How Did Evangelicalism Get So Big?

Yet again, we had discussed different labels that Campolo uses in this chapter. The beginning of the chapter we discussed the use of the words Evangelical and fundamentalism. Campolo further explain"Today, any distinctions between evangelicalism and fundamentalism have all but disappeared, as fundamentalists have usurped the word evangelicalism and made it their own. Certainly, to the world outside the church, these two labels now are used interchangeably."

Campolo explains that Evangelicals have a social conscience and have done a good job of reaching out to the poor domestically and internationally. Early in our conversion I asked the question, "are Evangelicals persecuted in the public square as much as some may say?" We had various answers. One person shared that it seems that at the academic level when it is mentioned that one is a Christian, that it is concluded that they are not very intelligent. Another person shared that when there seems that when Christians show up on campuses to have "rallies" that most people are put off and often retaliate with insults. One person in our class shared that he feels that the reason why outsiders would shudder at the "soapbox" approach is that people would rather have a conversation or debate rather then be shouted at. Someone else in our class talked about how various sporting events some Christians show up and via bullhorn, let people know they are going to hell.

Campolo talks about how big Evangelicalism has become. Check page fourteen under the Evangelical Entrepreneurship section. What is discussed in this section, is what some may denote that Evangelicals are far from being a persecuted minority.

Campolo points out factors that have aided the growth of the Evangelical movement which are:

1. It has an abundance of charismatic entrepreneurial leaders
2. It is more effective at marketing religion
3. It has learned how to exercise political power
4. It has addressed the individualistic needs of Americans, avoiding taking positions on social issues that would alienate its constituencies

We spent the rest of the time discussing each of these but ran out of time. One other issue we discussed though was whether America is a "Christian country." A few voices agreed that America is a Christian Country and there is definitely something to return to. Although an interesting question was asked, "if America isn't a Christian country what is it, an Atheist country?"I think this is worth exploring. During the conversion on nationhood, I offered the criticism of the reason why there seems to be so much backlash to the idea of a Christian country is because of the historical acquisition of American soil being muddled with cultural Christian identity and imperialistic expansion. This and the end of the chapter's description of ethnic variances of Evangelicalism is left to be discussed next week as well as chapter three. Blessings!

Whatever Happened to Mainline Denominations?

I had finally distributed the books this week, but figured out that I am short a few. Most of you should have the book anf if not I will order your copy and it will be here shortly. I will email you a digital copy so that you can keep up.

Thank you guys for your patience, I am posting a little late due to a video I was finishing for my third cousin's memorial service.

This last Sunday we started discussing the first chapter. Before we actually got into discussing the first chapter we looked at the questions posed by Campolo in his preface:

Do evangelicals have an image problem?
What is happening to our theology?
How well do we relate to the rest of the world?
What does the future hold in store for us?

I acknowledged that these questions will be addressed by Campolo throughout the book. We started by trying to clarify what we would be talking about when talking about evangelicals and denominations. I first started by describing the different faith traditions in Christianity. I did this to show that not all Christians are the same and also to show the common bond that believers have. I described Christianity as somewhat of a tent with three traditions, Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestantism. We talked about the differences and I tried to recognize each traditions' legitimacy as many I feel discount Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox based on hearsay and interpretation.

We discussed what different denominations were represented and talked about the distinctive aspects of the Quaker/Friends such as:

- The origin of the name of Quaker/Friend
- Anabaptist connection
- Not a tradition of non-tradition rather a non-traditional way observing some of the sacraments
- Historical connection with slave abolishment, early feminism, and other social movements
- Open worship as a form of communion

Tony defines this chapter by denominational and evangelical but we decided that what we have experienced is smaller denominational churches and larger non-denominational churches. We agreed that the section on social issues and the shifting power went hand and hand. We recognized, in respect to financial support, that it is easier to financially support a young, zealous student than a missionary that comes around only so often. We were glad to report that our church supports both type of missionaries.

For the section on conversion versus socialization we who grew up in the church had plenty to share. One thing that was expressed is sometimes the what some may see as a "mild" testimony in which those of us who grow up in the church may have compared to those who are new converts. Many of us cannot say we were drug addicts, murderers, or thieves, well most of us. We didn't spend that much time in frozen methodology, so if you have something to share-go for it. Have a great week and see/hear from you next week when we discuss chapter 2, "How Did Evangelicalism Get So Big?"

Superficial Religiosity

Today we were ten deep. We put off discussing the foreword, preface, and chapter one of Tony Campolo's book since not everyone had a chance to read, not all the books are in, and I sent out the digital version of these kinda late. We will be discussing these items next week. Also in the coming month we will be reading this book and in addition to, we will be having our Summer Short Film Short Series.

We kicked this off today by having Jeremy share with us a song and short film. We first looked the definitions of superficial and religiosity. We followed this by reading Matthew 23, especially v.23-28. Afterward we listened to Derek Webb's song "A New Law."
This song can be heard and downloaded free at:
http://www.myspace.com/derekwebb
The lyrics to the song are as follow:



A NEW LAW

(vs.1)
don't teach me about politics and government
just tell me who to vote for
don't teach me about truth and beauty
just label my music

don't teach me how to live like a free man
just give me a new law

(pre-chorus)
i don't wanna know if the answers aren't easy
so just bring it down from the mountain to me

(chorus)
i want a new law
i want a new law
gimme that new law

(vs. 2)
don't teach me about moderation and liberty
i prefer a shot of grape juice

don't teach me about loving my enemies

don't teach me how to listen to the Spirit
just give me a new law

(pre-chorus/chorus)

(bridge)
what's the use in trading a law you can never keep
for one you can that cannot get you anything
do not be afraid
do not be afraid
do not be afraid

Afterward we discussed the meaning of the song. We came to the conclusion that it is easier to be told what to do than to think independently and how true freedom comes through Christ.


We followed this by watching Dr. Muffins a short film by Will Canon.
It was a short film that can be described as "an allegory about religious attention to the wrong details." We lastly covered the following questions:

1. How would you describe Dr. Muffins' community?

2. What does this film say about focusing on outward appearances?

3. What do the following scriptures say about focusing on outward appearances?

1 Samuel 16:6-7; Luke 16:10-15; Luke 18:9-14; Galatians 6:12-15; James 2:1-13

4. What are some of the "outward appearances" we sometimes focus on?

5. How do we avoid superficial religiosity?

We ran out of time and will continue the discussion next week. I will be emailing the chapters and short film to those wreceivednot recieved these items. Have a great week and God Bless!

Sunday School starting soon...

Hello! This is the EWFC College Sunday School! I am ordering our book for the next so many weeks: Speaking My Mind : The Radical Evangelical Prophet Tackles the Tough Issues Christians Are Afraid to Face

We will be starting Sunday, July 9 to hand out the books and assign readings. There is a congregational meeting so we will be having a quick meeting. We will be having a few people join on Sunday School via this blog and this also means if you are a regular attender, that you can still be part of the conversation, by adding your comment. Click here to ask me any questions you may have.

Have a good week and God Bless!

Danny Lopez