Comments on: Daisy Cutter Doctrine (Part Of “The Divine Commodity” Blog Tour)

By: CardsFan

CardsFan — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:06:38 +0000

Shaun,

Poor choice of words on my part. I meant that the book is worth reading (checking it out!!). It is definitely on my reading list. Thanks!!

By: MamasBoy

MamasBoy — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 01:04:01 +0000

There is a tremendous competition for influencing the culture between pagan/agnostic beliefs and Christian beliefs. Christian individuals and institutions are currently at risk of losing the right to abide by Christ’s teachings when helping society through social programs and work. Should pharmacists be forced to provide potential abortifacients like the morning after pill or lose their job? Should Christian hospitals and adoption agencies be shut down for refusing to capititulate to the culture at large in providing abortion and gay adoptions? Many people of political prominence would say yes to those questions. One of the reasons that Crisis Pregnancy Centers have been so effective in their work, is that they have been able to fight off crippling government regulation through the cultural and political influence of their religious backers.

Another large concern, is how to pass on the faith when the educational establishment is antagonistic to Christianity and has a huge influence on one’s children for 13 years of their life before they move out.

If Christian social justice and charity work can simply move more toward individual one-on-one action, and if parents can continue to pass on the faith to their children when society is antagonistic to the faith and tremendously intrusive/influential in children’s lives, then maybe the loss of Christian institutions and influence would be a blessing in disguise. However, those a very big ifs. Increased marginalization of Christians does not always result in increased vitality for Christianity. After all, Turkey was once a Christian country.

Then again, it could be the case that Skye Jethani is correct and Dr. Mohler is wrong. After all, it’s pretty obvious that the Church could use some pruning. I’m not a prophet, just a skeptic.

By: Brooke

Brooke — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:22:28 +0000

What a relief to hear this spoken out loud. Having researched the persecuted church for years and having ministered to it directly … I am so thankful to hear this correct perspective. God uses Daniels … but we tend to discount that simple, daily, unseen-by-millions, where-the-rubber-meets-the-road obedience … living out our lives right where we are. That makes a far greater impact in so many ways. The gospel spreads in these ways. God is bigger than media and laws of all kinds … not that He doesn’t use them. But American Christianity seems to place its hope in the founding documents, instead of the Bible.

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:23:32 +0000

To Chris: I’m with ya . . . right after I finish Greg Boyd’s new book “Myth of a Christian Religions”! From the back cover: “The kingdom of God is a beautiful revolution. Marked by the radical life, love, servanthood, and humility of Jesus, it stands in stark contrast to the values and ways of the world.”

By: Shaun Groves

Shaun Groves — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:10:29 +0000

CardsFan, not at all. This book is not about “checking out.” You’re way off in your understanding of the book – no fault of your own. You just need to read the sucker.

By: Krissy

Krissy — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:49:35 +0000

Greg Boyd has a post on his blog that talks about this issue in a similar light: http://www.gregboyd.org/blog/dont-weep-for-the-demise-of-american-christianity/

By: CardsFan

CardsFan — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:47:47 +0000

Based on what I’m reading, this book sounds like checking out. I’m not ready to buy into the idea that eliminating Christian influence in all areas of life (politics, business, education, etc.) is good for Christians or people in general. Much civil good has been conducted by Christians boldly living what they believe in the public square. Having said that, I certainly agree that the Bible bears witness to each individual’s responsibility to carry the gospel in a personal manner and the effectiveness of persecution in spreading the gospel. If we look to broad-brushed institutionalization of Biblical mores as the mechanism to maintain Christian living, then we fail God’s calling.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:59:11 +0000

I’m so thankful for Skye’s perspective on this. How refreshing to hear words that are so *gasp* biblical!!

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:54:08 +0000

Okay, you got me. I’m intrigued. I’m going to buy the book. I think on some level I’ve always felt like Christianity thrives on the margins and compromises in power. Here is to being “subversive”. Can’t wait to read the book.

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:05:56 +0000

Great post and interview, I’m really diggin this author! Take a look at another perspective from an influential church leader, Greg Boyd - http://www.gregboyd.org/blog/dont-weep-for-the-demise-of-american-christianity.

The first part of Greg’s post is kind of intellectual, but hang in there because Greg gives his perspective toward the middle of why the demise of American Christianity is actually good news.

The premise? It’s summed up well by Alan Hirsch in the book The Forgotten Ways “The Kingdom has always thrived — and really, has only thrived — when it was on the margins of society.”