No doubt, we've all seen some of the memes out there that follow (more and more) tragedies like mass shootings. The memes that say things like, "Keep your thoughts and prayers. Give me policy change and action."
And I've also seen push back at such ideas. As Craig did recently at his blog (the actual blog doesn't matter - it's the ideas expressed in his words that I've seen elsewhere). Craig said
"There are a couple of flaws here. First is the false conclusion that
it's an either/or choice. The second would only apply to those who's
belief system includes an all powerful, personal, God who can and does
intervene. "
Craig continued to ask:
"If you believe in an all powerful, all knowing, deity, then why would anyone place their faith in politicians, the political process, and humans in general instead of God?"
Here is the answer (or at least one answer) to that question:
We believe in a God who is all knowing and all powerful and who does not daily actively intervene in policy matters of a nation state or in direct tragedies, like stopping an active shooter.
We believe in a God who wants us to act on behalf of the poor and marginalized and those who might be harmed.
We believe in a God who wants us to create policies that systematically deal with the common failings of humanity. In the Old Testament, we see a God:
* who advocated the nation of Israel to create policies to set aside portions of farm fields so that the starving could freely harvest it in an effort to deal with problems of hunger and poverty.
* who advocated Jubilee years as a matter of national policy where land that had accumulated in the hands of a few rich people would be redistributed back to the hands of the original families in an effort to deal with greed and the accumulation of power and wealth in a few hands.
* who advocated policies that made sure that women and children - who were not citizens with full rights - were not taken advantage of.
* who warned that nations who did not look out for the poor and marginalized or that actually oppressed the poor and marginalized would be judged harshly and have to account for that oppression or neglect.
and so on. We believe in a God who fully expects us to systematically do better as societies, and not only as individuals.
Why wouldn't we?
Craig also said/asked...
"...[some Christians who believe that] praying for God to intercede and work in a situation is the absolute highest and best they can offer. Even if someone doesn't agree, why would you mock millions of people who are genuinely concerned."
I note that, in the Bible, the Apostle James (and others) have done the same, mocking mere words of encouragement when they're not backed by actions.
"Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him,
"Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,"
but does nothing about his physical needs,
what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself,
if it is not accompanied by action,
is dead."
These words echo the even more dire teaching from Jesus in the parable of the sheep and the goats, where the "goats" who thought they were good followers of God and yet, had done nothing for "the least of these," were failing to walk in Jesus' way. Such inaction had dire consequences for these goats. No doubt, they prayed for the poor and marginalized, but they took no actions to actively help.
Why would James mock those who merely wished people well? Because such words without actions are meaningless and not merely less-than-helpful, but an active stabbing of the hearts of the oppressed. ADDING TO rather than alleviating suffering.
