Christian Ethics Today A Journal of Christian Ethics Volume 24, Number 3 Aggregate Issue 102 Summer 2016

“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’” Isaiah 40:3; John 1:23

Confessions of a White Supremacist by Pat Anderson, editor...... 2

In Defense of Red Letter Christianity by Tony Campolo...... 3

Dominionism Rising: A Theocratic Movement Hiding in Plain Sight by Frederick Clarkson...... 4

The Deadliest Sin by Fisher Humphreys...... 12

A Pastor’s Plea to Love Our Muslim Neighbors by Chris George.....15

The Last Trump? By Roger Griffin...... 17

Patriots Who Kneel by Marv Knox...... 19

GOD DRAMA: Fifteen Years Later…By Wendell Griffen...... 21

Clergy for a New Drug Policy by Martin E. Marty...... 24

I Broke Up With The Conservative Evangelical Project by Brian D. McLaren...... 25

Trump’s “Truthful Hyperbole” & Christianity’s “Money Cult” by Gary Moore...... 28

Incoming...Letters to the Editor ...... 31 Confessions of a White Supremacist By Patrick Anderson, editor

was born and raised in the milieu never in South Carolina, or of us bury it better than others, Iof white supremacy. I cannot Georgia, or Tennessee. I remember but I see little in our American life remember ever hearing the term times when I was the only white that gives evidence of a “post-racial explicitly, but the superiority of white contestant in the indoor 600, or era” or a “colorblind” society. people was implicitly understood and when our mile relay team was the The life experiences we have had assumed. In a segregated world devoid only white entrant in the universi- in the white world are unlike the of dark skinned people, where non- ty division of the Penn Relays. Just life experiences in the non-white white persons were never encountered before the command to “runners, world. This is true today as much socially, my whiteness was more than take your marks” we shook hands as it was in my childhood. just evident. It was pervasive, “nor- and expressed insincere “good I have never been denied a job mal,” and majoritarian. My mother luck” utterances before a race. I because of my skin color. Banks and grandmother occasionally uti- remember sharing mutual con- or mortgage companies or real lized the services of a black house- gratulations and “good race” affir- estate agencies have never red-lined keeper, the church my father pastored mations after races, even embraces my housing options or otherwise employed a black custodian, but other and exchanges of sweat. Track is determined where I could live or than those persons my world was an uncomplicated sport in many purchase property. Access to doc- white. The schools I attended were ways. Whoever gets to the finish tors and health care has never been all white; our church was all white; line first, wins. I remember think- a problem for me. I have never our neighborhood was all white. The ing how much the same we were, been followed around by a store city parks where I played ball were all how skin color mattered not at security guard. No one from my white. The public swimming pool was all when speed was the separation family was ever enslaved, lynched, all white. between us. Whoever gets there beaten. My family name was not My grandchildren roll their eyes first, wins. taken and a new one assigned. when they hear me talk about that After college the milieu of my I can walk, drive, stand, talk, strange, colorless world in which life changed. I worked in the laugh, be angry, and otherwise I lived. Yet even they now live in juvenile justice system alongside function without ever wondering a resurging environment, even African American and Latino if I will be killed by a cop. I have in the community of faith, that caseworkers. I attended for a while always lived that way. My family expresses explicit and complicit a Spanish language church. I members have lived that way. My paeans of white superiority. They developed close friendships with children and grandchildren live that hear white folks say “we want our non-white persons. Today I like way. The people with whom I rou- country back,” “why don’t they to consider myself as “colorblind,” tinely socialize live that way. How teach values in school,” “build a non-biased, and consider African can I claim not to be “superior?” wall,” “too many people who don’t Americans and Latinos as some of The police do not see me as sus- look like us are doing stuff,” “law my best friends. My racial aware- picious, or say one to the other at and order,” ness expanded in the years of the a traffic stop “He’s a bad looking Furman University where I Civil Rights Movement. dude.” My existence is never con- attended on a track scholarship But the separations between sidered threatening or subversive. was all white until the first African myself and even my closest non- No policeman has ever said “Step American student was admit- white friends cannot be merely out of the car. Put your hands on ted my senior year. In college my brushed aside. President Obama the roof and spread your legs.” encounters with non-white people recently referred to the “implicit My African American friends expanded because our track team racial bias” which exists in the have never lived the way I have competed on a national stage, so I police subculture. He could have lived. They never will. You, I, and raced many black runners in track made a much broader claim, for most other people know this, deep meets in New York, Philadelphia, we white folks all share a deep and down. ■ Louisville, Miami, and Detroit… defining sense of superiority. Some

2 • Summer 2016 • christian ethics today In Defense of Red Letter Christianity by Tony Campolo

ords, say experts on language, gain who differed with either their prescribed red letters to love our enemies, He probably Wtheir meaning by how they are used theology or designated lifestyle. meant we shouldn’t kill them. And when within the social context that employs Given these realities, it is not surprising He called for radical sacrificial giving to the them. As a case in point, many theologi- that many Christians no longer wanted poor, as He did in Mark 10, we believe that cally orthodox Christians during the first to assume the label “fundamentalist” for Jesus was serious. half of the 20th century had no problem themselves. Instead, many prominent We think that what Jesus spelled out in using the label “fundamentalist” to define Christian leaders, such as Billy Graham and the Sermon on the Mount is superior to themselves. That label, however, gradually Carl Henry (the editor of Christianity Today any ethic we find in the Old Testament. became associated with connotations which magazine) increasingly identified them- We say this because Jesus declares it to be many found undesirable. selves as “evangelicals.” so, especially in Matthew 5. What he has Following the famous 1925 Scopes Sadly, as of late, this new title gradually to say in that chapter about such things as trial in Tennessee, which made rejecting has taken on negative connotations in the divorce, retaliation toward those who have Darwin’s theory of evolution a defining secular media. As evangelicals increasingly hurt us, and anger, proves to be a higher commitment in most fundamentalist came to be identified on television and standard for us to live by than even what circles, those who had used the label, were in newspapers as being Christians who the Hebrew prophets had to say. viewed as anti-scientific, and even anti are against gays and lesbians, questioning There are those who try to discredit our intellectual. much about the movement for women’s movement by suggesting that we negate As time went on, fundamentalists increas- rights, against non-Anglo immigrants and those other parts of the Bible apart from ingly came to be viewed as Christians who being anti-Muslim, the label “evangelical” the red letters. Nothing could be further embraced a pietistic lifestyle marked by became increasingly problematic for many from the truth. We believe that the rest of strong opposition to using any kind of Christians. Nowhere is this more obvious the Bible points to Jesus and, like the early alcoholic beverage, dancing and, in extreme than in the rhetoric during the political church, under the guidance of the Holy cases, going to the movies, and even the use campaigns of 2016. Spirit, we find the nature and mission of of “make-up” by women. A few years ago, Jim Wallis of Sojourners Jesus spelled out throughout the entire More important, among fundamentalists, magazine called together a group of mostly Hebrew Bible. Beyond that, we believe that there was widespread affirmation of the young Christian leaders who faced the the rest of the Bible can be understood only theology of John Nelson Darby, commonly question as to whether or not the name insofar as it is read through the eyes of the referred to as dispensationalism. This “evangelical” had lost its meaning for us. Jesus revealed in the red letters. theology was popularized via the Scofield We were still Christians who believed in the Red Letter Christians have very few Reference Bible, which had footnotes doctrines of the Apostle’s Creed, declared problems with the theology of evangeli- that explained Bible verses in accord with that salvation comes via surrendering to the cals. Our problems are with the identity Darby’s beliefs, and became a standard text spiritual presence of the resurrected Christ, they have established and the politics they for fundamentalists. Growing up, I remem- and held a belief that scripture was written have embraced and, in some cases, even ber singing, along with my fundamentalist by persons who were inspired and directed sanctified. We argue that Jesus is neither teenage friends: by the Holy Spirit. a Republican nor a Democrat and to cast My hope is built on nothing less As we pondered together what to call Him as the legitimator of any political ide- than Scofield notes and ourselves, we came up with the name “Red ology is idolatry. Scripture Press. Letter Christians.” It was our belief that Given the existential situation that we The impact of the Scofield Reference the name was relevant for our times, pri- face here in America, we believe that the Bible in molding the fundamentalist mind- marily because the red letters of the Bible, label “Red Letter Christians” (www.redlet- set cannot be underestimated. It is a theol- which emphasize the words spoken by terchristians.org) is a label whose time has ogy that has diminished the importance Jesus, spell out a radical counter-cultural come. ■ of social justice activism among church lifestyle which orthodox believers are often people. prone to ignore. For instance, many of us Tony Campolo is an American Baptist, Finally, it must be noted that fundamen- believe that when Jesus said “blessed are the sociologist, pastor, author, public speaker talists somewhat have gained the reputation merciful, for they shall obtain mercy,” that and former spiritual advisor to U.S. in the opinion of many as being judgmen- precluded the practice of capital punish- President Bill Clinton. Known primarily tal and, in some cases harshly so, of anyone ment and, when Jesus taught us in those for his work with Red Letter Christians,

Christian ethics today • Summer 2016 • 3 Doninionism Rising: A Theocratic Movement Hiding in Plain By Frederick Clarkson

n June 2016, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) DOMINIONISM DEFINED you can’t endorse me, but I endorse Iheld a private meeting with conser- In many ways, Ted Cruz personi- you and what you are doing.”7 vative movement leaders to plot his fies the story of dominionism: how it Some see Ted Cruz as not only fol- political future. Attendees afterwards became the ideological engine of the lowing in the footsteps of Reagan, but cast him in the role of Ronald Reagan, Christian Right, and how it illuminates fulfilling a religious destiny. “Talk to who’d lost the 1976 Republican presi- the changes underway in American me about your son and his rise. This dential nomination to Gerald Ford, politics, culture and religion that have must be a thing of God. It’s meteoric,” but led a conservative comeback in helped shape recent history. David Brody, chief political correspon- 1980 that made Jimmy Carter a one- Ted Cruz’s father, Rafael, who served dent for the Christian Broadcasting term president. The thinking was that as his son’s principal campaign surro- Network, asked Rafael Cruz in an inter- Cruz did well enough in the 2016 gate during his senate and presidential view in 2013, during Ted’s first year as Republican presidential primaries campaigns, has been a profound and senator8. Evangelical historian John Fea before losing to celebrity billionaire colorful influence. The elder Cruz explained why Cruz might be viewed Donald Trump that he could plan to was a member of the Texas board of this way. During a sermon at the New run again in 2020 or 2024. “He was the Religious Roundtable,4 a leading Beginnings church in Bedford, Texas, with kindred spirits,” said Brent Bozell, in 2012, Rafael had described his son’s the conservative activist who hosted the senate campaign as the fulfillment of meeting, “and I would say most people biblical prophecy that “God would in that room see him as the leader of Dominionism is the anoint Christian ‘kings’ to preside over the conservative movement.1 theocratic idea that, an ‘end-time transfer of wealth’ from The rise of Ted Cruz is a singular regardless of theological the wicked to the righteous.” event in American political history. “According to his father and [New The son of a Cuban refugee and evan- camp, means, or timetable, Beginnings Pastor Larry] Huch, Ted gelical pastor, Cruz was raised in the God has called conservative Cruz is anointed by God to help kind of evangelicalism-with-a-theo- Christians in their effort to “go to cratic-bent that has come to epitomize Christians to exercise the marketplace and occupy the land a significant and growing trend in dominion over society by … and take dominion” over it, Fea American public life. That is, domin- continued. “This ‘end-time transfer ionism: a dynamic ideology that arose taking control of political of wealth’ will relieve Christians of all from the swirls and eddies of American and cultural institutions. financial woes, allowing true believers evangelicalism to animate the Christian to ascend to a position of political and Right, and become a defining feature cultural power in which they can build of modern politics and culture. a Christian civilization. When this Dominionism is the theocratic Christian Right organization of the late Christian nation is in place (or back in idea that, regardless of theologi- 1970s.5 “Our conversation around the place), Jesus will return.”9 cal camp, means, or timetable, God dinner table centered around politics— Rafael Cruz and Huch have long has called conservative Christians to as to why we had to get rid of this left- embraced a strain of evangelical theol- exercise dominion over society by tak- ist progressive called Jimmy Carter,” ogy called Seven Mountains dominion- ing control of political and cultural Rafael Cruz told an interviewer. “Ted ism, which calls for believers to take institutions. The term describes a got a dose of conservative politics from control over seven leading aspects of broad tendency across a wide swath a biblical worldview for a whole year culture: family, religion, education, of American Christianity. People who when he was nine years old.”6 That media, entertainment, business and embrace this idea are referred to as was the year the Religious Roundtable government. The name is derived from dominionists. Although Chip Berlet, hosted the historic National Affairs the biblical book of Isaiah 2:2 (New then of Political Research Associates, Briefing Conference in Dallas. It King James Version): “Now it shall and I defined and popularized the term was held in tandem with the 1980 come to pass in the latter days that the for many in the 1990s2, in fact it had Republican National Convention, and mountain of the Lord’s house shall be (along with the term dominion theol- attended by some 17,000 conservative established on the top of the moun- ogy) been in use by both evangelical Christians. It was there that Ronald tains.” proponents and critics for many years.3 Reagan famously declared: “I know Seven Mountains dominionism

4 • Summer 2016 • christian ethics today (popularly abbreviated as 7M) emerged politicians and public officials at all it came from, so we can see it more in the 2000s through a campaign in levels of government and who even clearly and better understand its con- the form of popular books, videos, after leaving office, shape our politi- temporary significance. sermons and seminars.10 It has spread cal discourse. Roy Moore, the elected TWO STREAMS INTO THE like wildfire across Pentecostalism ever Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme MAINSTREAM since. Court, has been a rallying figure for There are two main expressions of The Cruzes are close to Christian dominionists of all stripes for the bet- dominionism, each influential far nationalist author and longtime Texas ter part of two decades. Most recently, beyond their foundational thinkers. Republican leader David Barton, he has led efforts to exempt Alabama Briefly, Christian Reconstructionism, who headed a super PAC in support from federal court ordered compli- founded by the late theologian R.J. of Cruz’s presidential bid. Barton ance with marriage equality, citing Rushdoony (1916-2001) advances embraces 7M11 even while disingenu- his view of “God’s law.” Moore’s fel- the idea that Christians must not only ously12 claiming the term dominion- low Alabamian, Justice Tom Parker, dominate society, but institute and ism is an invention of liberals intended has been on the court since 2004, enforce Old Testament biblical law. to smear Christians. “It’s like saying and has employed theocratic legal Unlike the doctrines developed within ‘Oh, you’re a Nazi, oh, you’re an anti- theorist John Eidsmoe as his chief of specific denominations, Christian Semite, you’re a bigot, you’re a racist, staff.15 Others at the top of recent Reconstructionism has been a move- you’re a dominionist,’” he said in a American political life have included ment of ideas that transcends denomi- 2011 radio broadcast.13 Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, nations and has influenced far more Ted Cruz has, perhaps shrewdly, nei- Rick Perry, Mike Huckabee16 and people than those who ever adopted ther publicly affirmed nor denied the Newt Gingrich.17 Other prominent the label. One of the movement’s main dominionism that surrounds him. He contributions has been to provide a is a longtime member of a prominent biblical rationale for political action Houston Baptist congregation, but his for the Christian Right and a theory of embrace of the dominionist vision is Rafael Cruz and Huch have government and public policy develop- evident to those who are paying atten- long embraced a strain ment. tion. When Cruz speaks of religious of evangelical theology Religion scholar Michael McVicar liberty, says John Fea, he means it as “a has found that Rushdoony’s writings code word for defending the right of called Seven Mountains began to reflect an interest in domin- Christians to continue to hold cultural dominionism, which ion in the late 1950s.22 His vision authority and privilege.” Cruz, accord- of how to bring forth “dominion ing to Fea, is engaged in the “domin- calls for believers to take men,” via advancement of a “Biblical ionist battle” of our time.14 control over seven leading worldview” has helped lead conserva- All of this was pretty hot stuff and tive evangelicals towards aggressive dominionism would no doubt have aspects of culture: family, political engagement since the 1970s. become more of an issue had Ted religion, education, media, Rushdoony is also credited with lay- Cruz’s 2016 campaign lasted longer. ing the foundation for, among other But Cruz is 45 years old in 2016 and entertainment, business and things, the modern homeschooling appears to have a bright—and perhaps government. movement and fighting for maximum historic—political future. He won latitude for private Christian schools statewide office on his first try and has on issues like accreditation—normally benefited from being underestimated. a matter of government oversight, but Since arriving in the Senate in 2103, elected officials in the dominionist something Rushdoony compared to he has made a show of sticking to his camp include Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick government tyranny.23 principles, much to the chagrin of his (R-TX),18 Gov. Sam Brownback The other main strain of contem- colleagues. But following his presiden- (R-KS),19 Sen. James Lankford porary dominionism (which in turn tial run, Cruz is now one of the best (R-OK),20 and Rep. Steve King has also been deeply influenced by known politicians in the country and (R-IA).21 reconstructionism) is 7M dominion- possible heir- apparent to the Reagan Prominent politicians’ involvement ism, advocated by Pentecostals of the revolution. No small achievement for a in dominionism is certainly the most New Apostolic Reformation.24 7M is freshman senator. visible evidence of the movement’s rooted in a Pentecostal movement of Meanwhile Cruz and other national advances over the past half-century, but the 1940s, according to an academic pols comprise the tip of a very large, it’s not the only result. Dominionism is book by John Weaver published in but hard to measure political iceberg. a story not widely or well understood. 2015.25 The Latter Rain movement There are untold numbers of domin- Because this is so, it is important to taught that there would be an out- ionist and dominionism-influenced know what dominionism is and where pouring of supernatural powers in a

Christian ethics today • Summer 2016 • 5 coming generation, allowing them to from God. Sometimes, the roles are hundreds, thousands or even tens of subdue or take dominion over nations. combined.30 This is a very different thousands of years. Rushdoony and The Latter Rain movement promised religious environment than any other many Reconstructionists also believed this would happen along with the sector of Christianity and underscores strongly in a vastly decentralized form restoration of “the neglected offices in the way that doctrines among the of government. Theorist Gary North the contemporary church of apostles dominion-minded can be rather fluid, writes, for example, that, “It isn’t pos- and prophets.”26 Teachings about the even as they see themselves headed sible to ramrod God’s blessings from supernatural authority of the apostles toward the same or similar goals. the top down, unless you’re God. Only have provided key theological and It is important to underscore that humanists think that man is God.”34 structural elements of contempo- dominionism, even as it evolves, is not Nevertheless, Reconstructionist rary dominionism. These teachings, a passing fashion but an historic trend. thinkers could not prevent others previously rejected as “deviant” by This trend featured fierce theological from feeling a greater sense of urgency Pentecostal denominations are now so battles in the 1980s that pitted the about moving up the time-table,35 or ubiquitous that they are more tolerated largely apolitical pre-millennial dispen- from taking dramatic political action, than opposed.27 sationalism that characterized most of or in the case of anti-abortion activ- Latter Rain theology was revived 20th century evangelicalism31 against ists, even committing vigilante vio- under the under aegis of longtime a politicized, dominion-oriented post- lence.36 Indeed, the Institutes and the Fuller Theological Seminary profes- millennialism. Reconstructionist works that followed sor C. Peter Wagner, who organized a The turning point in this theologi- provided a justification for political global network of hundreds of apostles. cal struggle was the 1973 publication action that pulled many evangelicals Many of these apostles lead groups of Rushdoony’s 800-page Institutes from the political sidelines and into the of non-denominational churches and fray. They also provided an optimistic ministries called “apostolic networks,” theology of inevitable victory, sug- which sometimes comprise tens of gesting therefore that political action thousands of members. Today, NAR It is important to underscore was not only possible but necessary. theology and its apostles and prophets that dominionism, even as In the longer term, it also established have assumed an increasingly high it evolves, is not a passing the often unacknowledged ideological profile in religious and civic life in the framing for the Christian Right, the U.S. They were well-known in the past fashion but an historic trend. basis for 21st century politics, and the decade, for example, for mass rallies possibility of a Ted Cruz as a major fig- named The Call, led by Lou Engle, ure in public life. who is also internationally known for THE BATTLE FOR THE BIBLE his anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ of Biblical Law, which offered what One influential body of activism.28 They have also gained he believed was a “foundation” for Reconstructionist thought was pub- political influence. For example, sev- a future biblically based society, and lished by Gary North in the mid- eral leading apostles were among the his vision of generations of “domin- 1980s. A 10-volume series, called three-dozen “conveners” of a June 2016 ion men” advancing the “dominion “Biblical Blueprints” and written by meeting at which Republican presiden- mandate” described in the biblical different authors, sought to flesh out tial nominee Donald Trump courted book of Genesis.32 The Institutes s and update the vision by engaging the support of some 1,000 evangelical ought to describe what a biblically- contemporary matters from educa- leaders.29 based Christian society would look tion to economics and from politics to Within the NAR, the justifica- like. It included a legal code based divorce. By the late 1980s, a dynamic tion for the offices of apostle and on the Ten Commandments and conversation was well underway about prophet is based on the biblical book the laws of Old Testament Israel. the nature of conservative Christian of Ephesians (4:11). They are said to This included a long list of capital political action—what it could rea- complement or complete the offices of offences—mostly religious or sexual sonably expect to accomplish, on minister, teacher and evangelist into crimes.33 But Rushdoony and other what timeframe, by what means, and what is called the “five-fold ministry.” leading Reconstructionists did not whether it was necessary at all. These Apostles and prophets are top leaders, believe that “biblical Law” could be and other Reconstructionist authors usually operating outside of denomi- imposed in a top down fashion by were discussed in evangelical leadership nations—which they are intent on a national theocracy. They thought circles. But controversy broke out in dissolving in the name of Christian the biblical kingdom would emerge 1987 following a major critical report unity. They, respectively, lead these from the gradual conversion of in Christianity Today that detailed their non-denominational networks and people who would embrace what theocratic agenda. This article intro- offer guidance with prescient thoughts they consider to be the whole word duced Christian Reconstructionism, and sometimes direct revelations of God, and that this could take and the terms dominion, dominion

6 • Summer 2016 • christian ethics today theology and dominionism to many Christian society. His work inspired (Thirty years later, the best expres- evangelicals.37 A still wider public dominionist political action even sion of co-belligerency may be the learned about Reconstructionism though he claimed to support religious 2009 Manhattan Declaration, a three- the same year when PBS broadcast pluralism and oppose overt theocracy. part platform declaring “life, marriage a series on the Religious Right by One major difference between Schaffer and religious liberty” as conservative Bill Moyers.38 Books by prominent and the Reconstructionists is that believers’ defining concerns. This agen- evangelical authors and academics while they agreed about the threat to da is now shared by the United States opposing dominion theology soon fol- Christianity, Schaeffer did not believe Conference of Catholic Bishops, much lowed, including one by Hal Lindsey, in the contemporary applicability of of the evangelical Christian Right, and the bestselling evangelical author of his Old Testament laws and Rushdoony’s allied politicians in the Republican time.39 Evangelical religious historian slow motion approach to dominion. Party.45) Bruce Barron warned of a growing Instead, Schaeffer emphasized the need But Schaeffer didn’t articulate a polit- “dominionist impulse.”40 for militant Christian resistance to ical agenda much beyond the issues of This was perhaps the height of the what he called “tyranny.” what would later be called the culture battle over evangelical theology, in Schaeffer argued that “the common war. He believed America was founded which the premillennial dispensa- people had the right and duty to dis- as a Christian nation, but he remained tionalist camp—which believed that obedience and rebellion if state officials in the premillennialist camp and so in the end times, true Christians ruled contrary to the Bible. To do effectively ceded the playing field of would be “raptured” into the clouds, otherwise would be rebellion against law and public policy to Rushdoony, and Jesus would return to defeat God.”42 who offered a standard by which all the forces of Satan—was challenged According to historian John Fea, others would be measured. by the post-millennialist Christian Nevertheless, Schaeffer’s work prob- Reconstructionists—who argued ably caused more people to turn to that Jesus could not return until the overt dominionism than any other world had become perfectly Christian the best expression of thought leader before or since. For and the faithful had ruled for 1,000 co-belligerency may be many, Schaeffer was the beginning of a years. One of the longstanding con- the 2009 Manhattan theological journey from anti-abortion sequences of this difference had been activism to dominionism. Randall that premillennialists were disinclined Declaration, a three-part Terry, the founder of the anti-abortion to political action, while the postmil- platform declaring “life, direct action group, Operation Rescue, lennial position required it in order to in the 1980s said, “You have to read build nations based on biblical prin- marriage and religious Schaeffer’s Christian Manifesto if ciples or even biblical laws. Christian liberty” as conservative you want to understand Operation Reconstructionist authors brought an Rescue.”46 But by the 90s, he was additional and epochal piece to the believers’ defining concerns. wondering what would come next. In puzzle, by outlining for the first time his own 1995 book, The Sword: The what Christian or biblical governance Blessing of Righteous Government and should look like. the Overthrow of Tyrants, Terry seemed An additional strain of dominion- “Schaeffer played an important role to supply the answer, demonstrating ist thought has also been deeply in shaping the Christian Right’s belief the influence of his conversations with influential in the wider evangelical in a Christian America,” drawing an Gary North.47 “I gladly confess that I community. The popular 20th cen- ideological plumb line from the Bible want to see civic law in America (and tury theologian Francis Schaeffer to the Declaration of Independence every nation) restored to and based on (1912-1984) sold some three mil- via the theologians of the Protestant the Law given by God to Moses on lion books, some of which are still in Reformation.43 Schaeffer said that Mount Sinai,” Terry wrote. He con- print. Together with his son Frank, he the situations that justified revolution siders it to be “flawless, infallible and also made a series of influential films. against tyranny in the past are “exactly unimprovable—the very best we could Schaeffer’s 1981 book, A Christian what we are facing today.” The whole possibly build on.”48 Manifesto, published at the dawn of structure of our society, Schaeffer Although some writers have tended the Reagan era, famously served as a concluded, “is being attacked and to lump all dominionists together, catalyst for the evangelical wing of the destroyed.”44 dominionists have differences and anti-abortion movement, the broader To fight that trend, Schaeffer advo- disagreements about means and ends, Christian Right, and the creeping theo- cated what he called “co-belligerency:” just like any other movement. (They cratization of the Republican Party.41 strategic partnerships that set aside also change over time.) For example, Schaeffer advocated massive resis- theological differences in order to Rushdoony opposed the civil disobedi- tance to what he saw as a looming anti- cooperate on a shared political agenda. ence advocated by Schaeffer and left

Christian ethics today • Summer 2016 • 7 the board of the Rutherford Institute, to see that it was possible get wider Reconstructionist theorist Gary North the public interest law firm he had swaths of Christianity to adopt their declared in 1982, “to gain indepen- started with John Whitehead, because foundational ideas. After one such dia- dence for Christian schools until we Whitehead and fellow director Gary logue in Dallas in 1987,53 Christian train up a generation of people who North supported the tactic. And while Reconstructionist pastor Joseph know that there is no religious neutral- North supported non-violent direct Morecraft exclaimed, “God is blending ity, no neutral law, no neutral educa- action, he disagreed with the vigilante Presbyterian theology with Charismatic tion, and no neutral civil government. murder of abortion providers as advo- zeal into a force that cannot be Then they will get busy in construct- cated (and ultimately committed) by stopped!”54 ing a Bible-based social, political and fellow Christian Reconstructionist Paul DOMINIONISM REFRAMED AS religious order which finally denies Hill.49 RELIGIOUS LIBERTY the religious liberty of the enemies of But it is the broad vision that The emergence of religious liberty God.”57 dominionists share that should be as one of the central issues of our time North believes that the Constitution of greatest interest and concern to stems from multiple sources.55 But the generally, and specifically the proscrip- those outside the movement. C. Peter issue is far from being just a disagree- tion against religious tests for public Wagner traces the lineage of his ver- ment about how to balance the reli- office included in Article 6, are “legal sion of dominion theology “through gious freedom of some with civil and barrier[s] to Christian theocracy.” R.J. Rushdoony” and theologians of constitutional rights of others. In fact, But he envisions a day when bibli- the Protestant Reformation in his 2008 religious freedom has long been seen cally correct Christians gain enough book, Dominion! How Kingdom Action by dominionist strategists as a weakness political power to be able to amend the Can Change the World.50 Wagner of constitutional democracy that they Constitution to limit access to the fran- adopted an old concept: “sphere chise and civil offices to “communicant sovereignty,” the idea that all areas members of Trinitarian churches.”58 of life must be brought under a com- Rushdoony was not interested in prehensive biblical worldview. While I gladly confess that I want to religious freedom except insofar as Rushdoony called this “theonomy,” see civic law in America (and it had implications for “Christian Wagner’s 7M theology offered a con- every nation) restored to freedom.” In 1980, after many temporary version with a Pentecostal years of legal advocacy for Christian twist. (There is some metaphorical and based on the Law given homeschooling and private schools, flexibility in this sector as the term by God to Moses on Mount Rushdoony asked a protégé, attorney “mountains” is sometimes used inter- John Whitehead, to create a pub- changeably with “spheres” or “gates.”) Sinai,” Terry wrote. lic interest law firm, the “Christian Reflecting the trend away from premi- Rights Foundation.” The organiza- llennialism, Wagner emphasized the tion that emerged was ultimately “primacy” of the cultural (or domin- named the Rutherford Institute, after ion) mandate, over evangelism. can exploit to advance their agendas. the 17th century theologian Samuel Part of the significance of the con- The U.S. approach to religious free- Rutherford, who asserted that even the vergence of these strains of dominion- dom was largely an outgrowth of the King of England must obey God’s laws. ism is that 7M provides a popularized thinking of Thomas Jefferson, whose The Institute was to be strategic and vision of the reconstructed society Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom not parochial. It would represent any that does not require an advanced was drafted in 1777, and finally kind of Christian and even groups that degree in theology to understand. passed under the legislative leadership were “heretical and non-Christian” (the “[W]e have an assignment from God of James Madison in 1787. The bill, Church of Scientology was mentioned to take dominion and transform which helped inform the Constitution’s as one example) in cases that would society,”52 Wagner simply declares. and later the First Amendment’s have precedential value for advancing This break with the archaic and eso- approach to religion, provided that their vision of Christianity.59 teric language of the Latter Rain and one’s religious identity “shall in no Dominionist theorists view the Christian Reconstructionist writ- wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their Jeffersonian idea of religious equality ers, and even Francis Schaeffer, has civil capacities.”56 Dominionist leaders under the law as inherently tyranni- enabled the dominionist movement generally recognize that Jeffersonian cal. “There are two major stages in the to broaden and deepen its reach. This notions of religious freedom and the attack on religious liberty,” Rushdoony synthesis and more palatable approach society they envision are almost entire- declared in 1965. “First is the state is was decades in the making. There had ly mutually exclusive ideas. So they secularized in the name of freedom been Pentecostal and Reconstructionist have chosen to be smart about it. and second, every prerogative of the dialogues over the years that allowed “We must use the doctrine church is attacked in an indirect Reconstructionist thought leaders of religious liberty,” Christian manner so that … its right to exist is

8 • Summer 2016 • christian ethics today denied.”60 This is the thinking that showdown between a “biblical world- tions of leadership” to reshape the informs many contemporary claims of view” and “secular humanism.” The country “from top to bottom.”65 attacks on the religious liberty and fears case is a forerunner to today’s efforts to Wagner’s successor as the conve- of persecution by a secular totalitarian gain exemption from the law based on ner of the United States Coalition government. religious liberty claims.63 of Apostolic Leaders (USCAL), Religious liberty arguments, which Today, the major issues of the culture Joseph Mattera, takes the same can at once cloak and advance a con- war have been substantially reframed in approach.66 USCAL is one of several servative religious agenda, are increas- terms of religious liberty, as the co-bel- NAR leadership groupings that teach ingly ubiquitous on the Christian ligerents seek to declare their individual that Christians of the right sort must Right, and are sometimes intended and institutional religious consciences hold governmental power and imple- to baffle liberals. In 2011, C. Peter are violated in various ways, and there- ment a biblical approach to the law.67 Wagner seemed to make a surpris- fore are exempt from what jurists call Mattera, who pastors a church in ing case for religious tolerance to a the “generally applicable laws.” The Brooklyn, New York, adds that the National Public Radio audience. “I’m results have been mixed. historic evangelical goal of universal sorry that some radicals speak up The religious freedom argument conversion is unnecessary to achieve strongly against having a mosque in deployed against contraception and dominion. One of the “keys to domin- their neighborhood,” he said, “and I abortion won a major victory in the ion,” he says, is prolific reproduction don’t think that’s patriotism. I think Supreme Court case of Hobby Lobby and indoctrination of Christian chil- America needs to make room for lib- v. Sebelius, where the court held that dren. Christians, he believes, should erty.”61 But Wagner knows there is no closely held corporations have a right seek to multiply faster than those who actual room for religious liberty in a to freedom of conscience sufficient for are limiting the size of their families, dominionist society, as he made clear so their children would “have more when the NPR listeners weren’t tuned influence… [and]…more votes than in: anybody else and we would have the “Dominion has to do with control. Dominionist theorists view most power on the earth.”68 (Mattera’s Dominion has to do with rulership,” the Jeffersonian idea of gradualism is not limited to waiting Wagner declared at an NAR conference religious equality under the for babies. His regional Apostolic in 2008. “Dominion has to do with Leadership team includes Democratic authority and subduing, and it relates law as inherently tyrannical. New York City Councilman Fernando to society. In other words, what the Cabrera,69 who has also taught at values are in Heaven need to be made Mattera’s Leadership Institute on manifest here on earth. Dominion waging a “Kingdom Revolution” to means being the head and not the tail. the evangelical family-owned Hobby advance a “biblical worldview.”70 They Dominion means ruling as kings. It Lobby chain not to have to include waged an unsuccessful Democratic pri- says in Revelation Chapter 1:6 that He certain contraceptives in their employ- mary effort in 2014 against five candi- has made us kings and priests—and ees’ health insurance. dates in an apparent effort to make the check the rest of that verse; it says for In the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, Democratic-dominated Council more dominion. So we are kings for domin- religious liberty arguments could not conservative.71 Cabrera himself ran an ion.”62 overcome the civil rights argument for unsuccessful Democratic primary chal- Significantly, Rushdoony and the marriage equality,64 but similar argu- lenge to his incumbent state senator in late Howard Phillips, the Christian ments have informed state-level ver- 2014,72 and tried again in 2016 with Reconstructionist founder of the sions of the federal Religious Freedom backing from charter school develop- Constitution Party, did considerable Restoration Act, which have sometimes ment interests.73) organizing around the Bob Jones sought for example, to exempt busi- Christian Reconstructionists involved University tax case—the cause celebre of nesses from having to provide services in the natalist Quiverfull move- the 1970s and early ‘80s that is widely related to same-sex marriages. ment have a similar view. As Kathryn credited with galvanizing the Christian DOMINION BY MAJORITY Joyce explained in Quiverfull: Inside Right as a political movement. In the Dominionist theorists and contem- the Christian Patriarchy Movement, landmark case of Bob Jones University v. porary leaders know that they need to they envision themselves producing United States, the Supreme Court ruled move carefully, lest they provoke pow- arrows in God’s quiver in the war that the Greenville, South Carolina- erful opposition. Some leading domin- for dominion.74 Although certainly based school was not entitled to fed- ionists will go so far as to say that they not all homeschoolers are Christian eral tax exemption if it maintained its do not seek a theocracy when that is dominionists, those who are under- policy against interracial dating. The clearly their goal. For example, C. Peter stand the concept of Quiverfull as a case epitomized the Reconstructionist Wagner, in his book, Dominion!, says metaphor for their role in this epochal and Schaefferite view of the perpetual he wants to get his people “into posi- struggle. “The womb is such a power-

Christian ethics today • Summer 2016 • 9 ful weapon,” Nancy Campbell, who zon.81 Meanwhile he has shifted the The election of 2008 saw the first has six children and 35 grandchildren, electoral emphasis of his Mississippi- major party candidate for national told National Public Radio. “It’s a based American Renewal Project. office who had been obviously influ- weapon against the enemy.” Families (The group hosts all-expenses-paid enced by dominionist thought. GOP in her church have an average of 8.5 policy briefings for clergy and their vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin children. Campbell said, “My great- spouses, featuring top politicians was a longtime member of an NAR- est impact is through my children. like Gov. Mike Pence (R-IN), Sen. affiliated church, and had been men- The more children I have, the more Marco Rubio (R-FL), Gingrich, tored in politics by Alaskan Apostle ability I have to impact the world for Huckabee, Cruz and often David Mary Glazier for two decades. The God.”75 Barton. (Republican presidential con- revelation of these ties when Palin Additionally, Quiverfull children are tender Donald Trump addressed one came onto the national stage resulted usually homeschooled and, as religion such event in August 2016.82) They in explosive, if short-lived, media scholar Julie Ingersoll explained in her are currently recruiting and training attention.88 2015 book on Reconstructionism, clergy with a dominionist vision to Controversy erupted again in the that’s also part of Rushdoony’s long- run for office at all levels.83 Lanes own run-up to the 2012 election pri- term plan. As Rushdoony wrote, “The pastor, Rob McCoy, won a city coun- mary season. Media reports about explicit goal of Christian education is cil seat in Thousand Oaks, California, dominionist influences on GOP dominion.”76 The Reconstructionists, in 2016.84 Lanes vision is clear: “I presidential contenders Rep. Michele Ingersoll concludes, are building a don’t think theres any such thing Bachmann (R-MN) and Gov. Rick “separate and distinct subculture in as a separation of church and state. Perry (R-TX)89 threatened to make which they can raise their large fami- This was not established as a secular dominionism a household word. lies without the influence of human- nation, and anybody that says that it It was reported that, among other ism.’”77 is, they’re not reading American histo- things, Bachmann’s law school men- For the Apostles and Prophets who ry. This was established by Christians tor at Oral Roberts University was comprise Mattera’s USCAL, 7M for the advancement of the Christian Christian Reconstructionist John roads to dominion are just as clear. faith. My goal is to return to restore a Eidsmoe.90 (Reconstructionist Herb The government officials that emerge biblically based culture and a Judeo- Titus also served on the schools small from their ranks must be informed Christian heritage.”85 law school faculty.) And leading NAR by a “biblical worldview” and their Lane reprised the theme of his figures staged an unprecedented “every purpose must be to establish inflammatory essay in dog whistle prayer rally of some 30,000 people in or further the Kingdom of Jesus on fashion in 2015, invoking the names Houston to launch Gov. Perry’s cam- earth.”78 of two warriors of Old Testament paign, to which even C. Peter Wagner This may be a less peaceful process Israel. “We just need a Gideon or traveled from Colorado to attend. than Wagner and some 7M road- Rahab the Harlot to stand,” he The thought that dominion- ers would have us believe. Many declared.86 But one does not invoke ism might become an issue in the dominionists of all stripes anticipate these biblical figures to call for reli- presidential campaign must have deepening political tensions, violence gious revival, elect candidates to city sent Republican-oriented PR shops and even religious or secessionist war, council, or to advance a legislative into panic mode. Journalists, scholars especially in the wake of legal and agenda. The biblical Gideon leads an and activists who had written about social acceptance of marriage equal- Israelite army in an ethnic cleansing dominionism were soon subjected to ity and permanent access to legal of the Midianites who were oppres- a wide-ranging smear campaign that abortion.79 Gary North thought sors and worshiped false gods. (Lanes featured nationally syndicated colum- this was likely. He predicted in 1989 piece was titled, “To Retake America, nists from The Los Angeles Times, The that as the dominionist movement We Must Defeat Her False Religion.”) New York Times, and The Washington rose, the idea of constitutionally Rahab sheltered two Israelite spies in Post.91 This effort sought to discredit protected religious pluralism “will preparation for the sacking of the city the idea that dominionism was a be shot to pieces in an ideological of Jericho by Joshua’s army, resulting real thing or, even if real, that it was (and perhaps even literal) crossfire” as in the massacre of everyone but Rahab not of much significance. The real Christians and humanists continue to and her family. purpose of those using the term, the square off in “an escalating religious It is worth noting that NAR events columnists alleged, was to tar evan- war.”80 [emphasis in the original] often begin with processions of young gelicals. Lisa Miller of the Post wrote, One contemporary example men marching to the military beat “‘Dominionism is the paranoid mot will suffice. David Lane, a lead- of drums and blowing shofars—ram du jour.”92 Bachmann and Perry’s ing Christian Right electoral orga- horns used for battle signals in ancient campaigns ultimately lost traction for nizer, declared in a 2013 essay that Israel.87 other reasons. And in spite of many religious war may be on the hori- THE SMEARS OF AUGUST vigorous responses to the columnists

10 • Summer 2016 • christian ethics today pooh- poohery,93 media coverage of Ted Cruz in 2016, dominionists timeline by which dominionists may of dominionism collapsed even as are among the most prominent politi- seek to achieve their goals, will vary dominionist thought continued to cians in the country and enjoy signifi- according to individual and factional animate and sustain the Christian cant public support and acceptance as interests. Right. a legitimate part of the political mix. Dominionism, like the Christian Dominionism denial exists within While Senator Cruz’s campaign was Right itself, has come a long way a wider context of a culture of doubt supported by leading NAR figures from obscure beginnings. What is and denial about the strength and and most other Christian Right lead- remarkable today is that the nature resiliency of the Christian Right ers, there was always a Plan B as well. of this driving ideology of the itself.94 It can be difficult to take One NAR prophet said God had Christian Right remains obscure to dominionism seriously if you think told him in July 2015 that he will use most of society, most of the time. that the movement it drives is dead, Donald Trump to “expose darkness Dominionism’s proponents and their dying or deeply diminished. That and perversion.”99 Donald Trump allies know it takes time to infuse said, it is also true that some writers also enjoyed significant support from their ideas into the constituencies use have used the term dominionism other Christian Right figures, notably most likely to be receptive. They also as an all-purpose epithet and have 7M theorist Lance Wallnau (who also know it is likely—and rightly—to thereby unfairly broad-brushed people sits on the board of an NAR political alarm many others. who do not embrace the harsh theo- arm, the Oak Initiative100). Religion scholar Michael McVicar cratic future envisioned by some. Wallnau sought to explain the recounts an illuminating anecdote But these distracting outliers paradox of evangelical Christians sup- from that pivotal 1980 gathering of are not as significant as the writ- porting Trump from early on even the Religious Roundtable addressed ing about dominionism from a though he didn’t seem like a good fit. by Ronald Reagan. During the meet- wide variety of points of view that Trump, as has been much discussed, ing, Robert Billings, one of the found- has been published over more than was a longtime supporter of abortion ers of the Moral Majority, privately four decades. For example, in 1996, and LGBTQ rights, a thrice-married observed to Gary North that, “If it Rice University sociologist William philanderer, a failed casino magnate weren’t for his [Rushdoony’s] books, Martin published With God on Our with ties to organized crime,101 and none of us would be here.” North Side: The Rise of the Religious Right in someone whose Christian credentials replied, “No one in the audience America as a companion volume to were dubious at best. Nevertheless, understands that.” Billings replied, the PBS documentary series by the Wallnau suggested that God could “True. But we do.” same title.95 Authors of hundreds of use Trump to achieve his purposes “Insiders knew about Rushdoony’s books96 and articles97 have discussed even though he was a flawed vessel. influence, even if the rank and file did dominionism before and since 2011. Wallnau recalled the story of Cyrus, not,” McVicar concludes. That con- (Dominionism denial nevertheless the King of Persia in the biblical book tinues to be true. The role of domin- resurfaced as Ted Cruz’s presidential of Isaiah who, as had been earlier ionism is largely hidden in plain prospects rose in 2016 and the role prophesied, freed the Jews who had sight from those most affected, on all of dominionism began to be dis- been captive in Babylon for 70 years, sides.105/sup> ■ cussed.98) and helped to build the temple in In any case, ideas about dominion, Jerusalem. God used the pagan Cyrus, This article appears in the forthcoming dominionism and dominion theology as Wallnau put it, as a “wrecking ball” Summer 2016 edition of The Public and the terms themselves, have been a for his purposes.102 Wallnau thought Eye magazine and is reprinted with per- central part of the discussion of evan- God would use Trump to challenge mission. Frederick Clarkson is a senior gelicalism and the development of the “an increasingly hostile anti-Christian fellow at Political Research Associates. Christian Right for decades. This will culture”103 and “deliver us from He co-founded the group blog Talk To continue, regardless of what politically Hillary.”104 Action and authored Eternal Hostility: motivated dominionism denialists Wallnau’s story makes clear that The Struggle Between Theocracy and may publish next. at least some 7Mers do not require Democracy. Follow him on Twitter at @ DELIVER US FROM HILLARY moral or doctrinal conformity to FredClarkson. - See more at: http://www. Dominionism now appears to be accept someone as a co-belligerent, or politicalresearch.org a permanent feature of politics at all even as a leader, as long as they can levels. For three presidential elections help get them part of the way down NOTE: In order to save space in the in a row, dominionist politicians have the road to dominion. It also under- print edition of Christian Ethics Today, played prominent roles. Following scores that while the various doctrines the references are omitted; all endnotes Mike Huckabee and Sarah Palin in feeding into the dominionist move- can be found on the web edition of the 2008, Michele Bachmann and Rick ment are clear, the degree to which journal at www.christianethicstoday.com Perry in 2012, and the remarkable run they are adopted, and the means and

Christian ethics today • Summer 2016 • 11 THE DEADLIEST SIN By Fisher Humphreys

Pride and the Bible to give his life a ransom for many” that human beings who are finite and (Mark 10:42-45). mortal nevertheless have the capac- he Bible says that God keeps The writers of the New Testament ity to imagine what it would be like Taloof from people who are proud: got the point. In their writings they to be infinite and immortal. The gap “Though the Lord is high, he regards uniformly resisted pride and selfish- between our actual condition and the lowly; but the haughty he per- ness in favor of humility and care for what we can imagine about ourselves ceives from far away” (Ps. 138:6). others. generates existential anxiety. That “Toward the scorners [God] is scorn- anxiety gives rise to multiple sins, ful, but to the humble he shows Pride and the Church’s Teaching especially pride. It works like this: In favor” (Pr. 3:34). This verse is quoted order to alleviate our anxiety about twice in the New Testament, once by The biblical condemnation of our finitude and mortality, we deny James and once in 1 Peter. pride took root in the church and has them. We conduct our lives as if we The book of Proverbs emphasizes been developed across the centuries. are infinite and immortal. that eventually the proud get their In the sixth century, Pope St. Gregory Of course, this is irrational, since comeuppance. “Pride goes before the Great developed a list of the seven it’s obvious to everyone that we are destruction, and a haughty spirit finite and mortal. But we are so des- before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). “A per- perate to relieve our anxiety that we son’s pride will bring humiliation, but pretend we aren’t. We whistle when one who is lowly in spirit will obtain In Milton’s Paradise Lost, we walk by the cemetery. Creatures honor” (Pr. 29:23). Satan says: “Better to who have been made in God’s image The most vigorous condemna- attempt to be God. In the words of tion of pride in the Bible is Mary’s reign in hell, than serve in Tillich: “Man is tempted to make Magnificat (Lk. 1:46-55). Mary heaven.” himself existentially the center of praises God not only for lifting up himself and his world.” This is the people who are lowly but for humili- tragedy of human existence. It is why ating people who are proud. The song the Christian tradition says that pride reflects an ancient Jewish tradition deadly sins and listed pride as the is the worst sin of all. that it is the downtrodden members deadliest. of the covenant people who really love Pride came to be understood as Good Pride God. the cause of the fall of Satan. Satan Jesus obliquely condemned pride was thought to have been a glori- Not all pride is sinful. Here are by praising its opposites: “Blessed ous angel who rebelled against God three examples of good pride. We are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the and was thrown down from heaven. should be proud of our grandchildren kingdom of heaven. . . . Blessed are Why? Because he did not want to let when they study hard and make good the meek, for they will inherit the God be God. He wanted to be God. grades. We should be proud of our earth” (Mt. 5:3, 5). He urged his fol- In Milton’s Paradise Lost, Satan says: church and its ministries to people in lowers to follow his example by being “Better to reign in hell, than serve in need. We should be proud of our best givers rather than takers. When they heaven.” accomplishments in life. quarreled about which of them would Martin Luther, commenting on Pride of this kind has good effects. be greatest in the kingdom, he said, Romans 5:4, wrote that human beings It can motivate our grandchildren to “You know that among the Gentiles are naturally incurvatus a se, curved study. It can lead our churches to act those whom they recognize as their in on themselves. It is an image of with compassion and effectiveness. It rulers lord it over them, and their self-destructiveness like that of a feral is an incentive for each of us to strive great ones are tyrants over them. But animal whose curved tusks continue to accomplish good things in life. it is not so among you; but whoever to grow until they pierce the animal’s Even though this kind of pride is wishes to become great among you skull and kill it. good, it does carry a risk, namely, that must be your servant, and whoever Theologians such as Reinhold we come to value the things of which wishes to be first among you must be Niebuhr and Paul Tillich have added we’re proud more highly than we slave of all. For the Son of Man came some distinctly modern insights to the value God. We could treat our grand- not to be served but to serve, and tradition. For example, they point out children as the most important thing

12 • Summer 2016 • christian ethics today in the world, thus making our fam- Iris Murdoch’s novels says, “It is not against each other, they put their ily into an idol. We could treat our enough to succeed. Others must fail.” friendship at risk. church as if it is the only good church There are some areas of life where Competition in most areas of around. We could look with contempt competition is a good thing. Two of life is not compatible with living as on people who do not accomplish as these are athletics and economics. Christians. When we compete, we much with their lives as we have done Obviously, athletes become better and want other people to fail, but when with ours. better as a result of their competing we follow Christ, we want other with other athletes. They play to win, people to succeed. The satisfaction we But simply taking pride in things such and that’s all right because everyone in feel when we succeed and others fail as our grandchildren, our church, and the game has agreed to the competi- is incompatible with Jesus’ way of life. our accomplishments does not neces- tion, and they all know—or should You can’t have it both ways. You either sarily mean we have committed idola- know—that it’s only a game. The los- wish people well, or you compete try. With a moment’s reflection we ers aren’t lesser persons—they’re just with them; you can’t do both. Outside can see that humble persons, humble lesser players. That’s compatible with carefully confined areas of life, such as Christians, can be proud of their Christian teaching. athletics and economics, competition grandchildren, their church and their In economics, the most successful is about sinful pride. own best accomplishments. system by far is inherently competitive. This leads to the question: How Capitalism has generated more wealth Three More Facts about Pride can we distinguish good pride from than any other system in the history bad pride? It’s tricky, but here are of the world, and it also has provided I want now to mention three facts some thoughts. Pride in the accom- maximal freedom for citizens. about pride, all of which can motivate plishments of others is less likely to be us as we attempt to avoid pride in our sinful than pride in your own accom- own lives. First, while it’s easy for oth- plishments. Your pride in your grand- ers to see pride in us, it’s difficult for children’s hard work and good grades Pride makes us want to us to see it in ourselves. If it’s so obvi- is good. You should have it, and you vanquish people. We ous to them, why not to us? I don’t should tell your grandchildren you are know the answer. But recognizing this proud of what they have achieved. want to win; but that’s fact alerts us to the fact that it isn’t Also, pride in what you accom- not the worst of it. We easy to avoid pride. plish is less likely to be sinful than Second, pride is not a popular pride in yourself. If you are proud of want others to lose. sin. When others see your pride, they having worked hard and made a good don’t like it, and they don’t like you. score on the Graduate Record Exam, Friends will join you in some sins. For that probably isn’t a sin. But if your The problem with capitalism, of example, they will join you in getting GRE score makes you think you’re course, is that there are people who drunk and will enjoy the sin with smarter than everybody else, and even are unable to compete. Many coun- you. But no one will join you in your that everybody else is stupid, your tries, including our own, create social pride. They will distance themselves pride is sinful (as well as delusional). programs to try to insure that those from you when you are arrogant. who can’t compete successfully never- We hate others’ pride but not our Pride and Other People theless have a decent life. For exam- own. We may not even recognize that ple, we provide public schools. We do we’re proud; but if we do, we don’t When we are arrogant we attempt this for the benefit of all children, and find our pride repellent the way oth- to put ourselves at the center of the we do it also for the general welfare of ers do. In fact, we are drawn to it. It universe. We try to displace God, and the country. Public schools are social- feels good to think of ourselves as the we try to displace others, from the istic rather than capitalistic. They and center of the universe. center. We relate to others as if their many other similar programs take the A third fact is one we moderns lives do not matter. We may even be brutal edge off the competition inher- seem to be more aware of than contemptuous of them. We use them. ent in capitalism. ancient people were. We recognize We manipulate them. We attempt to In most of life other than econom- today that many of the people who control them. We put them down. We ics and athletics, competition is bad are boastful and arrogant are in fact keep them down. for human beings. When a husband not really proud of themselves at all. In other words, pride is intensively and wife compete against each other, They are rather tormented by a sense competitive. Pride makes us want to their marriage is a disaster. When of inadequacy. They brag and strut vanquish people. We want to win; parents encourage their children to in order to cover up inner feelings of but that’s not the worst of it. We want compete against each other, the family self-doubt and self-hatred. They can’t others to lose. A character in one of is in trouble. When friends compete love their neighbors as themselves

Christian ethics today • Summer 2016 • 13 because they don’t love themselves. Humility is not feelings of inferior- cism that characterizes the life of com- Most people who bully others are not ity, either. It certainly is not a sense munities. brave; they’re cowards. Their bluster of self-hatred. Humble people don’t is to conceal from others that they’re lack respect for themselves. They just Conclusion really weak rather than strong. This have respect for others as well as for is not to say that they don’t have any themselves. God has provided Christians with skills; they may have. But their bully- Humility is respect for God and resources for the struggle against ing is motivated by a profound sense respect for other people. It is let- pride. At the top of the list of of inadequacy. ting God be God. It is affirming the resources is the example of Jesus who, worth of other persons in addition to “though he was in the form of God The Alternative to Pride yourself. Humility is realistic. God is . . . humbled himself and became God, and we are not. Other people obedient” (Phil. 2:6-8). Then there Now we turn to the Christian do have worth, not just ourselves. The is the Spirit who lives within us and alternative to pride—namely, humili- eighth psalm says that God has made is working to produce the fruit of ty. You would think that, since people human beings a little lower than God. the Spirit in our lives. There is the dislike pride, they would like humil- John says that God loves all human church, a community where pride is ity, but they mostly don’t. In part this beings. The New Testament teaches condemned and humility is respected. is because humility is misunderstood. that Christ gave his life for all human There is the Bible which gives us a People assume that a humble person is beings. For all these reasons human clear message about pride and humil- weak or servile. That’s not true. Jesus beings should be treated with respect. ity. And there is a promise that Jesus was humble, but he wasn’t weak and That is the meaning of humility. made to us about humility and all he certainly wasn’t servile. The advantages of humility are other forms of goodness, both for People also assume that a humble great. It overcomes soul-destroying ourselves and our world: “Blessed are person is ineffective. That’s not true, self-centeredness. It frees us from those who hunger and thirst for righ- either. Humble people can be very endless efforts to justify our own exis- teousness, for they will be filled” (Mt. effective. Some of them become tence by competing with others. It 5:6). ■ splendid leaders. But they don’t lead makes possible authentic community, by bullying. They lead by offering a authentic friendships and authentic Fisher Humphreys is Professor of vision, by inspiring others, and by love. It delivers us from contributing Divinity, Emeritus, of Samford persuading others to follow them. to the endless barrage of petty criti- University in Birmingham, Alabama.

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14 • Summer 2016 • christian ethics today A Baptist Pastor’s Plea To Love Our Muslim Neighbors By Chris George

undreds of people packed the mosques in the United States?” Jewish synagogues, and Buddhist HNewton County courthouse Dr. Russell Moore, President Temples. in Covington, Ga., on August of the SBC Ethics and Religious The neighborhood is changing. 22 to protest the placement of a Liberty Commission, listened Our church has decided to mosque in their neighborhood. patiently and responded unequivo- respond not in fear, but in faith. Sadly, it was not the first time cally. Fear labels. Faith loves. that fierce anger and opposition “Sometimes questions are com- Our church welcomes other to Muslims was expressed in the plicated and sometimes we have houses of worship in our com- metro Atlanta area. hard decisions to make, but this is munity, because we believe that Two years ago, the Kennesaw NOT one of those times,” Moore religious liberty must be for all, or City Council voted (without said. “What it means to be a it will not exist at all. cause) to reject a permit for the Baptist is to support soul freedom We choose to be a Good creation of a small, storefront for everybody.” Neighbor. mosque in their community. His answer was grounded in Jesus said, “Love God and Love Two months ago, homeowners in Baptist theology, but it was also your neighbor.” It is not an either/ Cobb County fought against the or, but a both/and. If we love God, placement of a Muslim cemetery. we will love our neighbor, regard- It is not only happening in our less of our differences. community, but across our coun- Jesus said, “Love God and Clarkston, Georgia is the home try. Love your neighbor.” It of the largest refugee community Many of the loudest protesters are in the Southeast United States. people of faith and members of is not an either/or, but The conversation in Newton my faith community—Christians. a both/and. If we love County and in many others places We are people called and com- God, we will love our across the country is about more missioned to love God and love than politics or building permits. others, but still struggling with an neighbor, regardless of our It is about people. age-old question: Who is my neigh- differences. One person who has inspired our bor? congregation is Malik Waliyani, Words like “us” and “them” are an Indian-born Muslim. In April, some of the first we learn as chil- he purchased the local gas station dren and we never forget those grounded in an ancient rule “often about a block from our church. words. I have heard them echoed called golden” that we “love our In July, his station was robbed over and over again in recent days. neighbors as we love ourselves.” and ransacked. After learning of “We” don’t want “them” here. In the Parable of the Good his loss, we wanted to be a good “They” don’t have a place in “our” Samaritan, Jesus answered the neighbor and support him. So, one neighborhood. question, “Who is my neigh- Sunday, our congregation went At the 2016 annual meeting of bor?” Defying the conventional to buy gas and groceries from his the Southern Baptist Convention, wisdom of his day (and ours), store. a pastor rose with some com- Jesus broke down the walls of “us” He gave us the items we pur- ments and a question. He said, and “them,” calling for us to love chased, but he also gave us some- “They (Muslims) are murdering beyond ethnic differences and reli- thing else that Sunday, something Christians, beheading Christians, gious labels. that you can’t get on a shelf, some- imprisoning Christians all over the My church, Smoke Rise Baptist thing priceless… He gave us his world…These people (Muslims) are Church, is located at a great cul- friendship. a threat to our very way of exis- tural crossroads just a short dis- In August, Malik came to our tence as Christians in America… tance from Clarkston, Ga., the church and shared a meal with us, How in the world (can) some- largest refugee community in the expressing gratitude and introduc- one within the Southern Baptist Southeast United States. Within ing himself and his faith to his new Convention support defending of 10 miles of our church, we have a neighbors. the rights of Muslims to construct Hindu Temple, Muslim mosques, Malik is a Muslim AND Malik is

Christian ethics today • Summer 2016 • 15 our friend and our neighbor. are outdated and obsolete. Rev. Dr. Chris George is senior pas- Georgia is still scarred from Georgia can be a place where tor of Smoke Rise Baptist Church, a time where exclusion was the everyone is treated like a neighbor a congregation located in Stone order of the day. But, a new day and where strangers are welcomed Mountain, Ga., and affiliated with is dawning. Today, Georgia is the as friends—Southern Hospitality the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. most diverse state in the Southeast. in the best way. This article first appeared on We have a unique opportunity to We stand at the intersection of HuffingtonPost on 08/30/2016 and move beyond our prejudicial past yesterday and tomorrow. Will we is reprinted here with permission of and embrace a new identity as a will run back to the past with fear the author. community of welcome, a place or walk forward toward the future where words like “us” and “them” with faith? ■

Debtor’s Prayer I owe so much to so many: I have been fed by fields I did not till. I have eaten from tables I did not set. I have crossed bridges I did not build. I have sat in the shade of trees I did not plant. I have received knowledge I did not research. I have drunk from wells I did not dig. I receive so much from others while my giving is so scarce. ....by Henley Barnette

16 • Summer 2016 • christian ethics today The Last Trump? by Roger Griffin

“In a moment, in the twinkling of an on the Family, claimed Donald Trump in pre-Putin Russia was a right-wing eye, at the last trump: for the trum- recently accepted “a relationship populist who said he wanted to charge pet shall sound, and the dead shall be with Christ,” adding, “I know the foreigners in Russia a fee if they raised incorruptible, and we shall be person who led him to Christ,” jaws could not speak Russian, make vodka changed. For this corruptible must put should not drop. Both George Bush dirt cheap, and force all of Europe’s on incorruption, and this mortal must and Tony Blair, who almost double- homosexuals to live in Holland. Putin put on immortality.” handedly are responsible for the col- is another, far more dangerous form —1 Corinthians 15:52-53 lapse into anarchy of Iraq and the of populist with geopolitical ambi- consequent rise of ISIS, claimed a tions, while Berlusconi was a more o English eyes, the run-in to the special relationship with (an allegedly lightweight, comic, less puritanical TU.S. presidential election some- Christian) God. Christian supporters version; whatever their considerable times suggests that the Olympic of Trump should perhaps be urged to weaknesses neither can be accused Organizing Committee has been com- re-read some of the key passages of the of fascism. To be fascists they would, missioned to run politics. I hope some New Testament in which Jesus reveals like Mussolini and Hitler, have to set remarks from a historian from across his Gospel of compassion for different about seizing power democratically so the Pond and three thousand miles as to be able to dismantle or pervert outside the Washington Bubble will the institutions of liberal democracy add more light than heat. entirely. Trump, whatever his faults, Trump and Christianity Throughout history, state has given no sign that he intends Throughout history, state power power and state violence the destruction of the U.S. constitu- and state violence against the vulner- tional system and its replacement by a able have formed an unholy alliance against the vulnerable totalitarian “new order” with himself with religion, perverting creeds which have formed an unholy as its charismatic leader for (in his (if the sacred texts are read selectively case a short) perpetuity. This is true in a compassionate spirit) may even alliance with religion. of other so-called “fascists” such as encourage respect for nature and Margaret Thatcher, Angela Merkel, compassion for all human beings. George Bush or Barack Obama, The Aztecs, the ancient Egyptians, which similarly disqualifies them Jews, and Romans, the Crusaders and ethnicities and the socially deprived, from the description. I grant that say- Conquistadors of Christianity, the and the tolerance of violence directed ing “Trump is a radical right-wing countries fighting in the First World against oneself. The sword he brought populist” has less of a (populist) War, whether Christian or Islamic, divided Christians from Jews in terms ring as a headline than “Trump is a and whatever alliance they were part of salvation, not Americans from the Fascist,” and lends itself to less funny of, all believed they had, as Bob Dylan rest of the world militarily. cartoons; but that is what he is. He once put it, “God on their side.” Trump and Fascism wants America to be great again, but The horrors of Japanese Imperialism Despite the frequent stigmatizing of not to be reborn in a totalitarian new were enacted by a regime legitimized Trump by his critics as a “fascist,” it order, let alone force its citizens to be by Shinto, a nature religion. Hitler would be refreshing if more journalists subjected to a coercive state monopoly invoked God repeatedly and has used political categories with greater of power which, for one thing, would convinced at least one scholar that he nicety. Trump is a populist or, to be stop billionaires like him from enjoy- was a true Catholic. The Sinhalese exact, a radical right-wing populist. ing the fruits of their ill-gotten gains extermination of the Tamil Tigers He owes his power to voicing in hard- or running for president. was justified by Buddhism. Islam has ly sophisticated rhetoric widespread Trump and Fanaticism been invoked by all the most brutal prejudices and simplistic diagnoses to Still, Trump embodies and encour- tyrants of the Middle East. Religious complex problems which, if translated ages a process that underlies a con- sectarianism and interfaith wars into practice, would prove counter- siderable percentage of the suffering have probably cost millions of lives productive, discriminatory and inhu- that has been inflicted by a minority throughout history. man in many areas, both domestically of depraved human beings on fel- So when we learn that James and on the international stage. The low human beings down through the Dobson, founder of the group Focus flamboyant Vladimir Zhirinovsky centuries: Manichaeanization. The

Christian ethics today • Summer 2016 • 17 Trumpian world is split into good and revealed themselves as a bad basis for Christ?” Godfactor.com. June 24, bad, black and white (or in his case a successful U.S. presidency he would 2016. White and anything non-White, or in any case soon be removed demo- Kagan, Robert. “This is how fascism White without an American accent). cratically and peacefully, like Thatcher comes to America.” The Washington Like a grotesque parody of Dante’s or Berlusconi, without being shot like Post. May 18, 2016. Inferno, Trump’s Hell has many Mussolini, committing suicide like Matthews, Dylan. “I asked 5 fascism places reserved for a host of those who Hitler, or being lynched like Saddam experts whether Donald Trump is a are beyond redemption as potential Hussein. fascist. Here’s what they said.” Vox. American citizens. Manichaeanization A Bottom Line May 19, 2016. combined with unchecked political So what are genuine American Shekhovtsov, Anton. “Vladimir or religious power leads to inhuman- humanists—Christian, Muslim or Zhirinovsky and the LDPR.” Foreign ity because those “in darkness” are secular—to do as the great political Policy Journal. November 7, 2011. demonized and dehumanized to a Superbowl approaches? Perhaps they point where their suffering and death should bear in mind that the crises This article first appeared on September is regarded as moral and compassion of the present world system demand 8, 2016 in Sightings and is the first in a for them is hence legitimately sus- forms of non-fanatical activism which series of articles on the Trump phenome- pended. refuse to demonize or dehumanize non—or “Trumpism,” if such a thing can All anti-state and state terrorists anyone, even Mr. Trump. He is not be defined—and what it says about the apply a Manichaeanized ideology to the first simple-minded demagogue relationship between religion and politics reduce the irreducibly complex reali- to appear on the political stage of in America today. The views expressed ties of the world to a simple dualistic a major nation. Nor will he be the in these pieces belong to their respective narrative. At this point, the new-born authors and are not necessarily endorsed “visionary” sees him- or herself (curi- by the Martin Marty Center or the ously) as entrusted with a mission to University of Chicago Divinity School. represent, or even fight for, Good. the crises of the present Look for further installments leading up A close study of the atrocities of world system demand to the U.S. presidential election. Nazism, the massacre of Breivik, or the horrors (not at all “medieval”) of forms of non-fanatical Roger Griffin, is Professor in Modern ISIS will reveal different groups activism which refuse to History at Oxford Brookes University. of human enemies to be demonized He is widely acknowledged to be and persecuted, but the same dual- demonize or dehumanize one of the world’s foremost experts ism, fundamentalism and fanaticism anyone, even Mr. Trump. on the socio-historical and ideo- at work. “Fanatic,” from the Latin logical dynamics of fascism, as well for a temple (thus a “profanity” is as the relationship of various forms something outside the temple) implies of political or religious fanaticism, that the Manichaean has a religious last. Trump is no more (politically) and in particular contemporary sense of fervor about the truth and, in immortal than his predecessors, and terrorism, to modernity. His pub- extremis, will regard violence and it is for those who can live with the lications include The Nature of inhumanity committed against alleged complexity and tragedies of the world Fascism (Pinter, 1991), Modernism enemies of the Truth (or the culture/ without being seduced by simplistic and Fascism: The Sense of a nation that is its guardian) as a sacred diagnoses and solutions to make sure Beginning under Mussolini and duty. But because Trump is operat- they outlive him. ■ Hitler (Palgrave, 2007), and Terrorist’s ing in a rationally constructed, liberal Creed: Fanatical Violence and the constitution, there are countervailing Resources Human Need for Meaning (Palgrave, powers that would restrain him from Anthony, Michael. “Exclusive 2012). undertaking the most extreme actions. Interview with Dr. James Dobson - Once his hysteria and incompetence Did Donald Trump Recently Accept

18 • Summer 2016 • christian ethics today Patriots Who Kneel By Marv Knox

hree of America’s most incendi- Oh, say does that star-spangled ban- their daily, ongoing actions under- Tary issues—race, patriotism and ner yet wave o’er the land of the free mine their professed love our nation sports—have ignited into a bonfire and the home of the brave,” we still and the principles for which it stands. of controversy. Soon, we’ll be seeing get goosebumps. Their lips say, “yes, yes,” but their “America: Love it or Leave it” bumper Two wrongs make ... two wrongs actions shout, “no, no.” stickers again. It’s not that simple, of course. In They fashion themselves as “patri- And if we reduce race in America to fact, it’s wrong-headed on two levels. ots,” but their behavior belies their bumper-sticker mentality, we’ll miss First, some people love our nation braggadocio. They do and say things a splendid opportunity to advance as passionately, and they want it to that perpetuate racial division and a nation. improve. So, they choose strong injustice. They undermine the rights Unless you’re on a mission to symbolic protest—such as refusing to and equality of blacks, Latinos, Asian- Mars—and how are you reading stand during the National Anthem— Americans, Muslims, women, the the Baptist Standard?—you prob- as a way to get people’s attention. LGBT community, and just about ably know the background: San They’re kneeling on a seismic, volatile anybody who is “different.” Actions Francisco 49ers backup quarterback platform to point out where and how that harm and oppress minorities of Colin Kaepernick has kicked off the any kind desecrate our national flag, National Football League season by which stands for liberty. refusing to stand during the National (An aside: Don’t you find politi- Anthem. He is taking a knee to Some people equate cians’ criticism of Kaepernick & Co. protest racial injustice, he said. saluting the flag and ironic when those same pols lament “I think it’s become so obvious that how terrible America is these days? athletes and people in general have singing the National Maybe it’s OK to run down your to react,”Kaepernick told ESPN. Anthem—and, since country to scare up white votes but “At what point do we do something not to secure black equality.) about it? At what point do we take a 9/11, “God Bless Detracting from teachability stand and as a people say, ‘This isn’t America”—as true The loud declarations over the right’?” patriotism. NFL-sideline protests distort the issue Since Kaepernick began his pro- and detract all of us—whatever our test, some other NFL players have race, ethnicity and national origin— joined him, and reaction across the from the teachable moments that league has been divided. Not surpris- America needs to rise to its patriotic should be taking place on Sunday ingly, the protest has become a factor ideals. afternoons across America. in the presidential campaign. Although their criticism can be Rather than dismiss protesting If you’re of a certain age or you labeled as disloyalty, it’s often the athletes as pampered, high-paid studied America’s response to the truest form of loyalty. It’s the kind of jocks who should just shut up and Vietnam conflict, this feels like déjà loyalty that risks rejection, condem- play football, we should ask what vu all over again. While our troops nation and scorn for the sake of high- propels them to risk their reputa- fought a real war overseas, people er ideals. In the case of Kaepernick tions and careers. If we look past the back home fought a verbal war, at and his fellow protestors, it ranges bumper-sticker answers, perhaps we least in part, over the meaning of from censure and ridicule, to poten- will see they have a point. We need to patriotism. tial loss of endorsement funds, possi- improve racial equality in America. Then, as now, some people equate bly even to shortened careers. Even if And even if we don’t agree with their saluting the flag and singing the you disagree with their methods, you method of protest, that doesn’t mean National Anthem—and, since 9/11, have to admit they’re embracing one we dismiss their point. We still need “God Bless America”—as true patrio- of our most patriotic principles—per- to do something about racial inequal- tism. This is understandable, because sonal sacrifice—for the sake of their ity in America. the flag and the National Anthem cause, racial justice. Baptists, of all Americans, should are prominent symbols of our shared Second, some people wave the flag be sympathetic to the right to protest. legacy and democratic ideals. When and bellow the National Anthem as We were born in dissent 408 years we glimpse Old Glory or sing “… validation of their patriotism, and yet ago. During the colonial period, we

Christian ethics today • Summer 2016 • 19 were the outcast protestors, despised some shameful exceptions, we have demand we all listen to the reasons for our outlying religious beliefs. been the champions of rights for all they choose to kneel. ■ During the foundational years of kinds of minorities and dissenters, as this young nation, we championed well as thorns in the side of the other- Marv Knox is the editor of the Baptist the First Amendment—the very wise comfortable. Standard. This editorial was published document that guarantees both our It’s time to stand up for the rights September 14, 2016 and is republished religious expression and Kaepernick’s of young men who kneel during the with permission. Follow Marv on protest. Across the generations, with National Anthem. And it’s time to Twitter: @marvknoxbs

Words of Wisdom, by Henlee Barnette

A verbal contract with a religious institution is not worth the paper it is written on.

I can speak more freely about an issue when I am not encumbered by the facts.

For the Christian the bridge between doubt and faith is a good night’s sleep.

If you go the second mile you will enjoy an uncrowded road.

from Homely Joys: Prayers, Poems, and Barbs by Henlee Barnette and James Barnette

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20 • Summer 2016 • christian ethics today GOD DRAMA: Fifteen Years Later… By Wendell Griffen

Text: Exodus 32:7-14 there is no one who does good, ably either the White House or 7 The Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down at no, not one. Capitol). once! Your people, whom you brought up 4 Have they no knowledge, all the More than 3000 persons were killed out of the land of Egypt, have acted per- evildoers in the attacks, including the passen- versely; 8 they have been quick to turn who eat up my people as they eat gers and crew members of the four aside from the way that I commanded bread, airliners, the 19 men who overtook them; they have cast for themselves an and do not call upon the Lord? them, and more than 400 police offi- image of a calf, and have worshipped 5 There they shall be in great terror, cers and firefighters. Another 6000 it and sacrificed to it, and said, “These for God is with the company of the persons were injured. are your gods, O Israel, who brought righteous. In the face of this massacre, many you up out of the land of Egypt!” 9 6 You would confound the plans of people found solace in places of wor- The Lord said to Moses, ‘I have seen the poor, ship. We gathered to draw strength this people, how stiff-necked they are. but the Lord is their refuge. from sacred writings, songs of faith, 10 Now let me alone, so that my wrath 7 O that deliverance for Israel would and the companionship of other may burn hot against them and I may come from Zion! grieving souls. For some people, consume them; and of you I will make When the Lord restores the fortunes faith in God was shattered. But most a great nation.’ 11 But Moses implored of his people, people fell back on some notion of the Lord his God, and said, ‘O Lord, Jacob will rejoice; Israel will be faith in the immediate aftermath of why does your wrath burn hot against glad. the September 11 terrorist attacks and your people, whom you brought out of massacre. the land of Egypt with great power and What happened to the nation that with a mighty hand? 12 Why should was moved to prayerful reflection in the Egyptians say, “It was with evil The nation that prayed its sorrow? What happened to the intent that he brought them out to kill after the September belief that our people should trust them in the mountains, and to consume God for strength to persevere, heal them from the face of the earth”? Turn 11, 2001, terrorist and grieve? What happened to the from your fierce wrath; change your massacre soon put aside idea that we should trust God for mind and do not bring disaster on your wisdom on how to respond to acts of people. 13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, faithfulness to truth and religious fanaticism? What happened and Israel, your servants, how you swore justice. to respect for and hospitality to immi- to them by your own self, saying to grants, aliens and strangers? What them, “I will multiply your descendants happened to respect for religious like the stars of heaven, and all this land diversity and justice? What happened that I have promised I will give to your ifteen years ago, on September to being people committed to peace- descendants, and they shall inherit it F11, 2001, a massacre occurred making? forever.” 14 And the Lord changed his when 19 men armed with box The nation that prayed after the mind about the disaster that he planned cutters commandeered four com- September 11, 2001, terrorist mas- to bring on his people. mercial airliners after the planes sacre soon put aside faithfulness Psalm 14 To the leader. Of David. departed the Logan Airport in to truth and justice. We heard and 1 Fools say in their hearts, ‘There is Boston, Massachusetts. Two jets heeded voices who urged us to dismiss no God.’ were crashed into the World Trade as unrealistic or simply politically They are corrupt, they do abomi- Towers in New York City. A third unpopular the divine mandate that nable deeds; jet was crashed into the Pentagon we show hospitality to immigrants, there is no one who does good. in Washington, DC. Passengers on respect for human and religious diver- 2 The Lord looks down from heaven the fourth jet stormed the cockpit sity, and commitment to fairness. on humankind and forced the men who had over- Like the Hebrews who constructed to see if there are any who are wise, taken it to crash near Shanksville, a golden calf while Moses was on who seek after God. Pennsylvania, before it also could Mount Sinai, people in the United 3 They have all gone astray, they are be used as a weapon to attack a States turned from following the God all alike perverse; target in Washington (presum- of all comfort, love, peace, justice and

Christian ethics today • Summer 2016 • 21 mercy. Pakistan and Syria and on Homeland trials. However, the idol we turned to was Security (2001 thru fiscal year 2016). Our “God Drama” resulted in our not a golden calf. Fifteen years after The Defense and State Departments holding children of God in prison the September 11, 2001 massacre, have combined requests of more than camps at Guantanamo, Cuba, and in the sad truth we must face is that our $65 billion more dollars as dedi- CIA prisons around the world. idols became fear and war. cated war spending for the next fiscal Our “God Drama” led us to pretend Within weeks of September 11, year (2017). Another $32 billion to not know, and later act as if we do fear-mongering political leaders in is requested by the Department of not care, that our society permitted Washington introduced and hurriedly Homeland Security for 2017. When government agents to mistreat other enacted the USA Patriot Act. That these amounts are added to the esti- children of God by using “enhanced law allowed for indefinite detention of mated future spending needed to interrogation measures” such as water immigrants. It permitted law enforce- provide medical care and disability boarding, sleep deprivation and other ment officers to enter and search a benefits to veterans, the total U.S. torture techniques. We have seen over private home or business without the budgetary cost of the wars in Iraq, the past 15 years what happens when knowledge or consent of the owner or Afghanistan, Pakistan and Syria reach- a society casts aside faith in the God occupant. It authorized the issuance es $4.79 trillion.[1] That money will of love, truth, justice, mercy, peace of National Security Letters that allow not be spent on education, homeless- and hope and builds idols of fear and the FBI to search telephone, email ness, roads and bridges, research on war because of “God Drama.” and financial records without a court curing preventable illnesses and inju- The lesson from Psalm 14 also order. The USA Patriot Act exposed ries, or improve our environment. challenges us to ponder what hap- us as people eager to worship fear. The USA Patriot Act and Operation pens morally to people who cast aside Operation Iraqi Freedom also faith in divine love, truth, justice, exposed our “golden calf” of war, as peace, joy and hope. According to national leaders unwisely commit- the Psalmist, people who reject faith ted the nation to wage war against Our “God Drama” in God also behave as if they are not the government of Iraq. Fifteen years resulted in our holding morally accountable. Fools say in their after September 11, the world knows hearts,“There is no God.” They are the United Nations weapons inspec- children of God in prison corrupt; they do abominable deeds; tors spoke truth when they declared camps at Guantanamo, there is no one who does good… that there were no “weapons of mass Have they no knowledge, all the evil- destruction” in Iraq. Fifteen years after Cuba, and in CIA prisons doers who eat up my people as they September 11, we have yet to confess around the world. eat bread, and do not call upon the to God, the people of Iraq, the mili- LORD? (Ps. 14:1, 4) tary personnel who served in Iraq, and Fifteen years after the September 11 the families of those killed and perma- massacre, we have yet to demonstrate nently scarred physically, emotionally Iraqi Freedom are examples of our the humility to confess that the USA and morally because of their involve- “God Drama.” As the lesson from Patriot Act was corrupt. We have yet ment with Operation Iraqi Freedom, Exodus 32 about the Hebrews who to show the humility required to con- that we sacrificed their lives and moral constructed a golden calf demon- fess that the war in Iraq was abomi- wholeness on the altar of a false god. strates, humans will manufacture idols nable. We may never know how many Operation Iraqi Freedom did not rather than trust divine grace and hundreds of thousands Iraqi civilians help us find the Al Qaeda leaders truth. We are easily manipulated to have been injured or killed. We have who masterminded and ordered the fear and demonize others rather than yet to admit we sinned against the September 11 massacre. It merely treat them as other children of God. people of Iraq by deliberately com- enriched defense contractors, weapons The “God Drama” that produced mitting war—murder on a national suppliers, fed our misguided sense the USA Patriot Act causes people to scale—against a nation that did not about “national security,” and left Iraq believe politicians who urge us to fear, threaten us and was never implicated destabilized politically, economically, distrust and mistreat children of God in the September 11, 2001 massacre. and socially. who are followers of Islam. The “God [2] According to a paper authored by Drama” that produced Operation Do we have the humility to admit we Professor Neta Crawford of Brown Iraqi Freedom blinds us from confess- sinned against the people who died University, as of August 2016 the ing that the victims of the September and were wounded in that war, no United States has already appropri- 11 massacre were not honored when matter where they were from? Do we ated, spent or obligated itself to spend our government kidnapped and held have the humility to admit we sinned more than $3.6 trillion in current dol- people without charging them with against God? Or are we so morally lars on the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, any crimes or providing them with compromised as a society that we do

22 • Summer 2016 • christian ethics today not recognize the willful refusal to drama! consequences to us and grieves God! confess the sinful consequences of our The Psalmist was, in like man- However, our God Drama does not “God Drama?” ner, obviously grieved by the societal and will not cancel God’s love for us. Whether we find it comfortable or impact of what I am calling “God God has a future for us brighter than not, the Psalmist declares that there drama.” Yet, he did not end his song our God Drama. Let us affirm and are painful consequences for the with despair. The Psalmist was com- live in the power of this truth on this moral foolishness of rejecting the God forted by the belief that God is with anniversary of the September 11 mas- of love, truth, justice, peace, mercy the company of the righteous. You sacre, and always. and hope and behaving as if there is would confound the plans of the Amen. ■ no god. Those consequences affect the poor but the LORD is their refuge most vulnerable people in a society— [Ps.14:5-6]. The Psalmist concluded [1] See paper by Neta C. Crawford described in Psalm 14 by the term his reflection in prayerful hope. O at http://watson.brown.edu/cost- “the poor”—first and always. But that deliverance for Israel would come sofwar/files/cow/imce/papers/2016/ the consequences do not stop with from Zion! When the LORD restores Costs%20of%20War%20 those who are most vulnerable. “God the fortunes of his people, Jacob will through%202016%20FINAL%20 Drama” impacts everyone and every- rejoice; Israel will be glad [Ps. 14:7]. final%20v2.pdf. thing in a society one way or another. God knows and cares about us! [2] A measure of the moral injury Recall the $4.9 trillion figure I men- God is not through with us! God has from our God Drama is U.S. dis- tioned earlier. That debt will hang not abandoned us! God will deliver regard for the death and suffering over the heads of our children, their us, somehow! God can restore us, inflicted on the Iraqi civilian popula- children and their children! somehow! God will correct us, some- tion by the war in Iraq. The most The Exodus lesson also shows that conservative estimate is that 150,000 our “God Drama” grieves God. Recall civilians were killed in direct vio- that interesting conversation between lence. However, that number does God and Moses when God speaks Our God Drama does not include civilians killed (some of the Hebrew people liberated from not trump God’s grace! estimates put this number at equal or Egypt with exasperation. The LORD higher than the death toll estimated said to Moses, “Go down at once! Our God Drama does from direct violence) from indirect Your people [notice they are not ‘my not trump God’s truth! causes, including those who have died people’], whom you brought up out due to lack of medical attention and of the land of Egypt, have acted per- Our God Drama does not disruption of the health care system versely; they have been quick to turn and will not trump God’s that pre-dated the war. See http:// aside from the way that I commanded justice and mercy! watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/costs/ them; they have cast for themselves an human/civilians/iraqi. image of a calf, and have worshipped A sermon preached on September it and sacrificed to it, and said,“These 11, 2016 (Seventeenth Sunday after are your gods, O Israel, who brought how! The Psalmist bet his future on Pentecost) at the New Millennium you up out of the land of Egypt!” The faith that God’s love for us is tested, Church, Little Rock, Arkansas (9 a.m. LORD said to Moses, ‘I have seen but ultimately not overcome, by our service) and First Presbyterian Church, this people, how stiff-necked they are. God Drama! Little Rock, Arkansas (11 a.m. service). Now leave me alone, so that my wrath Our God Drama does not trump Wendell Griffen is a member of the may burn hot against them and I God’s grace! Our God Drama does Board of Directors of Christian Ethics may consume them; and of you I will not trump God’s truth! Our God Today, pastor of New Mellennium make a great nation.’ [Ex. 32:7-11] Drama does not and will not trump Church, and Circuit Judge at Sixth This passage suggests that when our God’s justice and mercy! Judicial District of Arkansas, Fifth “God Drama” leads us to substitute Yes, we have God Drama! Yes, our Division the God of justice for idols God has God Drama conduct produces painful

Christian ethics today • Summer 2016 • 23 Clergy for a New Drug Policy By Martin E. Marty

hen was the last time any of populations. Our experiences here “people are bad because they are mak- Wus read of a war being over? at Sightings do not qualify us to be ing wrong decisions.” Heroin use and The War in Afghanistan? The Culture “war correspondents” or experts on addiction to painkillers have killed 78 War(s)? The War on Poverty? For all drugs. What draws us to this topic is people each day in the United States we know, factions may still be seeth- the fervor and imagination with which under the old War on Drugs model. ing over issues, such as they were, in clergy in many denominations, begin- Writes Sharp: “a fundamental shift in the Thirty Years’ War or (we’ll raise ning with Unitarian Universalists, have policy is under way—a shift toward you 70) the Hundred Years’ War. So it recognized that the war is lost, and a more humane and hopeful policy.” is startling to read, as we do now with that new strategies are needed. Several The problem afflicts families, church- some frequency, that the “War on of the writers agree, or report on those es, campuses, farm communities, and Drugs” is over. Look out the window who observe, that it is counterintuitive small towns as much as inner cities. at the overcrowded prisons housing for religious leaders (who join with Many mistakes will be made along addicts and drug dealers, penal colo- social workers, some law enforcement the way in pursuit of a new policy, but nies which grow every year, and it’s agencies, and citizens of goodwill in Pastor Sharp and his hopeful coun- hard to believe that the “war” is over. general) to provide safe havens for terparts are clear about their “coun- This is so especially because in many addicts. The visionaries are also lob- terintuitive” yet humane vision. They jurisdictions law-enforcement pow- bying legislators to effect changes in can count on much clergy support, ers keep arresting and confining ever approaches so as better to deal with because priests, ministers, and rabbis more addicts with no alternative. addiction and its attendant ills. are on the front line and frustrated by The War on Drugs over? Could this Pastor Sharp, a longtime activ- the futility of the War on Drugs. They be because we have run out of people ist on social-justice fronts, describes support the fourth pillar in the new to arrest and imprison? Have we run successful programs like Vancouver’s approach, “harm reduction.” ■ out of publics which remain ready to Insite, the first legal, supervised injec- prosecute the war by filling the pris- tion center, where addicts come for Resources ons? Hardly. As Alexander E. Sharp clean needles, at least minimal medi- - Brachear Pashman, Manya. “Clergy (MDiv ‘96) reminds readers in an cal care, company, counsel, and steps join push to legalize marijuana in article in The Christian Century whose toward new lives—something the pol- mission of social justice.” Chicago title sounds optimistic (“After the icy of imprisonment almost never has Tribune. June 2, 2015. War on Drugs”), our nation has spent done. In Vancouver, the drop-ins at - Sharp, Rev. Alexander E. “Ending over $3 trillion waging that war since Insite are observed by experts to mini- the Drug War and Saving Lives.” The 1971. Manya Brachear Pashman mize injury as they shoot up. Then Huffington Post. October 6, 2015. reported in the Chicago Tribuneover a the visitors go from stalls to a lounge - “The War on drugs failed. What year ago that Federal Prison popula- area, then to a detox unit, and often now?” The Christian Century. August tions had ballooned from 25,000 in to an 18-bed, long-term recovery 30, 2016 1980 to 219,000 in 2013 and that unit. Sharp reports on the spread of “[r]ecidivism also escalated as criminal experiments to other cities, and notes Martin E. Marty is the Fairfax M. Cone records prevented many ex-offenders that there are significant declines in Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus from securing employment or hous- recidivism where these Insite-type of the History of Modern Christianity ing.” The War on Drugs over? efforts are made. at the University of Chicago Divinity Sharp, Brachear Pashman, and Such units follow a “four-pillar” School. His biography, publications, many other google-able reporters approach, which the pioneering psy- and contact information can be found are describing what creative people chiatric nurse Liz Evans developed at www.memarty.com. This article is are doing now because they see with colleagues. “We demonized drug reprinted with permission. that enforcement has not lowered users,” says Evans; something else was but, instead, added to the prison needed, an approach that does not say

24 • Summer 2016 • christian ethics today Like Katy Perry, I broke up with the conservative evangelical project By Brian D. McLaren

n evangelical families like the one 10 reasons I have had to part injustice. One simple word in Trump’s II grew up in, conservative meant company with the Conservative campaign slogan — “again” – harkens good and liberal meant evil. We Evangelical Project: back to a time of deep discrimination conservatives were on “God’s side,” 1. I want to associate with people who against everyone who doesn’t look like and “they” were of the devil. That’s are respectful and treat others, even or pray like me. what many of us were taught and their opponents, with basic human 3. I won’t be pandered to or manipu- that’s what we believed. Many still decency and civility. lated based on religious self-interest or believe it. Too many conservative leaders have bigotry. Katy Perry comes from the become increasingly disrespectful to Today’s conservatives support a same conservative evangeli- the point of being rude, crude and frightening array of proposals that cal background I do. That may mean-spirited. It’s become impossible go against our Constitution’s call for come as a surprise to anyone who to ignore — from Rep. Joe Wilson, “equal protection”: banning people saw her singing in places like the R-S.C., shouting “You lie!” during the from entering the country based on Democratic National Convention religion, mass surveillance of commu- and speaking in support of Hillary nities based on religion and creating Clinton. (Attending such events registries of people based on religion. is not on the bucket list of anyone I felt increasingly 4. I am drawn to policies that support from our background.) out of sync with an conquering poverty, not perpetuating I don’t know the details of it. Perry’s breakup with political con- evangelical community When I began to understand the servatism, but I spent over 20 years more concerned with complex causes and conditions that as an evangelical pastor, and the trap people in poverty, I better under- more deeply I engaged with the life conservative politics than stood the need for quality education, and teaching of Jesus at the heart the compassion of Christ. nutrition, health care, child care, of my faith, the less enamored I occupational safety, fair pay, racial became with the political project to equity, and public transportation. I which evangelicalism was giving its became increasingly drawn to leaders soul. I felt increasingly out of sync president’s State of the Union address who work to reduce poverty by reduc- with an evangelical community to Donald Trump reaching historic ing teen pregnancy, addiction, family more concerned with conservative lows with name-calling, crude insults, breakdown, domestic violence, gangs, politics than the compassion of genital braggadocio, and violent rheto- mass incarceration, and untreated Christ. ric. mental illnesses. In short, the more I How else do we explain why 2. I can’t support regressive thinking became committed to poverty reduc- nearly 80 percent of white evan- that longs for a time when life was tion, the more I saw how conservatism gelicals currently embrace the can- worse for nearly everybody except keeps people trapped in poverty. didacy of Donald Trump, whose people like me. 5. I cannot support the massive way of life and values could not be Whether you like President Barack transfer of wealth from the poor and more opposite to their own? How Obama or not, former religious right middle classes to the rich. else can we explain their visceral activist Frank Schaeffer told the ugly Conservatives often complain that disgust with Hillary Clinton who, truth about contemporary conserva- liberals want to transfer wealth, but whatever her flaws, is a committed tism: It has carried out a vicious “slow the fact is, for decades conservatives Methodist Christian who grew up motion lynching” of our first African- have supported a massive transfer in Sunday school, started out as a American president. Today’s conserva- of wealth to those who need it least. young Republican, and was drawn tives have been undermining voting They have long promised that if into social justice concerns through rights for minorities, vilifying immi- we just help the rich through tax the influence of a youth pastor? grants, scapegoating LGBTQ people, cuts, deregulation, and undermin- Katy Perry and Donald Trump … and resurrecting white privilege and ing worker rights, the benefits would They’ve got me thinking about white supremacy to maintain systemic “trickle down” to the rest of us. When

Christian ethics today • Summer 2016 • 25 I was younger, I was naive enough to only beautiful planet earth for short- tainment, but in political leadership, it believe this kind of voodoo econom- term profit and long-term disaster. will be his Achilles’ heel, and his reac- ics, but with age I’ve come to see that 8. I won’t feed terrorism. tivity and lack of humility will make all that actually trickles down is a Too few conservatives seem to him chaotic and dangerous. toxic slurry of pollution, unemploy- understand the simple strategy of ter- Not only that, but supporting a ment, crumbling infrastructure and rorism: use inexpensive, unpredictable, crude, angry, unaccountable and self- economic inequality that is pummel- and highly visible attacks to instill indulgent leader sets a terrible example ing Americans, regardless of race or fear among rich and powerful nations for our children and grandchildren. religion. to entice them to bankrupt themselves And if conservatives reward Trump 6. I have grown so tired of being financially and morally through end- with a victory, can you imagine what misinformed and manipulated about less and unwinnable wars. When con- the next generation of conservative abortion. servatives advocate for “bomb the hell politicians will be like? Here are the facts: Abortion rates out of them,” “waterboarding” and Listen, I don’t always agree with went up under former Presidents “carpet-bombing” strategies to beat everything that goes under the label Ronald Reagan and George H.W. terrorism, they are foolishly march- of progressive, and progressives need Bush, then down under Bill Clinton, ing us right into the trap the terrorists to be way more effective at commu- remained level during George W. Bush have set. nicating and implementing their best and have fallen about 13 percent dur- 9. I am sincerely concerned about ideas. But I cannot support any party ing the Obama administration. There Trump’s base. or candidate — local, state, federal were 29 abortions per 1000 women A good friend of mine, a Trump or presidential — characterized by aged 15-44 in the Reagan years, and supporter, said this to me the other mean-spiritedness, bigotry, unfairness, the number has dropped to 16 today. day: “Whatever you think of Trump, carelessness toward the poor, funnel- As evangelical-born writer Rachel white men like me feel like we’ve lost ing wealth to the richest, undermining Held Evans has said, criminalizing a lot. We’re everybody’s whipping abortion reduction, destroying our abortion only reduces its safety, not its boy. We’re tired of being disrespected. fragile planet, playing into the hands incidence. Trump gets that.” I think there are of terrorists, exploiting the anger of The conservative culture war on millions of Americans, many of them suffering people, and being driven abortion has failed. Its “baby-killer/ white and working class, who feel like more by the love of power than the women-hater” rhetoric has polarized my friend. Their jobs were shipped power of love. and paralyzed us for decades. If we overseas. They’ve been hurt by an Any one or two of these reasons want to reduce abortion, we must economy that aggregates wealth at the would have been sufficient to lead me focus on policies that have been prov- very top. They’ve fallen between the away from voting conservative. All of en to do so: better education, health cracks of a dysfunctional Congress so them together make me a consistent care, and wages — which, it turns out, divided that it gets next to nothing and passionate progressive voter in this are policies that also improve women’s done. Sadly, beyond stirring them up election, win or lose … not in spite of lives and strengthen families. with angry speeches, once Trump gets my Christian faith, but because of it. 7. I care about the health of the earth. what he wants from them — their To all who come from the conserva- My faith leads me to support envi- vote — he’ll leave them even worse off tive evangelical heritage Katy Perry ronmental policies that build a cleaner, and therefore angrier. We need actual and I share, I would say this: Your pas- more sustainable and ultimately more policies that will help them build a tors, parents, or radio/TV preachers profitable future. When I hear conser- better future, not vain promises about may not grant you permission to break vative candidates talk about shutting returning to the past. up with conservatism, but you have it down the Environmental Protection 10. I believe in the power of love, not anyway. Agency and getting rid of government the love of power. Permission is granted by your con- regulations that protect the environ- I understand that millions of science. ■ ment, I wonder how many more Americans are pumped up by Trump’s Flint-style water crises there will be, talk about being tough, his “punch Brian McLaren is an author, speaker, how many more Gulf oil spill disasters him in the face” bluster, his disgust and networker among innovative faith there will be, how many more inches with a free press, and his glib praise leaders. His fifteenth book, The Great (or feet!) the sea will rise, and how of dictators and torture. But my Spiritual Migration, was released much national and global instability faith leads me to see true greatness in September 2016. He is an Auburn will result. I’m no fan of big govern- service and true power in love, self- Senior Fellow and board chair of ment, but conservatives argue for control, and neighborliness — not Convergence Network. This article first shrinking government to a size that domination, reactivity, and revenge. appeared on Religion News Service on it can no longer hold big business Trump’s love of power may have September 16, 2016 and is reprinted accountable as it plunders our one and served him well in business and enter- with permission.

26 • Summer 2016 • christian ethics today A prayer written in the last year of his earthly life Eternal God, who changes not, abide with me, for the shadows of the closing day are gathering around me. Let me see the dawning of a new day. Grant me the patience to bear the pain and limitations of old age. As I grow older, family and friends depart. Friends from my Christmas list and the school directories depart. I write “deceased” by their names. Save me, oh Lord, from being a helpless and useless old man. So teach me to number my days, that I may apply my heart unto wisdom in the twilight of my life. Strengthen my faith as I approach my Great Transition from this world to the world without end, and from which no traveler returns. When I walk through the valley of death, let me not walk alone but in your loving presence. Amen ...by Henlee Barnette

from Homely Joys: Prayers, Poems, and Barbs by Henlee Barnette and James Barnette

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Christian ethics today • Summer 2016 • 27 Trump’s “Truthful Hyperbole” & Christianity’s “Money Cult” by Gary Moore

“Exaggeration is the language of the Devil.” State (IS), the Clintons are killers and entered our political lexicon, alongside Norman Mailer The Gospel According To the father of a rival was with Lee Harvey Republican “hyperbole” such as “I am the Son Oswald before he shot John F. Kennedy... not a crook” and “Read my lips.” Once, the purpose of political lying Governor Clinton was simply playing uring recent decades, this invest- was to create a false view of the world. to what voters were feeling, ironically Dment advisor/Christian financial The lies of men like Mr. Trump do not often due to politically conservative author has increasingly felt my clients work like that. They are not intended to evangelical leaders. The book-of-the-year and readers are adrift on a sea of illu- convince the elites, whom their voters in evangelical Christianity in 1992 was sions, primarily as everyone was lis- neither trust nor like, but to reinforce about a “coming economic earthquake” tening to entertaining politicians and prejudices. Feelings, not facts, are what that would soon devastate America televangelists rather than thoughtful if matter in this sort of campaigning.” The due to our five trillion dollar federal boring economists. I’d about decided article included a chart that showed the debt. Written by a one-time friend and to retire and stop writing as I thought more people believe conspiracy theories, evangelical media celebrity who is now Jesus himself could no longer help most the more they support Mr. Trump. It deceased, it was a classic example of how Christians know the truth that America might have suggested his intentional evangelical leaders have baptized grossly is vastly wealthy, even if we don’t steward exaggerations are more popular than exaggerated economic hyperbole, and it very well for most. Then I received an checked by evangelical leaders preach- hurt innocent evangelicals in the pro- olive branch of hope regarding truth. I ing “prosperity theology,” a popular new cess. Millions were further hurt as my wish it was from a Christian source but media-centered cult-teaching that exag- friend baptized “trickle down” libertarian it was my current issue of The Economist gerates what the Bible promises finan- economic philosophy when he wrote: magazine. cially. The parallels between the new age “As cruel as it may sound, from the The cover story was entitled: “The theology and modern political/economy long-term perspective of the economy, Art of the Lie: Post-truth politics in the are frightening. it would be better to raise taxes on the age of social media.” That’s obviously a I studied political science in college poor than on the wealthy.” Biblically play on Donald Trump’s tweeting and and am a long-time Republican turned challenged, that could still be why GOP book entitled The Art of the Deal. In that registered Independent. I may yet con- politicians have complained half of book, Mr. Trump enthused, when he sider it my moral duty to abstain from lower-income Americans pay no taxes should have confessed: “I play to people’s this election. So I initially thought The but Mr. Trump says it is “smart” when fantasies. People may not always think Economist should have balanced its article billionaires like himself don’t. big themselves, but they can still get very by commenting on Hillary Clinton’s pos- Such exaggerations of biblical concepts, excited by those who do. That’s why a lit- sibly poor recollections of Whitewater, and common sense, have also further tle hyperbole never hurts. People want to Benghazi and emails. But then I realized divided the Church. My friend and men- believe that something is the biggest and I was reading an economic publication tor the legendary mutual fund manager the greatest and the most spectacular. I and even I couldn’t think of a major Sir John Templeton taught us that when call it truthful hyperbole.” Dictionary. economic exaggeration by Mrs. Clinton, my friend wrote his book, America’s fed- com defines hyperbole as “intentional despite the fact most Americans have a eral debt to GDP ratio, the most com- exaggeration.” Before it became politi- habit of voting their wallets. True, during monly watched indicator, was actually cally correct, we called it lies. Of course, the relatively light recession preceding about one-fourth of what it was at the we’ve all heard you can tell politicians are the election of 1992, I strongly dis- end of World War Two, and one-eighth lying as it’s when they’re moving their agreed when Governor Clinton adopted of what it was in Great Britain at that lips. What’s new these days is that we’d the dispiriting campaign theme of “The time. At the same time, credit card debt, add “or when tweeting.” For even GOP economy stupid.” Due to the collapse which evangelical leaders also demon- Senator Ted Cruz has said that when Mr. of the Berlin Wall, I was writing our ize, was about 1% of our nation’s assets. Trump lies, he doesn’t even know it as economy might enjoy a peace dividend But when I suggested those leaders were he’s immoral. and America’s real problems were spiri- straining economic gnats while swallow- The Economist article began: “Consider tual and moral. From what I had heard ing camels by ignoring rising inequality how far Donald Trump is estranged about Governor Clinton’s sexual appe- and unethical conduct on Wall Street, I from fact. He inhabits a fantastical realm tite, I didn’t think he would help with was “shunned,” to use an Amish term. where Barack Obama’s birth certificate that. Of course, most voters didn’t care An associate of my friend publicly called was faked, the president founded Islamic so “I did not have sex with that woman” me a “tool of Satan.” When evangelical

28 • Summer 2016 • christian ethics today leaders later grossly exaggerated Y2K, I ironic, and double-minded. Mr. Trump than holistic thinking simply contributes again wrote books and articles to help himself says his real estate empire has to a sluggish economy and growing the confused and despondent. I was fur- been built on borrowing OPM, or other inequality as wages stagnate for ordinary ther shunned. people’s money, including millions from Americans but asset values rise for the My books and articles usually encour- his father. And a recent report by the wealthy. aged less selfishness, or more social Petersen Institute, perhaps America’s Fortunately, there is good reason to responsibility, on the part of Wall Street severest critic of the debt, said Mr. believe Mr. Trump himself knows his investors. Socially responsible investing Trump’s Reagan-like policies of large policy proposals are simply more inten- is one of the fastest growing movements tax cuts for the wealthy combined with tional exaggeration intended to appeal to on Wall Street as its firms and academic increased military spending would be those disenfranchised by three decades research has suggested ethics may even “horribly destructive.” David Stockman of trickle-up economics. Mr. Trump produce superior returns. But again, the was President Reagan’s budget director hosted an economic special in 2011 on most popular evangelical financial lead- and warned such policies would cause The Discovery Channel. After criticizing ers have actually discouraged ethics when the debt to balloon during the eighties. those who considered America to be an investing. Some say it just doesn’t mat- He has just written: “What is profound- economic weakling, Mr. Trump esti- ter. Most have argued ethics will cost us ly disappointing about the Trump mated America’s net wealth, after all money. That alone explains what many campaign’s stab at a semi-coherent eco- debts are repaid to foreigners, as being “values voters” have truly valued despite nomic plan is that it is a dog’s breakfast $280 trillion. Though exaggerated, that Moses teaching managing one’s wealth in of some plausible policy ideas, really sounds pretty “great” to me. The last a socially responsible fashion is a matter bad fiscal math and a relapse to the budget of President George W. Bush’s of life and death (Exodus 21:28). Many discredited, 35-year-old dogma of White House estimated our net wealth at evangelicals still ignore such teachings as sweeping income tax cuts which pay for about half of that. Yet it still said our net prosperity gospel is about “your best life themselves. They don’t.” debt was “relatively small” given the size now” while the Bible says salvation in the If Mr. Stockman wasn’t a Trump sup- of our assets. So I assume the business- next world is a matter of having fulfilled porter, I expect he would have closed man Trump was simply exaggerating to our social responsibilities to the poor, with “Fool me once…” For most econo- convince upper middle-class Discovery such as feeding the hungry, clothing mists agree Mr. Trump’s warmed-over Channel viewers that they could afford the naked and helping the imprisoned policies from the eighties will add anoth- his luxury condos, high-end golf courses, (Matthew 25). er ten trillion dollars to the nearly twenty foreign-made clothes, and ostentatious We punish ourselves when we preach we owe today, creating a thirty trillion casinos and hotels. cultural exaggerations rather than bibli- dollar debt for our children. Economists But now that he’s a politician trying cal truths. Twenty-five years after the at the IMF have suggested that’s the limit to appeal to the disenfranchised voter, earthquake book, most economists have of our government’s borrowing ability. he’s lamenting the state of our economy, seen little evidence of any tremors caused But spiritually it’s impoverishing. It only demonizing the debt and suggesting only by the federal debt. Most agree it was took five trillion of debt to cause evan- he can fix our problems, a humanistic actually the huge debt of Wall Street gelical leaders to feel and preach the end claim if there ever was one. But he might institutions, which troubled no evangeli- was near twenty-five years ago. If you’ve just be right for his supporters. All he’d cal financial pundit I’m aware of, which read American Apocalypse you know have to do to make America’s economy ignited the Great Recession as “liar evangelical leaders, and televangelists “great again,” at least in their minds, is loans,” also ignored by evangelical pun- in particular, habitually preach the end to confess the numbers he shared in his dits, imploded in the mortgage market. is near. That is simply their worldview. television special. Ideally, he’d also con- It was largely bailing Wall Street out of And it takes a lot of money to buy media fess they are exaggerated. But that’s not those lies and exaggerated leverage that time. So after disgraced televangelist the style of Mr. Trump. Major financial caused Washington to take on even more Jim Bakker went to prison, he called publications have long said Mr. Trump debt. Yet a recent article in Christianity resetting the doomsday clock a great has grossly exaggerated his own wealth, a Today, to which I contributed, quoted an fundraising tool. It’s likely one reason likely reason voters will never see his tax assistant professor of political science as many haven’t saved for retirement and returns. saying it is “consensus” that the federal such. Yet somehow, prosperity theology Politics being the polarizing force it is debt is a giant in our children’s promised was also supposed to guarantee wealth in in post-Christian America, most evan- land. That is anything but true. Even the this world. The irony is the same leaders gelicals will never warm to Mrs. Clinton. past chair of Wheaton’s economics depart- are usually so double-minded they often The irony is that she’s a life-long ment wrote a book about how evangeli- raise money for institutional improve- Methodist, perhaps America’s first evan- cal leaders exaggerated fears over debt. ments that will serve their ministries far gelicals, who has taught Sunday school, So most evangelicals still feel Mr. into the future. The past thirty years of as her mother did. (I am an Evangelical Trump is correct to continue demon- increasing theology and political hyper- Lutheran, an even older form of evan- izing the federal debt. That’s particularly bole suggest double-mindedness rather gelicalism.) And a lead editorial in The

Christian ethics today • Summer 2016 • 29 Wall Street Journal by a former religion It essentially explains why few of us can talizing our faith and culture rather than editor of Newsweek recently said Mrs. even imagine televangelist and best-sell- integrating them. Paul knew we can’t Clinton, “is by far the more religious ing author Joel Osteen—or Paula White, prosper spiritually and financially amid candidate. What’s more, hers is the more a leading televangelist, prosperity theo- the confusion of politicians and televan- religious political party.” He went on to logian and Trump supporter--holding gelists speaking the language of the Devil explain Methodists believe public service a Bible aloft at the beginning of a show while claiming to speak for God, who is a form of ministry and Mrs. Clinton and stating they believe it says anyone told us we can’t worship both God and has long consulted the Methodist Book of who would be a disciple of Christ must Mammon. Again quoting Lewis, when Resolutions, the denomination’s official give up all of his or her possessions (Luke we shoot for heaven, we get earth thrown book of social and political positions. 14:33). If asked, they’d rationalize that in; but when we shoot for earth, we get The editorial, entitled “The Democrats’ is simply encouraging generous giving in neither. Methodist Moment” described how order to achieve a hundred fold financial I grew convinced of that when I served Democratic platforms have reflected return in this world. But Jesus’ disciples, on the board of televangelist Robert Methodist positions since the 1972 cam- St. Francis and Mother Teresa took that Schuller’s Hour of Power. It was the paign of George McGovern, the son of a teaching quite literally. world’s most viewed at that time. When Methodist minister who studied for min- Of course, we financial advisors also I first met Dr. Schuller, he challenged istry at a Methodist college. I’d add the quote that passage as often as Mr. Trump my financial advisors cannot afford to be Methodists were pioneers of the socially tells his disciples to love their enemies. optimists, we must be realists. He usually responsible investing movement, which Yet no financial planner reasonably disagreed when I asked him to be more routinely warned about liar loans. So in a familiar with the Bible swears he takes it realistic about finances. After I left the very real way, America’s bi-polar politics all literally before presenting a financial board, I was pained but not surprised is largely a result of new-age evangelicals plan to Christians. We know the Bible when the ministry fell into bankruptcy. disagreeing with traditional evangelicals. forbids the earning of interest from fel- That could be important for televange- I didn’t know that twenty-five years low believers and our faith taught that lists to understand at this time in his- ago when I detoured through today’s until Protestant Reformers liberalized tory. As described in The Money Cult, evangelical subculture after my first the teaching, legitimating banking and Dr. Schuller was mentored by Normal book was picked up by an evangelical capitalism for Christians Still, if tel- Vincent Peale. Mr. Trump has said Dr. publisher. It troubled me for a while that evangelists would simply acknowledge Peale’s “positive thinking,” which Dr. I couldn’t think like these new evan- such biblical teachings, it might help Schuller called “possibility thinking,” gelicals. But evangelical scholars from evangelicals understand they may be has been a major contributor to his Mark Noll, author of The Scandal of socially and politically conservative growing wealthier. The bankruptcy tells The Evangelical Mind, Os Guinness and but they also take more liberties with me we need more realistic thinking in Chuck Colson have helped me under- biblical economic teachings than any Washington, on Wall Street and among stand today’s evangelicals don’t think as Christians in history. The humbling prosperity theologians. much as feel. Christianity Today has writ- truth that we’ve all fallen short by tak- The Economist might agree. It conclud- ten about how biblically ignorant most ing liberties with the Bible might help ed its article by prophesying: “Whatever evangelicals are. Still, it’s been a mys- reunite the Church. Maybe our nation Mr. Trump comes up with next [which tery to me how any evangelical leader and world. fact-checkers agree was confessing the remotely familiar with biblical financial Perhaps even politics. Disenfranchised birther conspiracy he led for years was teachings feel they should embrace an voters who long for a leader of the another lie just before adding the exag- obviously nominal Christian who’s only people might prefer candidates more like geration that the conspiracy was started qualification for office seems to be that Moses, who the Bible describes as the by Mrs. Clinton], with or without he inherited a small fortune that borrow- most humble man on earth (Numbers him in the White House, post-truth ing and trickle-up asset inflation turned 12:3) and the poor shepherd-boy David. politics will be with us for some time to into a larger fortune. It’s even been With all their human flaws, they knew come.” In language some might better estimated that had Mr. Trump simply the abundant life requires both virtue understand, Mr. Trump could be a sign invested his inheritance into an S&P and government, not one or the other. that the end of biblical and traditional 500 index fund, he’d have more money We might then grasp that when St. Paul Christianity is near indeed. ■ than even he now claims. And of course, asked us to be “of one mind,” he wasn’t there’s the matter of his bankruptcies, asking us to agree about all matters of Gary Moore is the Founder of The which he has described as personally political-economy. As C.S. Lewis also Financial Seminary. He has forty years enriching business strategies but the said, when God told us to feed the poor, of Wall Street experience and has writ- Bible calls “evil” when loans could be God did not give us recipes. Paul was ten many books and articles on reli- repaid (Psalm 37:21). primarily asking us to avoid being as gious approaches to political-economy So I’ve been wading through another double-minded as many evangelical lead- and personal finance. He lives and scholarly book entitled The Money Cult. ers have become today by compartmen- works in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

30 • Summer 2016 • christian ethics today Incoming……Letters to the Editor

Pat, for almost 25 years now I have enjoyed reading every issue of Christian Ethics Today. I wish every person in America could read it. Keep up your good work. Continued good wishes.

Dr. Anderson, I just read the opening article in the Spring 2016 issue by professor Sider….and I must say I was quite disappointed…The article was nothing more than a commercial for Hillary Clinton…God does not use the same criteria that we do in choosing people to serve Him. Mr. Trump may be one of those He would choose. I have no doubt that Mrs. Clinton is not….I would hope that in the future…you would only print articles that lead us to use the Bible as our guide in making decisions…Please don’t use this magazine as a political platform for candidates that go against what God teaches. Sincerely,

I appreciate Christian Ethics Today. I share it with others in my church. Your articles give insight into issues which I don’t get elsewhere. Thanks. Fort Collins, CO

I lean to the right of your positions, but find most articles stimulating. Sincerely. Poncha Springs, CO

Christian Ethics Today is the only thing that keeps me “sane” in this political season. Tallahassee, FL

Dear Editor Anderson: On page 23 of your Spring 2016 issue, you requested people to let you know if they enjoy receiving the periodical…. We so enjoy receiving Christian Ethics Today. It’s a pleasure to tell you so… Cordially Yours, Library Director, Covenant Theological Seminary.

Thank you for the good work you do. Rosenberg, TX

Dear Friends: I am currently being held on Death Row at Parchman… I am writing you today to let you know how much your magazine means to us here on The Row. I pass it around and it rarely fails to produce a quality discussion. Thank you… I would like to continue to receive Christian Ethics Today. I am sorry I do not have any money to contribute at this time. Thank you for everything. Peace is only in Jesus…

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