Sunday School in your Mouth and the Death of Chapter 3

This Sunday the church had brunch for the adult bible fellowship classes. We were downstairs represented'. All the teachers went around and shared what their classes were covering. I introduced myself as your facilitator and shared a little bit about the book we are reading. Although we did more talking than eating, we are going to finish chapter three, "Do Evangelicals Have an Image Problem" here on-line.

Last time we discussed chapter three we looked at what seems to separate Evangelicals from other groups of people. We talked about who are the "player haters" of Evangelical Christianity. The next section, "Don't make up your mind for all time" was interesting. Campolo talks about the possibility of being wrong. He notes that many would point out that Evangelicals are closed minded. With their being such a strong strand of apologetics and debating in the Evangelical world it would be easy to understand some criticism. A former professor of mine asked if we had ever "made a friend of another faith such as a Muslim for the sake of relationship not just to convert them?" I think this is a valid question. I think that although theological discussion and witnessing is important, these have greater effect in context. According to many Evangelicals, if someone does not accept Christ by the time they graduate from high school chances are they never will. I know in life that I have made relationship for the sole purpose of witnessing but understand how important it is to invest into relationship and leaving the saving part to God. Back to the book, AIDS and homosexuality is mentioned. It has been commonplace for Christians to blame gay folks for events such as 9/11 or Katrina. I agree that humility and admitting one is wrong is important to our faith yet so hard to do sometimes. If one admits to being wrong, it brings them down from a higher place and if "winning" someone over is the idea than they may seem to be counterproductive. Many of us would point out though that admittance of wrong doing shows transparency and keep us from riding a high horse.

I am an Evangelical, This book, and Campolo's goal are the concluding parts of the chapter. In this chapter Campolo seems to move from what could be seem from a moderate standpoint to a more poignant in presenting his personal critiques. As much as this book is a critique of Evangelical culture, these sections are important to recognize and are an integral part of the book. So now, let's here you ya'll have to say!