showing your age, just a bit by referencing Bob Dylan's song from the early 60's. BTW It's one of my personal favorites.
Thanks for your input!
Hey, now, I'm only 41 - but I have an arms-length respect for Dylan. I have to admit that my favorite is Bowie, which makes a conservative blog run by a guy with the same name quite interesting.
I'm glad Maitland co-sponsored the bill, but I still think every last SOB who voted for that raise should be voted out. If they keep their seats, then we're just sending them the message that they can pull those kind of stunts, just so long as they do it long before the next election comes up.
Maitland is on a legislative (conservative) kick right about now. He is petrified that someone will step up to run against him and frankly they can be one cigerette short of the grave and they'll win overwhelmingly. Be careful of Steve. He will say or do whatever keeps him in office at this point.
Just kidding-Paul N--I'm 53 myself, and just for the record, I don't run the blog, I'm just one of the contributing writers. Glad you find the site interesting though.
I could not agree with you more that every last one of those idiots who voted for the payraise should be voted out of office. I think a lot of them are hiding under their desks just wishing the elections would go away, but you and I both know that's not going to happen. BTW: Did you get your "VOTE 'EM ALL OUT" Car Magnet yet? I have mine!
I also think that's why some of the incumbents like Ray Bundt and Noah Wenger are not seeking re-election, because they don't want to bear the embarrassment of being beaten. Anyway bring on those primaries!!!
I got mine DB! - and a yard sign that I've receive many a comment on in the past two months!
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