Here’s a blog on Evangelicals and Darfur.
As I think about the situation more, I realize we as Christians do little for the hungry, homeless, and oppressed. There are tons of great organizations who are doing alot to help, but how much do we hear about these organizations in our churches? In conrtast how much do we hear about the “Cooperative Progam” and such?
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” - James, the half-brother of Jesus.
Any thoughts on this verse and the issue of Darfur?
-Brady
kendo said
I think that James is saying that true religion comes from the heart, but does not remain there. True religion is seen. We are to be doers of the word. God has a heart for those who are afflicted and oppressed. If we read that about God and are not moved to be like God, our religion is nothing.
We as Christians should be caring for the needy. When we were dead and desperately needy for life and salvation, God provided for us in Jesus Christ. Because we have been given grace and have the wealth of God’s love, we should be pouring ourselves out for all those who are needy (inlcuding not only widows and orphans, but the homeless, the hungry, the poor, and yes, even a whole region of people who are Muslim and suffering).
Tim Keller has said that churches should be viewed like this by the outside world, and I paraphrase, “Yeah we might not agree with everything they believe, but if they were to leave our city, we’d have to raise taxes.” I believe this is something along the lines of being vastly different from the world, but at the same time being a fellow human who is seeking the good of humanity, and not just the good of the subculture of Christianity.
- Kendall
kendo said
To add something else I just saw: We are not supposed to help the needy when they have already been helped. We visit them “in their affliction.” This forces a certain amount of urgency upon Christians to respond.
- Kendall