We aren’t looking too good at the moment folks.
First off the big story surrounds David Barton. The Evangelical author, founder of Wallbuilders (great message conveyed there), and self-proclaimed historian (he holds no advanced degrees in history). Barton has sold millions of books and is a favorite of some conservative political figures such as Glen Beck and Mike Huckabee. Primarily Barton focuses on proving that America is a Christian nation and was founded as such.
His latest book, Jefferson’s Lies, is his attempt to show that Jefferson was not a deist but in fact an Evangelical. This story from NPR covers the issues. It became such an issue that Thomas Nelson, the publisher, pulled the book and stopped printing it.
In Missouri a ballot measure passed that a student at a public school could opt out of an assignment for religious reasons. Unclear how exactly how the measure will be enacted practically, but it received nearly 80% of the vote.
I’m not trying to bash Barton, whose books I haven’t read, or the supporters of this ballot measure that is ambiguous in its enforcement.
I would like to point out how this is playing to those outside the church.
If Christians don’t believe in something they don’t have to accept it.
This further supports the notion that Christians are anti-intellectual. And to be honest both pieces of news made me cringe. Both conversations are taking on an “us vs. them” mentality. We saw this with Chic-Fil-A, we see this in the political climate of today and the last 30 years, and we see this in our local churches as more steps are taken to insulate as opposed to reach out.
Since when is everything a battle?
Have opinions and stick to your convictions but don’t be a jerk about it. Explain to me exactly how the faith of Thomas Jefferson or that a 10th grader doesn’t have to take a test that covers evolution builds the Kingdom?
We have nothing to fear, so how about we act like it.
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Christians and Intelligence? My intelligence wasn’t negatively effected this week. Speaking of speaking for Christians….why is the title of this so broad? How about “for one less than honest claimed evangelical?” instead of grouping everyone into his dishonesty…..that’s just bad policy there buddy. If there’s one thing we don’t need is yet another negative characterization….and you’re a “pastor?” Gee…thanks.
You’re welcome?
I like to think that my intelligence wasn’t adversely affected either. What I am trying to examine or at least point out, the implications of the actions of some on the whole. Maybe I did come across too strong, but the intent was to point out that with actions like this we are only reinforcing negative stereotypes that aren’t helpful.
There are plenty of other Christians I have disagreements (and them with me, I’m sure) but I still consider them as being on the same team.
a majority of religions are by definition anti intellectual because they only want their practitioners to learn about their relationship with god. more intelligence means more questions that are hard to answer, and more looking outside the faith for answers. this is why the penalty for apostasy is death in islam. it sends a clear message: we are the only ones who are right, and how dare you question us or look elsewhere to satisfy your curiosity. some of the crazier religions use this centralized power to maintain a strong grip on its followers. in order of increasing madness I present: jehova’s witness governing body based in brooklyn, the mormon quorum of the twelve (which has split up, but probably lives in utah), and the scientologist religious technology center in california, which all have a death grip on the actions of their followers who are public figures, and often judge harshly for resisting authority.
people like barton are not new at all. many christian apologetics cling to these false intellectuals to explain things that should only require faith. and since most religions find it hard to evolve and adapt to the changing world, a simple us versus them mentality is created as a defense mechanism. this may in fact begin with the in-group/out-group mentality that is present in all abrahamic religions, exemplified by your response that you consider other christians to be on the “same team.” to counter this, you as a pastor should focus on creating knowledge of jesus and the bible. have your church members read the whole bible from start to finish and come up with their own questions. or dont; my favorite church sign says “a free thinker is satan’s slave.”
I would agree with your final statement, and hope that people in my community do read the entirety of Scripture and are free to ask questions. fwiw.
I am just glad that someone else feels the same as I do on all this stuff and that I am not the only one rolling his eyes.
kidding aside, I think there are a lot of fellow eye rollers out there.