There are a number of ways to look at the current divisions that are emerging in traditional Protestant and evangelical circles in the United States. The old fault line between those who affirm and those who deny the reality of the supernatural—the line that marked the old liberal-fundamentalist divide of the early 20th century—is not particularly helpful, given that the most significant debates do not focus on that particular kind of issue. Rather, other buzzwords—Donald Trump, abortion, gender, sexuality, Christian nationalism, social justice, critical race theory—reflect the points of contention.
Protestants thought they owned the USA. They no longer do, and they are struggling to adapt to this new reality where they still think their voices count but how to make them count is not clear. Thus, one way to understand our divisions is as a set of conflicting responses to our new social order.
…It poses a challenge for us all. I would not deny that I am an “elite” myself. I trade in ideas. I teach at a college. I write books. My hands are soft through lack of doing what anything that my grandfather might have referred to as “real work.” And the challenge this poses for me is: Who are truly my brother and my sister? When the line is finally drawn, on which side will I stand? With the people who belong to my class or the people who belong to my church? Read More»
Carl R. Trueman | “Yes, I am a Christian, just like those over there” | January 27, 2023
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Well, one would want to point out to Trueman: working men with hard hands also deal in ideas, every day of their life. He may not quite realize what goes into ‘real work’. Or what daily happens in the mind that is doing it.
Of course, it’s not just working men, but women as well. As I type, I see my hands: chapped, red and raw from winter’s work, scratched here and there from my duties. Of course, I know the joy of working physically, while mentally meditating on my God. It’s a wonderful balance, and perhaps ‘elites’ should try it now and then.
I appreciate his candor, however. I wouldn’t want to be an ‘elite’ for all the tea in China. I never have thoughts like this, about ‘icky’ other-Christians.
I stand, and always will, with those how profess Christ as savior, redeemer, king. Be he (those who profess) ne’er so vile. 😉
“Why does your Master eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
–Matt. 9:11
“ Protestants thought they owned the USA.”
We never did and we must awaken to the fact that God’s running the show and He is long-suffering.
Trueman is being humble, but he is not part of the power elite, so Amen to that!
We should remain reasonably concerned and faithfully vigilant but we need to cease putting our faith in foolish things. (Yes, that includes Trump – he is a representation of a foolish thing).