You know who they are, and they know who they are: Christian or conservative camera hogs beloved by media liberals pleased to broadcast the threatening image of right-wing would-be dictators.
The good news is that they care enough to show up at demonstrations. The bad news is that their belligerence alienates millions.
Fifteen years ago, while I was temporarily chairing meetings of pro-life leaders, I pleaded with the angry males to say no to interviews, and instead let beautiful pro-life women become the face for the movement. I didn't get much cooperation from those who wanted to build their mailing lists.
We've had the same problem recently in Schiavo news coverage. One cheer for those who are in the arena rather than sitting in the stands. As Dwight L. Moody said over a century ago, after listening to a barrage of criticism from a man who didn't like the famed evangelist's methods, "The way I'm doing it is better than the way you're not doing it."
And yet, those who speak loudly and call anyone who disagrees with them a wimp often do a disservice to the cause they are promoting. That's because they are disregarding what Paul the Apostle told the Corinthians: "Be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."
"Strength" in the Bible is a nuanced concept. "Be strong and courageous," Moses tells all of Israel. "Be strong and courageous," God thrice tells Joshua. Later, King David gives Solomon that same exhortation. Overall, the phrase appears eight times in the Old Testament: Clearly, this is important stuff. But to understand what it means to be strong and courageous, Christians should look to the person of Christ.
Jesus sometimes spoke against those who were supposed to be good shepherds, the judges and clerics of his time, and could do so with authority because He knew their hearts in a way that we cannot. But Jesus stayed clear of bombast and emphasized showing love even to enemies. He said, "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." He went to the cross instead of appearing on "Crossfire." Continued... |