It’s one of the hardest things to do – explain your faith without losing a friend. I want you to consider something; the gut reaction you had as you read this statement placed you on a particular side of the issue I want to address. Allow me to explain, if you felt immediate concern for how this statement sounds – a prelude to compromising the Gospel, I would label you a “red” christian. If you’re first gut-reaction was a feeling of excitement or curiosity to know how to express the Gospel without offending someone; I would label you a “blue” christian.
This is where it gets tricky. Both “red” and “blue” Christians have valid feelings and both groups need to be aware of the truly helpful way the other balances out the evangelical posture in our culture. Yet, both groups need to function in the way God has wired them ever growing in wisdom and grace. Anyone who says that isn’t hard to manage this dynamic is either a baby-christian or doesn’t regularly tell others about his or her faith.
As in all things, the life of Jesus is critical to our development in this area. Jesus had the uncanny ability to love people yet not condone their sin. I would have considered him a “blue” type of Christian. However, Jesus also had the ability to lite-up those who were soft-selling truth! So, Jesus was a “red” type of Christian as well. I don’t think any of us with nail this tension every time, but I think it is important to have a dialogue on this dynamic so as not to lean too far either way. So, how do you know the difference so as to live a God-centered life like Jesus did being both “blue” and “red” depending on the circumstance?
For the “Red” Christian
Penn J. (from Penn and Teller) is a raw, but very gifted and talented comedian/entertainer. Penn is known being an outspoken atheist. His venom against religion in general (Christianity in specific) are legendary and an ongoing part of his shows. Let’s see how a “blue” Christian interacts with Penn (it is drawn out but worth the time). Notice how this notorious atheist is touched by a sincere conversation and gift by an unknown business man.
For the “Blue” Christian
Rick Warren is known as “America’s Pastor.” Rick has a tremendous influence and is seen as a representative for evangelicals in America. In other words, how he acts is how we are supposed to act. Should Rick get a little “red” in him? Or, does he represent the Gospel in an appropriate way given the Muslim audience he is speaking to?
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Speaking of red, that’s what I see every time I watch something like this from Rick Warren. He’s a cliche factory. If I never hear “you don’t have to see eye to eye to walk hand in hand” again it will be too soon.
Does he ever consider something other than just the applause it will get when says things like “Barack Obama and I disagree on some things – so what”? Yeah, “so what” if Barack Obama wants to keep infanticide legal, right?
Its obvious from their applause when he says he loves Muslims that the audience has no reason whatever to think that Warren believes they are in error in any significant way, there might be a little disagreement of course but “so what” right?
I think Warren needs to decide whether he’s a motivational speaker or a preacher of the Gospel.
To see how one can disagree without being disagreeable and remain firm on the truth, take a look at these clips of John MacArthur on Larry King Live:
Looks like the embed feature didn’t work. Here’s the link to the video I referenced.
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one more time!
That settles it, I’m a “purple” Christian.
Like guiroo, my approach is somewhere in the middle. I think you should be able to convey the Gospel to someone and continue to do so, as the first conversation with someone is most times not the last. Being too “red” may jeopardize future conversations.
Like all things in life, context is king. If I am working with someone on a daily basis, I would be “red” or not use the “Gospel Hammer” as I heard it said recently. But on the other hand, if I have a friendship with someone at work and have established my credibility, I will be sure to proclaim the saving power of the Gospel is exclusive to those who repent and put their trust in Jesus as their Savior.
No matter the method or color, to not give the Gospel is worst alternative. If we truly believe it, we should be telling the folks we meet in our daily lives the Good News.
Thanks for the dialogue. I am not trying to create a absolute right or wrong, but expressing the need for sincerity and balance in presenting the Gospel. I will admit, I have been a “red” christian most of my life but have found myself becoming more “blue.” I don’t view this as compromising as much as applying wisdom. As we covered in the study this morning, I find the teaching of Jesus to be spot on in helping me process the right approach. Jesus said,
John nor Jesus could please everyone with how they went about ministering to people. The proof is not so much in the exact method, but what the actions are and the effect of those actions on the people involved (“wisdom is justified by her deeds”). So whether you are more “red” or more “blue” are you representing the Gospel to others at an appropriate way given the context in which you find yourself? Also, let’s be careful not to criticize those of whom we differ in style or method if they are truly making a difference in the lives of people or faithfully proclaiming the Gospel.
So, does what I just said apply to Pastor Warren or do you think he didn’t go far enough? Why or why not?
Hard to say that edited clip. Is there a complete transcript anywhere?
Guiroo, it’s true that since the Warren clip is edited that it is tough to truly get a picture of what he said. Therefore, I think we need to recognize that a solid judgment regarding his core message is tough to come by.
I did look for a transcript, but couldn’t find it. The one thing that that is free from an editors knife is Pastor Warren’s closing comment – “God bless you.” What do you think about this closing comment given the audience he is addressing?