Interview With Billy Graham's Grandson: Why Has America Soured Toward Evangelicals?

[ShagNappy]

http://www.christianpost.com/news/i...as-america-soured-toward-evangelicals-123489/

The negative view held by Non-Evangelicals about Evangelicals, as reflected in a recent poll, is because believers have lost sight of the Gospel's core message, said Billy Graham's grandson and Florida pastor Tullian Tchividjian.

"The core message of the Christian faith has been lost in the public sector because what we are primarily known for is our political ideology or opinion," Tchividjian told The Christian Post.

"If people are going to stumble over what we say, it's going to be because we're called to speak the Gospel which Paul says is a stumbling block. But I can't go out there and be a jerk and align myself with a political party or a candidate and get crucified on either the right or the left and just say "I'm just a martyr for the truth." No, you're not even speaking the truth that God has called you to speak first and foremost."

 

[RLBosley]

I am liking Tchividjian more and more...

 

[just-want-peace]

I am liking Tchividjian more and more...

How is this name pronounced??

 

[carpro]

I disagree.

That may be a contributing factor, but not the main reason.

I believe it is because we don't spread a feel good, universalist type message.

The absolute truth that only through Christ can we see heaven, doesn't message well in a world devoted to moral relativism and people who want the message to fit their lifestyles, where no repentance and turning away from sin is needed for salvation.

 

[church mouse guy]

I think that Americans are neo-barbarians who have mostly rejected the Gospel.

 

[RLBosley]

How is this name pronounced??

Carefully...
:smilewinkgrin:



In seriousness:

My last name is pronounced “cha-vi-jin.” It rhymes with religion (that usually helps people). It’s an Armenian name. Not “Arminian”, but “Armenian.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2007/07/27/tullian-who/

 

[Zaac]

http://www.christianpost.com/news/i...as-america-soured-toward-evangelicals-123489/

100% correct. Exactly what I've been saying. Our message, as is testified of on this board every day, is politics. And there is nothing of the love of Christ in it. And there is nothing in it to do with pointing people towards Christ and salvation.

 

[Zaac]

I disagree.

That may be a contributing factor, but not the main reason.

I believe it is because we don't spread a feel good, universalist type message.

The absolute truth that only through Christ can we see heaven, doesn't message well in a world devoted to moral relativism and people who want the message to fit their lifestyles, where no repentance and turning away from sin is needed for salvation.

Nasty, unloving attitudes don't translate well with most people either.

 

[Gina B]

Maybe because the majority claiming to be evangelicals are liars and abusers out to make a profit like everyone else, and they they use their fake religiosity to do so. Work hand in hand with the government and pretend they are working for heaven.
Baptists are not immune: https://taggs.hhs.gov/RecipInfo.CFM?SelEin=LCYqWys/PEZKQyxHX1NKOEsK

 

[Zaac]

Maybe because the majority claiming to be evangelicals are liars and abusers out to make a profit like everyone else, and they they use their fake religiosity to do so. Work hand in hand with the government and pretend they are working for heaven.
Baptists are not immune: https://taggs.hhs.gov/RecipInfo.CFM?SelEin=LCYqWys/PEZKQyxHX1NKOEsK

Could be Gina. But if you look at what the church stands up about(i.e issues ), it's generally politically related and motivated.

When is the last time people have really talked about the church loving people and pointing them to Christ?

All you ever hear is what we're against and how we dislike the current White House administration.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

…..

I believe it is because we don't spread a feel good, universalist type message.

The absolute truth that only through Christ can we see heaven, doesn't message well in a world devoted to moral relativism and people who want the message to fit their lifestyles, where no repentance and turning away from sin is needed for salvation.

And preaching God has endless mercy, with no message of sin and repentance is no way to bring people to the true Gospel message.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

Nasty, unloving attitudes don't translate well with most people either.

Your's sure don't.

 

[Gina B]

How do you separate that out? What is has, is, and will happen politically - those are crucial and tied to our beliefs. They bear witness to our faith.
Our job to witness to those who haven't heard is a different conversation.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

The claim that because we post critical statements directed at the American leadership in a political section of a Christian blog we lack the love of Christ is ridiculous. It's made in ignorance.


The true Gospel is not endless mercy. That message is for those already saved.

 

[church mouse guy]

How do you separate that out? What is has, is, and will happen politically - those are crucial and tied to our beliefs. They bear witness to our faith.
Our job to witness to those who haven't heard is a different conversation.

The lost want to know why God has allowed a liar to be President.

 

[Zaac]

The claim that because we post critical statements directed at the American leadership in a political section of a Christian blog we lack the love of Christ is ridiculous. It's made in ignorance.

That's a statement made in ignorance because you don't want to admit to less than Christ-like behavior.

There's a sickness on this board just like is permeating the church. Somebody has convinced yall that these nasty attitudes about nothing more than politics is a display of love.

The true Gospel is not endless mercy. That message is for those already saved.

The true Gospel ain't about politics either.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

That's a statement made in ignorance because you don't want to admit to less than Christ-like behavior.

You ain't him.

There's a sickness on this board just like is permeating the church. Somebody has convinced yall that these nasty attitudes about nothing more than politics is a display of love.

Said the guy with the nasty attitude.

The true Gospel ain't about politics either.

Oh, so you admit the criticism in the O/P is a load of dung?

 

[Bro. Curtis]

The liberals should just admit the problem they have with the gospel is the resurrection. They cannot bring themselves to preach it. No room for it in a social gospel.

 

[RLBosley]

The liberals should just admit the problem they have with the gospel is the resurrection. They cannot bring themselves to preach it. No room for it in a social gospel.

That seems awfully random. Are you accusing some here of not believing in or preaching on the resurrection? Or Tullian Tchividjian who is quoted in the OP?

 

[Zaac]

I disagree.

That may be a contributing factor, but not the main reason.

I believe it is because we don't spread a feel good, universalist type message.

The absolute truth that only through Christ can we see heaven, doesn't message well in a world devoted to moral relativism and people who want the message to fit their lifestyles, where no repentance and turning away from sin is needed for salvation.

For Christians who claimed that their negative image was a consequence of them speaking an unpopular truth, Tchividjian cautioned against automatically arriving at this conclusion.

"If people are going to stumble over what we say, it's going to be because we're called to speak the Gospel which Paul says is a stumbling block. But I can't go out there and be a jerk and align myself with a political party or a candidate and get crucified on either the right or the left and just say "I'm just a martyr for the truth." No, you're not even speaking the truth that God has called you to speak first and foremost.":applause::applause: