09.25.09
A Commentary on Frank Schaeffer’s 9/12 Blog Post
It’s been a while since my last post (again). I really only stick something on here when I feel I have something significant to say, which I think is better than writing simply to keep reader interest (not that I have many readers, heh). Anyway, earlier this month someone directed me to Frank Schaeffer’s 9/12 Blog entry. Upon reading it, I think he sort of missed the mark on certain issues, and so started writing a comment. Well, that comment turned out a little long–much longer than can reasonably be posted as a reader comment. I figured then I’d place it here… only to realize I had forgotten and misplaced my password. I finally found it by chance today, so here is my commentary, a couple weeks late. Of course, before reading, please read Schaeffer’s post so you know what on earth I’m talking about:
http://frank-schaeffer.blogspot.com/2009/09/912-marchers-and-far-right-subversives.html
My commentary:
I certainly do agree that many “right wing” and “fundamentalist” groups and causes are misdirected at best and outright evil at worst. For instance, the “birthers,” the people advocating a physical revolution, or those who want the US to preemptively nuke Iran to “protect” Israel. However, there are a couple of issues I take with this post. The first is that Frank didn’t really address why these groups are bad. This is actually something most people do–not really laying down the basis for moral judgments but just throwing emotional criticisms and assuming the audience already agrees with their basic premises. It’s fine a lot of times, particularly with mundane topics discussed between members of the same culture, but I think when such heated topics as these are argued between people of significantly different outlooks, the premises should be stated right out.
Now, the reason why I disagree with the aforementioned “right wing fundamentalist” groups is because I accept the Bible as God’s inerrant Word. This may sound strange to many people, especially those who have been told over and over again that these groups are motivated by their belief in the Bible. Yet it is my contention that those groups actually have little trust in what God has said about Himself through direct communication and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Take for instance the “birthers” and the revolutionaries. They believe that for the country to follow God’s will we must take it upon ourselves to oust or overthrow our current leader(s). This is a direct contradiction of Proverbs 21:1, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases,” and Romans 13:1-2, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
We also have those who wish to change government policy in order to force God’s moral code. Yet Paul stated in I Corinthians 5:12, “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?” Then you have people, both today and in the vast period stretching back to Christ’s ascension, who want to force the people around them to become “Christian” or “Christianized.” This again is in contradiction to the words of Christ in John 6:44, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.” We Christians are messengers and ambassadors for Christ, but we are not here to force the world to do anything. Furthermore, the policy that “fundamentalists” are trying to get the country to adopt is derived from the Law of Moses. In Galatians 3:10 it is written, about the Law of Moses, “All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.’” We are not to be under the Law of Moses. For one, it was for the Jews. Second, it was fulfilled by Christ so that we may live by faith rather than the law (Gal. 3:11-14).
Regarding those who advocate American intervention in the Middle East in order to protect Israel, such as “Rapture Ready,” they have such little faith! Do they truly believe that God is incapable of protecting His own? The Lord intervened on Israel’s behalf repeatedly in the past. If He has a purpose for modern day Israel, He will protect it again. Then for those who believe Christians can somehow “trigger” the End Times by getting involved in war and politics–such an idea is ridiculous, and in fact evil when motivated by hate and malice. We are given signs that will appear before the end of the age, but the events themselves are based on God’s timetable, not ours. Any attempts to usurp His timetable are questioning His wisdom and even playing god themselves. Paul quotes for the Romans in 12:19: “‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Rather than try to force the world under submission with an iron fist (that’s the Lord’s job alone), the New Testament tells us to do something very different. Christians are not told to create a new Israel. Instead, we have the Law of Christ. Christ told the Sadducees and Pharisees that the whole of the Old Testament Law and Prophets were about two things: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:26-40). Christ then gave His disciples a new commandment: “Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12). This principle is repeated in the letters of the Apostles, as for instance in Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Incredibly, Christ even said the following: “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Paul quotes Proverbs in saying: “‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will head burning coals on his head,’” and then adds, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:20-21).
The second issue is how Frank indiscriminately lumps certain groups and issues in with the decidedly un-Christ like hawks and rebels. I am both a “young earth creationist” and a former private and home school student. It is primarily because his characterizations grossly misrepresent me that I am posting here, since I believe in the fundamental truths of the Bible, am a creationist, have been privately and home schooled, and yet am not demonstrating against the government, am an anti-racist, and endeavor to be a peaceable and productive member of society. While there are certainly some overlaps between members of the aforementioned groups and creationist groups, creationists, particularly ones such as those at Answers in Genesis (which he specifically referred to with the creation museum quip), are fundamentally different (no pun intended). Answers in Genesis does not advocate overthrowing the government or any of its leaders. It does not advocate violence of any kind. Contrary to common portrayal, they are even against forcing creationist teachings in public schools. They believe both the Bible and science support and are indeed founded upon the truth of God’s creative act several thousand years ago. They openly declare this, but they also recognize that while rejection of this truth is detrimental, belief in their message should not and cannot be forced. You will find this again and again on their website. Furthermore, they do not engage in petty ad hominem attacks (like calling their opponents “nuts”), but rather try to engage in reasoned and respectful debate (even if one doesn’t accept their reasoning). They are also not afraid to teach evolution. Thanks in part to them, I seem to know more about the nuances of evolution than the average evolutionist on the street, and it is because of that knowledge that I reject the molecules-to-man concept as infeasible. As far as I have seen so far, they have behaved in a very Christ like manner, and very unlike many other professors of Christianity already mentioned.
As for private and home schooling, his portrayal is a generalized oversimplification of the issue. For one thing, fear of indoctrination isn’t the only factor at play. Many parents, including non-Christians, decide to take alternative paths away from public schooling for the simple fact that public schools often fail to adequately educate, not to mention the widespread problems of violence and drug abuse! I do not say this to brag, but after entering public college I found I had a vast advantage over many of my conventionally educated peers. This was clearly evident even to my (secular) instructors. But in regards to the issue of shielding children from the teachings of those with whom the parents disagree, I fail to see how that is “un-American.” This is supposed to be an individualistic society. Besides, while we are to obey the authorities of this world, that does not mean we must conform to the ways or the beliefs of the world. If we did, we would have to reject Christ, since the world does not recognize Him. Since that is so, why then would we have any reason (other than free tuition) to use the public schools? As I have already stated, public schooling is generally of lesser educational effectiveness than the alternatives, especially in the inner city where I live (a democratic haven). What is left in the public schools is that they instill the values of the world, in this case humanism. Yet an understanding of humanism is easily obtained outside of the school system, especially today in the Internet age. Then there’s the argument, and this is most directly linked to his post, that public schooling allows children to socialize with others of different views and backgrounds. Unfortunately, public schools are no strangers to violence and bullying. I recall a while ago there was a major riot at a school in Los Angeles sparked by tensions between different ethnic groups (by the way, both I and Answers in Genesis are strongly anti-racist; we are all descended from Adam and Eve and of the same blood; Acts 17:26, Genesis 3:20, Romans 5:12, etc.).
In summary, then, due to my trust in the Lord I too disagree with the ways of many “right wing fundamentalists.” Frank’s post does not make clear why the groups he refers to are bad. His overgeneralizations could also easily serve to confuse readers about these important issues. I hope in the future he will show greater reasoning and discernment in his writing.
Respectfully,
Zephyr Axiom
