I ENJOYED reading Duane Shank’s article in the January-February 1997 issue ("Call to Renewal" column). I am a first-time subscriber and I’ve also enjoyed the other articles in this magazine. I have noticed a desire to change the status quo, to move away from a philosophy of politics as usual. As a Christian I am frustrated by politics, and even though I usually vote Republican, I don’t feel represented. I think it’s great what you’re doing.
However, I have some questions about your stands. I see from your articles that you promote a social gospel. I have no problem with that, after all Jesus spoke often about helping others. He said that everyone is my neighbor and that I should treat all people in that way.
My questions center more around your stance on the abortion issue. You see, I also consider the unborn to be my neighbor. Christians shouldn’t compromise their pro-life stance in order to get along with the pro-choice side. The Bible teaches that God is the personification of love, and that a social gospel is espoused by Jesus. However, Jesus also said that he came not to bring peace but a sword, and contention between people. The gospel is going to upset people; espousing Christian ideals will upset people.
Being a Christian isn’t a call to be popular, it is a call to show the world a different way. Scripture says we are to be in the world but not of the world. I interpret this scripture in this case to mean don’t be afraid to take the hard stand.
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