A Church Saying Sorry
Posted by LayGuy on Nov 25, 2008 in Christianity | 7 comments
I came across the story of this billboard in San Diego. It says:
“Mission Gathering Christian Church Is Sorry For The Narrow-Minded, Judgmental, Deceptive, Manipulative Actions Of Those Who Took Away The Rights And quality Of So Many In The Name Of God.”
Sure makes for an interesting read as you drive by! But when I think about it, I’m not sure whether I like it or hate it.
To be sure, there are a lot of stupid things done in the name of “religion.” And if you have followed this blog for awhile, you would know that I hate religion.
But at the same time, the Bible does expose sin for what it is and sometimes what we have to say may come across as “narrow minded” or “judgemental” and those who live in the darkness hate the light shining on their deeds. So are we to apologise for this?
I guess the answer lies in the method of delivery of the truth of scripture. By looking down on others while we are full of it ourselves, we give ample reasons to say sorry. But if we lump all of ourselves in the same “fallen” basket, it’s mankind that should say sorry to it’s Creator.
So I’m divided on this. Check out the original post here and be sure to read the comments to get an understanding on how others are reacting to this story.
I agree fully with your comments regarding the way we talk about the church. As far as the reason for the sign, proposition 8, really depends on how a person feels/believes about gay marriage.
Well said Zabs. Personally I think gay marriage is an oxymoron. This goes beyond my faith and also touches on morality in general. There is nothing “normal” about a gay marriage – and I honestly don’t care about being labeled “narrow minded” or “judgmental” on this issue – everyone knows it’s wrong but for the sake of political correctness, many are all for it.
So many have lost their bearings. The so-called Emergent Chruch (of which the church represented on the billboard is a part) is certainly a directionless movement – directionless in that they have tossed the moral compass out of the window and declared that feeling good and being nice to each other is what Jesus is all about.
Emergents in this country (USA) care nothing for “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15) and are all about a warm and fuzzy “experience”.
Like you, I hate “religion”, as Christ did, but rejecting religion does not mean that we reject Truth and Holiness, as the Emergent crowd is so quick to do.
Grrrr. Sorry, this movement drives me crazy.
Blaine I’m with you on this one! I guess the only reason I would agree with this billboard is to say sorry on the “religion” of Christianity – there have been a lot of dumb things done here.
But as far as to say sorry to appease mankind and the “rights” it has lost because of the teaching of God, I say is stretching it a bit too much.
Thanks for stopping by.
I am the Creative Arts Pastor at Missiongathering… the church that posted the billboard.
I encourage you to read our statement about WHY before laying too hard into us. It’s not a fuzzy experience or even a rejection of truth and holiness… Its a movement toward grace.
Check it out here:
http://www.missiongathering.com/ourhearts
WOW. I think that is the most powerful message I’ve seen to date coming from contemporary Christianity. Stronger than any sermon I’ve heart. All I can say is – It’s about time. What’s all this talk of “emergent crowd”? Another label being thrown around to make the rest of you feel like you’re on the right path? Why not give humility a try, and take this apology for what it is. I come from a Christian background (35 years of it), and know precisely the damage this billboard is talking about. I’ve seen “non-emergent” churches cause more emotional damage to more people than any other institution on the planet.
Mission Gathering – Thank you. Looking at that billboard is like breathing a breath of fresh, cleansing air. Apology accepted, and I love you.
Cheech – I know wher you are coming from. I too was brought up in a church not different from yours. Good ol Nazarene style – which I reckon should be classified as a cult to tell you the truth. And the damage and psychological scarring this has caused is huge. And that’s where I agree with you.
But – and there is a big BUTT! Everyone has the right to pursue what they seem is right. True followers of Jesus, ie not religious freaks, will hold on to what He says while not displaying a “holier then you” attitude. Apostle Paul said he was the biggest sinner of all – and this from a guy who wrote a whole bunch of the NT. You won’t get the Nazarene Elders claiming that they are worse then anyone else.
At the same time, God’s standards are just that – HIS STANDARDS. I’m not big, bold, proud, arrogant, defiant and stupid enough to go against what He says is wrong. Just because mankind thinks it’s now OK and God seems to be shown the backdoor on this matter, doesn’t mean I’ll team with man. In all my broken and sinfull ways, I will always say that God is good and loves us and wants the best for our lives. And despite what I think is the right way, I will always try to lean on His mind and heart as I deal with the trash in my life while living on a planet full of trash by 7 billion people.
Thanks for stopping by Cheech. Good to hear from ya!
Come by again.