In reading Jack Haberer’s editorial … I was struck by the easy assumption that progressives make concerning “Red Letter Christians” as the new evangelicals.
Tony Campolo and Jim Wallis are quoted as endorsing the distinctive message of Jesus for us and our world. That is as it should be. There is no doubt that the church through the ages has had a very uneven loyalty to the teachings of our Lord. We certainly need to be more assertive in showing our discipleship by providing help and hope for the poor and the oppressed. The easy assumption, however, is that these progressives endorse legislation and governmental social policy to attain that end. Here is where evangelicals and progressive evangelicals part company. It is not more legislation and government that we need. It is more Christian discipleship that we need. And that does not necessarily mean that we all become legislative cheerleaders for the Democratic juggernaut that has taken control of the United States government. Unfortunately progressives of all stripes do not recognize that as a legitimate concern. They see evangelicals as captives of the extreme political right. They had better keep their eyes open when it comes to the extreme political left.
