The power is in us collectively
“The big deal is we think the power is in us individually the power is in us collectively. It is in the church.” John M. Perkins [1]
It appears that in our current American culture the church is divided. We are either siding with the “conservative right” or the “progressive left”. Depending on how one views our society,either you are concerned with the “right-ordering” of society or see it as a battle ground for social justice. [2] The distribution of power is arguably split in many regards by how a person passionately views two key hot subjects–abortion and homosexuality. Many have made personal exceptions that have determined why they vote and appeal to influence those within our society one way or another. What is not fully discussed is how much of an influence politics has on Christian values and how Christians perceive power and equity in our country.
James Hunter in his book To Change The World provides three core essays that discuss what he believes are core issues with Christianity in the late modern world–“Christianity and World Changing”, “Rethinking Power” and “Toward a New City Commons: Reflections on a Theology of Faithful Presence”. In his second essay “Rethinking Power”, he addresses the coerciveness of power and it’s impact on American culture. He argues that faith does have power and influence on culture. When it is displaced it is because faith is operating under a corrupt view of power. James Hunter examines the ills of the late modern American Christian conservative right and the progressive left. In his written summary of chapter 6 of Essay two the “Illusions, Irony, and Tragedy” he wrote:
Politics has become a “social imaginary” that defines the horizon of understanding and the parameters for action. What is never challenged is the proclivity to think of the Christian faith and its engagements with culture in political terms. For all, the public has been conflated with the political. But the ressentiment that marks the way they operate makes it clear that a crucial part of what motivates politics is a will to dominate. However, for politics to be about more than power, it depends upon a realm that is independent of the political process. The deepest irony is that the Christian faith has the possibility of autonomous institutions and practices that could be a source of ideals and values that could elevate politics to more than a quest for power. Instead, by nurturing its resentments, they become functional Nietzcheans, participating in the very cultural breakdown they so ardently strive to resist.[2]
It is not a secret that many ,if not most, American evangelicals identify with the Republican party. They self identify with their goals ideals and ends for creating social order in our country. To those on the left, they are portrayed as having less empathy for those who are marginalized in society and seek to gain benefits that are inherently given to those climbing the social ladder. While those who identify with the democratic party, are appalled by the lack of social justice given to those who are marginalized in society. To those on the right, they are portrayed as being too liberal and not conservative enough to uphold true Christian values. Hunter asserts that the political polarization in America has forced either side to take their focus off of the ultimate power, God. That our role in the kingdom does not mimic the strategies and ends of the world. He concludes this essay by posing a question “In our day, Christians have not only embraced strategies that are incapable of bringing about the ends to which they aspire, they have also embraced strategies that are deeply problematic, shortsighted, and at times, profoundly corrupted. If the flourishing of Christian faith and its cultures depends on a model of power that derives from Christ’s life and teaching, what does this look like in practice?“[3] In light of this , I rephrase his question by asking”what does it mean to live a faithful Christian life in America as being an active bearer of the Kingdom of God ?”
[1] “John M. Perkins Quote.” A-Z Quotes. Accessed March 09, 2017. http://www.azquotes.com/quote/730519
[2] James Davidson Hunter, “To Change Then World Chapter Abstracts,” James Davison Hunter, , accessed March 09, 2017, http://www.jamesdavisonhunter.com/to-change-the-world-abstracts.
[3] James Davison Hunter, To change the world: the irony, tragedy, and possibility of Christianity today (New York: Oxford University Press, 2010). 193.
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Christal Jenkins Tanks
7 responses to “The power is in us collectively”
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”What does it mean to live a faithful Christian life in America as being an active bearer of the Kingdom of God ?”
Great Question. In TO CHANGE THE WORLD, Hunter refers to the “sinking ship” perspective that many evangelicals have. They believe that institutions, governments, and even the planet itself is on its way out. Many hold to an eschatology that reinforces this. With this perspective the only thing that matters is evangelism (handing out life preservers on the Titanic).
Progressives want to fix the hole in the boat. They see that gospel as more than a ticket to heaven. The see it as a vehicle and power of social change. The danger here is to see the gospel as a framework for social change, while leaving out the critical dynamic of personal sin and forgiveness.
As Hunter points out, siding with either extreme has problems. Conservative Christians need to understand that lousy public educations hurts families, and our society. Progressive Christians who fight for the rights of the voiceless in our society might want to take a second look at the abortion issue.
“But the ressentiment that marks the way they operate makes it clear that a crucial part of what motivates politics is a will to dominate. ”
Christal, I agree that Hunter identified some of the differences between left and right, but I thought some of his remarks (like the one quoted here) were pejorative. Most conservatives Christians I know have the same motivation as the liberal Christians – they truly want the world to be a better place.
Hunter seemed to contradict his own reasoning when he said trying to win over the world “bottom up” was not right (he said elites have the power) and then turn around and slam Christians for trying to change things politically. Yes, some have wrong motives but I hope and pray that they are the minority.
Do you think a good start would be for Christians to examine their motives and find out what it means “to live a faithful Christian life in America as being an active bearer of the Kingdom of God ?”
Very thoughtful; thank you.
Christal,
A good post and a great question….. I, of course, have all the answers…….ok, maybe not…. but I think we move towards the answer only when we decide to be uncompromising in our fealty to Jesus first and foremost – when we pledge allegiance to the state or a political party or the cultural whims of the day or anything else instead of Jesus we begin to lose our way – and I think Hunter is, sadly, correct in his critique of both the ‘left’ and the ‘right’ in this regard.
Great question Christal”what does it mean to live a faithful Christian life in America as being an active bearer of the Kingdom of God ?” It doesn’t mean to be Republican or a Democrat. We are called to live out Kingdom principles and values and need to be woven into whatever political perspective or job position we hold. To simplify things, I tell myself, “If Jesus doesn’t make a big deal of it, then neither will I. Whatever Jesus capitalised on, then so will I.”
Christal, I too think that the core questions is: ”what does it mean to live a faithful Christian life in America as being an active bearer of the Kingdom of God ?” I struggle with answering that question for myself because I sense that being a faithful Christian should be the same in any culture. We have to somehow get beneath the cultural coating to a God culture, that is above earthly culture—and certainly above politics. Excellent, thoughtful and well-balanced post. Thank you.
Christal,
If we seriously seek God’s will above our own ideas and follow the walk Jesus strategically planned “Being A Servant’s Plan” we would be living a faithful Christian life. If we truly Trust in the Lord with all our heart. and lean not to our own understanding, but acknowledge him and allow him to direct our paths, imagine the world the power it would possess, the love shared, wisdom obtain, and much more.
Perkins’ quote resonates with Hunter’s assertion that “Christians must cultivate tension with the world by affirming the centrality of the church itself and the… local congregation in particular,” that is, “the presence of the Spirit at work among believers through Word and sacrament” (282-3). I believe Hunter would answer your question by recalling us to that centrality of the church dwelling in a particular place as God’s faithful presence, made known in that place through the dwelling of the Holy Spirit in God’s people.