I really like Gabe Lyons’ book The Next Christians and have previously written about the book, but as I continued to read I began asking how accurate Lyons’ analysis is to my life. Generationally I qualify in what Lyons is describing, but goes beyond age.
His thesis for the book is that there is now a large group of Christians who are redefining what it looks like to follow Christ. Throughout the book he uses the verb “restore” over and over again to describe what these often young Christians are doing. He offers up six characteristics of these “restorers”. In the series that begins here I will be asking if I am a Next Christian, and if the people around me confirm Lyons’ proposal. I encourage you do the same in the comments.
Provoked, Not Offended
Being offended implies that you have been attacked personally. In being offended our defense mechanisms are triggered, we find fault, and write the other person/group/idea off. Politically we see this all the time as opposing parties spend their energy oversimplifying and blaming. The New Christians look for ways to take action in the current situation even looking past the fact that the current situation may be the consequences of bad decisions.
In theory I completely agree, but in practice it becomes more complicated. Lyons isn’t advocating endless handouts, but is pushing for a more engaged posture. I am learning that engagement isn’t a spur of the moment decision. To be engaged I am learning that I need to be making a series of intention decisions to put myself in a context that isn’t isolated and safe.
My issue isn’t judgment or blame it is comfort. Following Christ should impact every aspect of our lives and every aspect of the world around us. The problem that I experience is that I can somehow impact my context without sacrifice.
Facebook
GooglePlus
MailChimp
RSS
Pinterest
StumbleUpon
Twitter
Christians must learn to react to a changing and modern world, if for no reason other than to remain relevant for reaching non-believers. However, the way of Christ is unchanged. The moral standards of today’s Christ followers is hopefully no different than several generations past. Since our moral convictions have evolved with culture, then I blame a rapidly dying society and the desensitization of sin within Christian circles (our ‘degrees’ of sin, if you will). I absolutely advocate love for people, hate for sin, but the definition doesn’t change due our discussions or with the latest ‘rights’ movement.
Guy what do you mean by “rapidly dying society”?
By “rapidly dying society” I’m referring to how our society/humanity as a whole is moving faster and faster towards Hell everyday. The world is only getting worse. I don’t mean that pessimistically, I mean it honestly.
long time reader, first time responder
As Christians we have to stop forcing our “agendas” in the political realm. I believe Jesus did not force his agenda on the romans and we shouldn’t either. when we force our agendas we don’t show the love we are suppose to show.
and well played skip!!
about time you quit lurking.
Glad to have you.
Have you ever read “Jesus for President” by Shane Claiborne?
If not you should give it a shot.
“The Irresistible Revolution” one of Claiborne’s other book is easily one of my favorite books.
I haven’t read Jesus for President, but have read Revolution.
Thanks for the recommendation.
If I was going to rewrite this post I think I would focus on what an offended tendency creates. As I see it that posture creates distance. We make a judgmental and react in disgust stepping away from the person/idea that we disagree with.
The cause of provocation and offense are the same so our moral standards haven’t changed, but our reactions and movement alters.