Friday, December 30, 2005
Accusation and Response
The Waffling Anglican is looking at the upcoming NBC series "The Book of Daniel." The TV show is about a family of seriously messed up Christians. There are lots of issues with the show as the Anglican examines, but amongst all that it seems to scream - "Christianity is hypocritical, see they are as messed up as the rest of us."
Which brings me to this post at Reformation Theology from earlier this week looking at the frequently leveled charge of hypocrisy towards Christians. In general, it;s a good post and brings to the table a lot of usual material for what is sure to be an interesting discussion as this show moves forward. (The RT post does not mention the show at all, but it will be useful in that context) I must however, take a bit of exception with one point.
More importantly, genuine faith arises not from an argument, but from an encounter, and encounter with Jesus and/or His followers. We believe in the actions of the Holy Spirit and when we behave in a dispicable manner, we can prevent the Holy Spirit from doing his job. Thus, our characters and our actions matter greatly.
It is incumbent upon us to allow the tranformative work of the Holy Spirit to proceed in us at a maximal pace so that we can be effective tools for Him to do His work. the charge of hypocrisy is, I think, far more valid and forceful than this particular passage paints it to be.
For another more practical look at this topic, you might want to check out this post from The bluefish.
Which brings me to this post at Reformation Theology from earlier this week looking at the frequently leveled charge of hypocrisy towards Christians. In general, it;s a good post and brings to the table a lot of usual material for what is sure to be an interesting discussion as this show moves forward. (The RT post does not mention the show at all, but it will be useful in that context) I must however, take a bit of exception with one point.
In general, an accusation of hypocrisy tends to stop all debate about any issue, forcing one off-topic to defend against a tangential charge. We all know, but seem to forget that, a speaker's moral character, while not unimportant, is irrelevant to the validity of their argument. For this reason, the historical reality of the person and work of Christ is not invalidated by the hypocritical actions of individual Christians. While despicable acts by those claiming to be Christians should be discussed and indeed faced up to, it is intellectually dishonest to use this as an argument against the truth of the Deity of Christ.While this is strictly true on an wholly intellectual level, Christianity is all about a person and His followers. While actions by individuals Christians does not invalidate an arguement, it does take away from that arguements strength.
More importantly, genuine faith arises not from an argument, but from an encounter, and encounter with Jesus and/or His followers. We believe in the actions of the Holy Spirit and when we behave in a dispicable manner, we can prevent the Holy Spirit from doing his job. Thus, our characters and our actions matter greatly.
It is incumbent upon us to allow the tranformative work of the Holy Spirit to proceed in us at a maximal pace so that we can be effective tools for Him to do His work. the charge of hypocrisy is, I think, far more valid and forceful than this particular passage paints it to be.
For another more practical look at this topic, you might want to check out this post from The bluefish.
