Taking Back Christianese #2: “Preach the Gospel; If Necessary, Use Words”
In American evangelicalism over the last decade, there has been a resurgence of interest in what might be called “deed” ministry. Christians should not be concerned only about evangelism, it is argued, but also about caring for the practical, day-to-day needs of our unbelieving neighbors.
This sentiment is captured in a phrase that is being used more and more these days: “Preach the Gospel; if necessary, use words.” This is the next installment in the “Taking Back Christianese” series originally announced here.
Our purpose in this post (as in all the posts in this series) is simply to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this phrase. We will do … Continue reading...
Is Capitalism Based on Greed?
Ever since Gordon Gekko’s character in Wall Street uttered the phrase, “Greed is good,” there has been a wide-spread and oft-repeated myth that capitalism is based on greed. And, so the argument goes, if capitalism is driven by a sinful desire (greed), then it must be rejected as an immoral system.
Such misconceptions are even prevalent in the evangelical world, as preachers like Tony Campolo insist that the greed principle underlies the modern capitalistic system of America. Many well-meaning evangelicals, who have a genuine care for the poor, find themselves drawn to the rhetoric of people like Campolo and their disdain for capitalism.
In light of this anti-capitalistic climate, I … Continue reading...