All the evidence we need that Franklin and Billy Graham absolutely rock with the way they handle the media and politics. They both met with Senator McCain this past week and Franklin Graham made this comment in response, “We had an opportunity to pray for the senator and his family, and for God's will to be done in this upcoming election."
"While as a Christian minister I am not endorsing a candidate for president, I do endorse the responsibility of men and women of faith everywhere to vote and to be involved in the political process. I encourage people to vote for the candidate at every level who best represents their values and convictions, and then to pray for those in authority over us as required in Scripture.”
Solid words, no barbs, no cheap shots, no distortions. Why can't more public Christians take his example?
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Public Christians and Politics Part Trio
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Christian Shock Jocks part Deux
I've thought some more about public Christians and how they sometimes come across. If you don't want to read my lengthy post below, here it is more succinctly.
-- Its one thing to have strong conviction, to disagree with someone and take a stand for what you think is right.
-- It is quite another to call names, disparage, employ provocative rhetorical devices and call into question someone's motives.
I think the public Christian has all the options of line one available. I wish most public Christians would stop using the options in line two.
We have a few public Christians who, in my opinion, speak well for Christ without accusing or maligning people they disagree with. Franklin Graham, Rick Warren and Tim Keller are three who immediately come to mind. Billy Graham remains the benchmark in this area. Dr Graham spoke with conviction and grace. He never stepped back from his belief or from proclaiming the Gospel, but he always did it with gentleness and sincerity.
As Alan Hirsch says, "how do you wear your doctrine?"