I’d be interested in your reaction to this interview. Milton’s perspective is one that is rarely heard today, even among Christian circles. I thought I’d share as a follow up to the discussion some of us had on New Years.
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Journalism/2013/01/22/Exclusive-interview-silent-no-more
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I tend to agree with him. I definitely think the socialism that is being promoted is a clear attack on Christianity. In fact, as I said previously, I think the main things I see happening in our country now are frontal attacks on Christianity.
There are a few areas where I’d like to hear him specify his position with more precision. Is he identifying Christianity and conservativism? While I see some overlap, I wouldn’t identify them. Conservativism tends to make an idol out of freedom. Is he advocating capitalism as the biblical approach to economics? While I can agree with some of the values of capitalism, what about its tendency toward greed and lack of concern for the poor? For more of my thoughts on this subject see my article here:
http://garywaldecker.net/archives/1151
Gary, you make some great points. And, as you know, I have had misgivings about the recent attempts of conservatives to use conservatism and Christianity interchangeably. Likewise, I don’t believe that capitalism is a uniquely Christian idea, and I have observed that many vocal Christians privilege capitalism over all other “isms”. The main part of the article to which I was referring (and connecting to our New Years discussion) was the idea that there is, in fact, a full frontal attack on the sanctity of both marriage and life, and that the term “marriage” has been hijacked for worldly notions of it. I further agree with Milton’s suggestion that the church might be somewhat complicit if it continues to adopt a passive approach.
I may want to get his book to understand the full picture of what he is saying. It seems to me in the interview he was primarily saying there is a direct assault on Christianity by the government. This has been going on for a while but under the current administration it is blatant and bold. Mark Levin classified this movement as statism in a book written I think a couple of years ago. Basically, as Milton said, statism is the idea that our liberties come from and are guaranteed by the state and not from God. The state is the entity to supply man’s needs. And what the state gives it can also take. On the everyday level where most people live I see hatred of anything that suggest God be recognized, consulted, or thanked in government and in much of society. A number of years ago the Christian church was thought to be the “moral majority” and was called to action. Now, I fear we are very much the minority. Nevertheless, we are to be salt and light to a lost world, so Milton’s call to stand up to the truth is legitimate. I’m thinking this should be done by espousing where man gets his dignity, his condition caused by the fall, his need for Christ, and upon repentance, restoration to a place of dignity and service. Well, I may have over simplified the prescription. I do think the church needs to find its prophetic voice and speak to the current generation. One reason why I think the church has lost its voice is the small number of new Christians being added to church roles across this land. Lord, have mercy upon us. Send forth your Spirit to convict the world of sin and bring men, women, and children to repentance. And strengthen your church to proclaim your love and willingness to forgive.
Woody