Kick the Anthill

I meant to link to Ed Morrissey’s My Frustration at Mass post earlier because it’s a great read.

Being a Protestant myself, one thing I’ve always been grateful to the Catholic Church for is their unflinching stance on abortion.  It has been an eternal mystery to me how some of our Protestant denominations who set the Bible as scripture and the cornerstone of church doctrine can be otherwise.  But I suppose it’s just the same mystery that so many Protestant church members are willing to devote so much time to church and its activities but not to the Christian Faith itself.

My mother was a Baptist who left the Baptist Church because her church preached the “don’t drink, don’t smoke” gospel, but the deacons could all be found doing just that at the back of the church.  My father didn’t really give a hoot, so I was raised in the Methodist Church.

You would think that with Oklahoma being part of the Bible Belt, the Methodist Church, as with national politics, would be more conservative.  I was very surprised to learn that’s just not so.  The Methodist clergy I know here who believe the Bible is the Word of God have to hide their faith in order to keep their positions, as well as prepare themselves for a lifetime of battle and conflict.  There are pockets of Believers, but the liberal influence is present here from the bottom all the way to the top.  The energy and zeal that goes into demolishing Biblical faith is extraordinary.

I don’t know much about the Methodist hierarchy in Texas, but I do remember that no one at church ever offered me the opportunity to invite Christ into my heart, and when He showed up in my life, it was a year before I found anyone who had the time or was willing to answer my questions.  Fascinating stuff.  And lethal to anyone trying to make a difference.  That’s the ironic part – Methodist churches all around Oklahoma are dying (or have been dead for years), and it has nothing to do with the economy.  It has everything to do with simply living out the scriptures – and all the things founder John Wesley stood for.

I know the Baptist Church with its many branches has had its share of ups and downs the last few decades, but I’ve been very personally grateful for the renewal that has arisen in their corner.  LifeWay in particular has impressed me because they have embraced technology and pursued scripture in a way that few others have.  At least their denomination promotes a climate of courage for those who would speak up for what is right.  Ahem.

The Bible does ask us to stand up, be accountable and submit ourselves to Christ and one another.  Our leaders in the Protestant Church would do well to also follow Ed’s advice and, while not expecting perfection, expect those who carry the Name of Christ into the political arena to abide by His principles.  Biblical church discipline is as vital for health and welfare as parental discipline is for children.

Our flaws are part of who we are as the Church – they are evidence of our need for a Savior and reminders of the importance of humility and forebearance.

Also related: Miss Wisabus was kind enough to send me a link today to The Moment Pro-Life Voters Become Pro-Choice.