I've been struck recently at how much of American Christianity is driven by a love of power, instead of a love of the Gospel. How much of what we claim to defend because of "theology" is in fact simply us striving to gain or retain power? For example, it seems that many of the political issues out there that Christians get involved in have very little to do with the Bible when you get down to it. Why do we so anathematize homosexuals and virtually ignore the sins of domestic abuse, murder, drug use, racism, pornography, and economic abuse within this same country? Why do we prefer certain sins to the near total neglect of horrors and evils like hunger, poverty, and genocide? Sadly, I think it has much more to do with demonstrating our power and influence within society. Sure, things like homosexuality are wrong, but why focus exclusively on these issues? Perhaps it is because everyone in society knows murder and poverty are wrong. However, one way in which Christians are unique is in their sexual ethic. Thus, if one wants to gain political or social influence and recognition (while keeping it away from the secular culture), the easiest way to do so is by pushing hard for the point that is unique to your group. Therefore, evangelicals may have pushed so hard against abortion and homosexuality in part because victories in these arenas are readily perceived as victories of Christians over the "evil culture."
A few days ago, I read an article about Obama's decision not to hold a prayer meeting at the White House this year for the National Day of Prayer. Many Christians have been greatly upset about this. I find this somewhat ironic. Many of these critics are the same people who so fiercely claim that Obama is not a Christian. So, if he's NOT a Christian, then why are holding him to Christian standards? You can't have it both ways. Yet, beyond that issue, why is it so important whether there's a prayer meeting in the White House or not? Surely it's not because we believe our prayers will be less effective (or do we?). In fact, such a public setting may even go against Jesus' sayings on praying in private places like your closet. The real issue is sadly less over prayer and more over control of society. The article I read remarked that over the past 8 years, the Dobsons have gotten to sit in seats next to the President. When Obama decided not to have a prayer meeting, he also decided not to make an appearance with prominent evangelicals. This led evangelicals to perceive (and I think rightly so) that they have lost influence over society, and this is a scary thought. However, if we follow the words of Christ and Paul, we will learn to be content in all situations, even when we're persecuted and stripped of power (Phil. 4). Following Christ will also bring a recognition that political or social power and influence is not where the wisdom and power of God is found.
Or to examine the issue from another angle-why are we as Christians so quick to look for Christian celebrities to hold up and honor? I remember during the Super Bowl hearing many Christians say that they were cheering for the Cardinals because "Kurt Warner is a Christian." That may be, but why not cheer for the opposing team because their second stringer lineman is a Christian. For all we know, Kurt Warner may have been the only Christian on his team while the other team could have had dozens of Christians. The only difference is that Warner was well-known. And perhaps, had the Cardinals won that game, Christians would somehow have felt empowered because a "Christian" just won the Superbowl. We would be able to say, "See, Christians are important," or "Christians are cool and can even win the Superbowl." This "celebrity-seeking" also reminds me of countless women celebrities whom have been hailed as good Christian role models: Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Miley Cyrus, and most recently, Miss California. Yet, ironically, whenever we point out their "Christianess," they always seem to fall into scandal and the world just laughs at our claims.
I think that we so quickly run to these celebrities because they are in positions of power in society. Additionally, since they are "Christians," and we are "Christians," then we are able to somehow share in their honor when they succeed. Sadly, we've chosen to idolize these influential Christians in hopes of gaining prestige and power in our culture instead of seeking out the mature Christians who may be lesser known (or unknown).
If we were to truly take Paul's words in 1 Cor. 1 to heart, we would recognize that God's wisdom is not found in earthly power, honor, or influence. It is found in weakness and in the shame of a cross. If only we as the Church could learn this lesson and learn to trust in God. Until then, the world will continue to rightly observe our folly at grasping for power and laugh.
