McLaren Not Radical Enough for Dems?

Posted by Ingrid Schlueter in Emergent Church, Featured Articles, Religion on November 14th, 2009 | Comments

Emergent author and teacher, Brian McLaren, is offended because a The Daily Kos has questioned whether “evangelicals” belong in the Democratic party at all. McLaren has been trying to make inroads for “evangelicals” with the Democrats because he doesn’t think Christians should be defined by opposing abortion, gay marriage and so forth. McLaren sees the Democratic Party as a far more Christian kind of party, unlike the greed-driven Republican bunch.

It offends McLaren that the Democrats he has so admired just aren’t that into him and his cronies. McLaren, Campolo, Wallis, Sider and company apparently believed that the Dems would welcome them with open arms as bridge people who could connect the less pugnacious, more intellectual, kinder, more open-minded sort of evangelicals to the Democratic Party. Instead, they are finding out that the party of child-killing, gay marriage and oppressive government is not interested in debate any more than the “religious right” reportedly are. In short, McLaren et al find themselves in a kind of no-man’s land. They reject and despise the “religious right” Republicans, but are far from warm acceptance in the Democratic Party because they insist on using the hated label, “evangelical.”

In order to convince the Dems of their liberal credentials, McLaren and friends are going to have to show that party that they are unequivocally committed to legal child-killing and gay rights. There will be no other way to find acceptance. These emergents have already shown that they support gay rights. The abortion child-killing issue is all that’s left to firm up.

Note to McLaren: Pssst. There is no Third Way, no middle ground in an abortion clinic. The child lives or it dies. There is no Third Way on gay marriage. Either God’s definition of marriage is upheld (as clearly stated in His Word) or man’s twisted counterfeit is codified into law. No middle ground. No neutrality. No Third Way. McLaren is finding that out for himself.

lewr

They were never really in the 'in crowd'. They were used as political fodder just like people have been used by the Republican party. Vote for the candidates that best represent the values that Christ valued. You won't find them in either of the big two parties for the most part.

truthinator

Another great post, Ingrid. The dems are not interested in McLaren or Campolo or anyone esle. They already have their own religion...liberalism. Abortion is their sacrament.

Thanks for your 'no third way' points. I agree totally. We either believe and obey God or we disbelieve and disobey.

I am continually amazed that the EC continue to be called evangelical. They may be evangelical but it is in service of a different religion!

Jaime

I know I sometimes sound simple on this message board to all you hardcore political Christians who happily blend personal religion with democracy and government, but why does this even matter? Why does it matter if a Christian votes for a democrat or a republican? Why do religious leaders feel a need to align themselves (often taking their followers with them) with any politician?

I saw a picture not long ago of supposed Christians falling down upon their knees in praise and prayer thanking God for keeping gay marriage from being legally recognized in their state. The vote went their way, so they thanked God; what would they have done if the vote hadn’t gone their way? More importantly, why should how I vote matter in a spiritual context? If my neighbor is gay and allowed to legally marry or be recognized in a state approved civil union, how does that affect my personal faith or practice of religion? If the lady down the street is desperate enough (God help her) to chose abortion to end a pregnancy, why should I support taking away that right? Women were having abortions before it was legal and there have always been gay people.

When I vote, I do my best to vote for what is best for all the people. I know this is difficult, and I know most people vote in such a way that their personal security is maintained, but I try to think of my entire country when voting for national leaders. America is the great melting pot, not everyone is a Christian, not everyone worships or believes as I do. Why should there be prayer in public schools or court houses? Not everyone is a Christian and I went to school back in the days when prayer was allowed and watched a Jehovah Witness classmate be ostracized and shamed by students and teachers because she couldn’t pray with us or say the Pledge to the flag.

I know this is a long, rambling post… but there it is, three issues. Tell me, as the born-again baptized believer that I am, why I should advocate the mixing of church and state? Why should prayer or Christian teaching in public schools, abortion laws or homosexual marriage/civil unions matter to me? Why should I tow the religious right party line?

And not to be completely off-topic, why should it matter to me if Mclaren or any “evangelical” is blue or red?

Frank

Abortion is murder, not a right. The Bible is the standard, not our own opinions. No doubt with the approval of abortion by some in the 'evangelical' ranks, we are definitely in the last days people.

wearymom2

"If the lady down the street is desperate enough (God help her) to chose abortion to end a pregnancy, why should I support taking away that right?"

Because killing an unborn baby is murder in the eyes of God. It is not a 'right' to kill a growing, developing human being...just because the Supreme Court said so. It is what God says that counts and it never was a 'right' in this country until 1973. If some women found a way to abort their babies before that...it was considered a crime.... taking a life. We have gone from a few abortions before Roe...to millions of abortions each year, and it looks like, if Congress, gets its way, we, the taxpayers, will be funding them in the future as part of health care. So there will be EVEN MORE killing. Watch the video below which describes the abortion procedure in detail. Can you honestly say a child is not being killed in that video and in a very barbaric, horrific manner? If women knew the truth of what actually takes place, would they willingly choose this for their baby? Women are led to believe it is a glob of tissue...there is no pain, no horror ...just a clinical procedure. Not so!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBOAPleF1t0

You see no need as a Christian to work to end this killing? You call it a right? If I truly care about my neighbor down the street, I would try to help her understand what abortion really is and assist her by pointing her in the direction of the local Crisis Pregnancy Center where she can receive support to deal with the difficulties of an unwanted, unexpected pregnancy. There ARE other answers than death for the child and a life of regret/guilt for the mother. As an adoptive mom who was unable to have children of my own, I am glad for two birthmoms who made the choice for life. (My wonderful children are very glad as well!)

Do you think maybe Sodom might have had a different outcome if Lot and his family...instead of just going along and getting along...had taken a stand for God's truth... had been salt and light in the midst of a crooked generation? We can have a postive effect on society around us by living Godly, righteous lives, by sharing the gospel message, and by being involved as responsible citizens expressing our concerns and voting for candidates who best represent our values...regardless of party affliation. Christians can and should be involved.

Yoni

I am reminded of a scene in computer game, "Space Quest III", where the penniless hero is ignored by the Trading Post proprietor until he, the hero, splaps a fist sized gem on the countertop. Brian McLaren has nothing with which to gain the interest the Democratic Party unless they percieve that he can offer a "fist full" of votes or a "fist full" of buckazoids.

Teresa

Wouldn't it be something if that man repented and believed???........

"reformed"

One of the defining characteristics of the Catholic church is its neutrality when it is faced with real life issues of life and death, extreme evil, and its survival as an oppressive institution bent on governing and controlling the masses. Such was the case, for example, with Pope Pius XII during the Nazi roundup and subsequent termination of Rome's Jews. Just as the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), along with many other so-called "neo-reformed" contemplative leaning congregations and pastors, are "Slowly Becoming Catholic" (SBC), their defining characteristic is safe and secure "neutrality" in the face of gross and increasing evil. This is none other than Satan's wish for "evangelicals" to be neutralized and ineffective. So much for the concept of being a witness to a dying world!

Dani

They'll recognize him as one of their own sooner or later.

JSRose

Poor B.M. (BM...so fitting), all demoned-up and no where to go. Well, no where except hell.