Yearly Archives: 2014

Certain Predictions for 2015

As 2014 ends and 2015 begins, prognosticators are hard at work, offering their insights on everything from fashion to global politics, cultural mores to economic opportunities.

If history is any guide, predicting the future is an uncertain science at best, though trend analysis and evaluation of the past can help us anticipate what may happen. The divine gift of freewill coupled with our global connectedness keeps certainly out of reach.

With these qualifiers, including my non-omniscience (a fancy way of saying only God knows everything and I am not God.), I do offer the following as “certain” predictions for 2015. They are general enough to keep me from being stoned and sufficiently specific so that future assessment is possible.

Here are my certain predictions for 2015:

  • Millions will come to faith in Jesus Christ and thousands of new Christian churches of all traditions will be planted – most in the Global South.
  • Almost under the radar, the Christian churches will grow in the West and the USA through compassionate, insightful outreach, church planting and revitalization and the awareness among thoughtful people that science and technology will not usher in Utopia.
  • Political and social leaders will continue to struggle to find consensus on shared principles and vision for America’s future.
  • The new Discipleship Dynamics Assessment from The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary at Evangel University will help thousands of individuals and hundreds of communities celebrate progress in their relationship with Christ.
  •  The Acton Institute’s new video series, “For the Life of the World; Letters to Exiles” will grow in fluency as thousands catch a new vision of human flourishing.
  • Hollywood will continue its march toward mediocrity.
  • The Oikonomia and Made to Flourish Networks will increase in influence as seminary leaders and pastors help their students and parishioners grasp 24/7 whole-life discipleship that integrates faith, work and economics.
  • Missio Alliance’s evangelical and egalitarian vision will inspire creative missional enterprises among diverse Christian communities.
  • The Institute and its sister organization REP will equip hundreds more for business-as-mission and the transformation of all spheres of society.
  • Messenger Fellowship will advance a mission of Kingdom vision and the ways of God as many more leaders learn to think kingdom before institution and mission before preservation of tradition.
  • Jihadi Islam will find resistance from two camps. The first will appeal to base passions of nation and race. These will gain momentary influence, but do not offer compelling principles for peace. the second will be diverse people of all faiths choosing resistance to evil and active peacemaking, calling on Muslims to accept philosophical and religious plurality as part of a free society.
  • Israel will resist all unilateral attempts by the EU, UN, USA and others to shrink her borders without the guarantee by a new Palestinian State of full diplomatic recognition as a Jewish nation.
  • Their will be new voices attempting to restore civility to public discourse and offer solutions instead of slogans.
  • New African-American voices will be heard, offering an alternative to the Jessie Jackson-Al Sharpton narratives and shakedowns. Hopefully they will be heard for their substance and not labeled/libeled for being different. By today’s standards, MLK was not “truly Black” with his appeals to Christian principles, non-violence and the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution!
  • China and Russia will continue their militant ways, trying to intimidate smaller neighbors and blackmails nations dependent upon their resources and wealth.
  • Republicans in the US Congress will have to choose between capitulation to totalitarianism from the White House and serious confrontation with policies detrimental to America’s future.
  • And in the midst of all this, Dr. Charlie and Kathy Self will continue to love God and each other and serve productively with our callings and gifts. All of this is possible because of God’s grace and the prayers and support of so many friends!

A very Happy 2015 to all!

 

The Maccabees, A Christmas Truce, and Bonhoeffer: Reflections on Peacemaking and Resistance to Evil

Three Stories
164 B.C. The Maccabean resistance defeats the larger armies of the Seleucid Empire and the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem is re-consecrated. From this joyful moment comes the Chanukah celebration, the “festival” of John 7. In the midst of securing this victory and subsequent autonomy under the Hasmoneans, there was much political and theological debate among the Jews. As Antiochus IV Epiphanies imposed oppressive taxes, forced Hellenization of the culture (with the desecration of the Temple), Judean Jews responded in three ways. Some apostatized and took on Greek beliefs and practices completely. Others remained faithful to the Covenant, but refused to engage in any military resistance. A third group, under the leadership of Judas Maccabaeus, chose military action and secured a century of relative peace and independence.

Who were the faithful…the pacifists or activists?

Christmas 1914. From the coast of Belgium to the Swiss border, the guns of World War I’s Western Front fall silent and Europe’s self-immolation takes an informal break for the Birth of our Savior. In the coming days, more that 500,000 soldiers will exchange gifts, play soccer and send letters to relatives in the nations of their enemies. All of this violates the orders of the commanding generals on both sides, but officers in the field allow some liberty after months of ceaseless bombardment and gruesome combat. And after 1915 arrives, the carnage resumes and baptized soldiers go over the top and face machine guns, poison gas and tanks.

What if the 500,000 refused to return to their trenches?

August 1939. Brilliant and popular theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer refuses a teaching position at Union Theological Seminary in New York and takes the last steamer from the USA back to Germany before the outbreak of WWII. He felt that he must endure the forthcoming suffering as preparation for the rebuilding the church and nation after the war. He was a committed pacifist and managed to work in German Intelligence (Abwehr) until his arrest in 1943. He and his band of conspirators tried to negotiate with Allied leaders, finding little interest from them in light of the commitment to unconditional surrender. Bonhoeffer was undoubtedly aware of the many plots to kill Hitler. He felt that the evil was so great that he has to trust God for grace as he participated in activities that included violence. He was executed on April 9, 1945, just weeks before the end of the war as the Nazi regime engaged in one last frenzy of revenge and self-destruction.

What if one of the plots against Hitler has succeeded?

December, 2014: Sporadic looting and rioting continue across the USA as thousands protest grand jury decisions in Missouri and New York regarding police officers causing the deaths of two African American men. Racial and ideological divisions surface as some defend the police decisions to shoot and use a chokehold as self-defense. Rioters argue that racial profiling led to the extreme measures and justice went on holiday with no charges filed against the officers. Politicians and pundits divide over the events and the responses, with many labeling the deceased as criminals and the rioters as anarchists, while others memorialize the victims and call for more civil disruption. In the midst of all this, moderating voices are rarely heard and African Americans own most of the businesses destroyed.

Our Challenges

For nearly two millennia, Christians have debated and discerned how to respond to injustice and violence, whether local/personal retribution or national/global military action. Under the (somewhat unhelpful) rubrics of “just war” and “pacifism” believers debate policies of great import, with responses to evil ranging from complete refusal to resist even personal attacks on family and self to rationalizing preemptive military action. On domestic fronts, recent media personalities have declared that the rioting in Ferguson, with the looting and burning of property is not really “violence.”

Just war theorists and supporters of “law and order” find fault with “peace” groups that defend violent actions by insurgents that undermine order and peace. Conversely, pacifists point out that there are no “good “ wars and the first and second century believers in the Roman Empire refused military service. My own denomination was officially pacifist until 1967 when it became a matter of conscience. Today I teach seminarians of all persuasions in the same building.

The lessons from the Maccabees, the Christmas Truce of WWI and the existential crisis of Bonhoeffer offer some helpful insights as thoughtful people of conscience wrestle with how to respond to injustice and discern when (and/or if) violence is necessary. For serious Christians, the issue of violence and war are especially vexing as believers navigate a variety of economic and political contexts while seeking to express God’s kingdom and invite their neighbors to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

In some Christian circles, it is trendy to affirm some form of pacifism (while strangely defending violent protestors and militants opposing the West and Israel). Special venom is reserved for the Religious Right and groups that are patriotic about the USA. In other communities, structural injustices are ignored or unseen and opposition to police and the military are viewed as immoral and even treasonous.

I overheard a Canadian pastor state that the soldiers of WWI were neither heroes nor villains, just pawns in a chess game of power. She found Armistice Day celebrations unsettling. A listener more sympathetic to soldiers was arrested by these comments and compelled to consider this new view. In a doctoral seminar in the USA, several American leaders were arguing for close to absolute pacifism as the only acceptable Christian position. A female Nigerian pastor, witness to hundreds of churches burned and thousands of fellow-believers killed and wounded, calmly argued in favor of placing armed guards inside and outside churches to defend them from attack. The debate was lively, with idealist Americans shocked by her testimony.

Two Principles and Three Insights

There is another way forward that captures the heart of Jesus and the Apostles and makes room for active peacemaking and defending the lives of the innocent. There are two general principles and three practical insights emerging from reflection on Scripture and the historical examples enumerated that may help us navigate these treacherous waters.

General Principle One: There are no “good” wars and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is never promulgated by coercion or violence. The issues of when violence may be justified in a fallen world – whether in civil order or military action – must be forever separated from kingdom proclamation. Christian influence and persuasion for the common good are salutary. Theocratic imposition in matters of conscience and religious observance are unbiblical and contrary to human flourishing.

General Principle Two: In God’s common grace, civil authority is appointed to promote the common good and provide basic services, including ensuring justice and protecting citizens from violence. When the civil authority does its job properly, evil is punished and justice is promoted (Romans 13). When authorities infringe on matters of conscience and religion, citizens must obey God rather than the governing powers (Acts 3-5).

In a world awash in intolerance and violence, there is no place for “crusading” by the barrel of a gun. Suffering for obedience to Gospel truth brings divine approbation (Mt. 5; Lk. 6; John 16). Suffering for ethical violations or obnoxious actions and opinions brings deserved punitive measures (I Pt. 4).

As we recall the historical narratives of Judean insurgents, weary European soldiers and a courageous pastor-theologian, I offer three practical insights for discerning our responses to evil as believers. These will not resolve all tensions. Perhaps few will budge from entrenched ideologies, whether conservative or progressive, pacifist or just war. My aims are modest but substantial: consistency and integrity, with biblical principles informed by history guiding our contextualized responses instead of ideological trends thin on Scripture but strong on emotional appeal.

Insight One: From the Maccabees and Bonhoeffer we learn that violence must be the last resort after all other venues of justice have been exhausted. Humble, robust appeals, active, non-violent peacemaking and protests require much more character that Molotov cocktails, projectiles and guns. Second century B.C. Jewish leaders did not look for war and Bonhoeffer was deeply troubled by any form of violence. Fallen humankind is quick to rush to judgment and resort to violence in the face of unsatisfied appetites (James 4).

Insight Two: From the Christmas Truce of WWI we see that most people of conscience hate war, and if given the opportunity, will try to get along with their “enemies.” World War I was a European “civil war” with several combatant nations ruled by monarchs that were related to each other and Parliaments with political parties that shared values across national borders. This was the self-destruction of any remnants of Western Christendom, leading to the polarization and radicalization of the European political scene. The glory of battle quickly yields to the ghostly nether world of fear.

Insight Three: Capitulation to evil and violence does not glorify God or protect the innocent. It is the calling of civil government to protect its citizens. Such protection must include consequences for those that violate the law. Christians may differ on the extent of their involvement indomestic authority or military actions, but the legitimacy of protecting our neighbors must not be trumped by passive submission to hatred, intolerance or any form of totalitarianism. How we oppose evil – from our motives to our methods does matter. If force must be used, it is defensive, limited in objectives and a source of anguish.

Closer to Home

Civil, passionate protests are understandable for Missouri and New York. Looting and violence are not. Opposing ISIS is necessary, and it will require both moral courage and military wisdom. Standing with and helping to liberate the victims of sex and work slavery is a moral imperative. Perpetrators must be offered a way of repentance and restitution; however, refusal to show justice must have consequences for the sake of the victims.

The Maccabees fought against totalitarian power that not only wanted tribute, but religious fealty as well. Their resistance to evil helped secure liberty for Judah and for surrounding provinces. Their example is salutary in the fight against Hamas, ISIS and any other militants that reject liberty of conscience.

The Christmas Truce of 1914 can inspire us to find partners in peacemaking and work at the grassroots level to oppose both structural injustices and anarchistic/nihilistic violence.

Bonhoeffer awakens us to the joyous lament of the “already and not yet” of God’s reign. If we are face moments of tragic moral choice, we must act and ask forgiveness, refuse to harbor hate while protecting the vulnerable and aiming for reconciliation.

The Bread and Cup

As 2014 ends and 2015 dawns, will be debate with civility our responses to evil and violence? Can we come to the Eucharistic Feast and celebrate our Lord’s sacrifice while we wrestle with our relationship to power? Will we make friends across all the “no man’s land(s)” created by demagogues? If our passion is the Mission of God expressed through reconciling love, then we must embrace hope for better solutions and love every saint as we humbly cry for mercy.

Dr. Charlie Self
Professor of Church History
The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary
Sr. Advisor, The Acton Institute
Board Member, The Missio Alliance

Vision 2016 Part 4: Global Challenges

The 21st century is a world in transition. Millions of people are finding new work and being lifted out of poverty. Conversely, millions of others are exiled and suffering due to political and social instability fueled by war. Globalization of communications, economic systems and urbanization help us feel closer and learn from one another as never before. These same trends also create displacement, cultural confusion and vacuums that despots long to fill.

20th century empires and alliances are shifting as well. China is an economic and military power, with core weaknesses in civil rights and the economic subsidizing of its “capitalist” systems. Russia is once again expressing imperial ambitions. Emerging powers such as Brazil and India have growing educated classes no longer content to support the wealth of multinationals. The Middle East is as confusing as ever, with sharp increases in anti-Israel rhetoric (while the same nations ally with her against common foes) joined with competition for leadership of jihadi Islam.

The USA is at a crossroads, both domestically (as we have seen in Parts 1-3 of this series) and in her international standing. The following thoughts are proposals for improving our nation’s service to the global good while protecting humanitarian and national interests. All of these are doable, but they require moral and political courage – something lacking most of the time in all branches of our federal government. Here are the global facets of Vision 2016:

  • Active, non-violent peacemaking efforts are rigorously pursued, with military action a regrettable last resort. One taken, its aims are clear and actions decisive, with as little loss of innocent life as possible.
  • Our nation appreciates its blessings while humbly listening to others and learning from other nations aspiring for virtue-based liberty.
  • Our military is deployed judiciously as an effective force for good – and not an occupying power – in conjunction with other freedom-loving allies. Our soldiers and veterans have the support systems they need.
  • Best practices help us reign in the costs of foreign aid programs without hurting the most vulnerable.
  • Israel is valued ally and Arab nations that support her right to exist peaceably as a recognized Jewish nation are part of a coalition we help to prosper.
  • The Middle East will only know peace when Palestinian leaders recognize Israel as a Jewish nation, establish full diplomatic ties and crease terrorist activities.
  • The nuclear ambitions of terrorist states are thwarted and genuine democratic movements are supported.
  • Advocates of intolerance, subversion of freedom and violence are deported, prosecuted and unable to further their terrorist agendas.
  • The USA must unite with the EU and other democracies to resist Islamic radicalism that calls to either two systems of law or violent overthrow of pluralistic regimes. One rule of law respecting all religious traditions is essential for social and political peace.
  • Nations that claim religious tolerance are held accountable and groups that persecute people of other faiths are condemned and opposed.
  • The United Nations is held accountable for its stewardship and our generous funding includes audits of its humanitarian and peacekeeping programs. It must remain a place of robust debate even when its opinions differ from our national interests; however, America will not sanction either corruption or known supporters of terrorism issuing directives.
  • National sovereignty will never yield to any international political or military power. Cooperation is not coercion and no international court must ever trump an American one.
  • Foreign aid moves from charity and relief to development and entrepreneurship that keeps jobs and wealth local.
  • Free trade benefits economic well-being as well as fostering mutuality among diverse peoples. Governmentsubsidies hurt economic growth when they cease being a temporary catalyst and become long-term policy.
  • American Presidents and the Congress will work for consensus on military and political initiatives instead of unilateral Executive actions.
  • Climate change fears need to yield to stewardship of resources and expansion of wealth-creation. The global companies exploiting fear need to be put out of business.

Navigating our global future will require immense amounts of knowledge and wisdom, courage and humility, as well as clarity on priorities. Success in one part of the world does not half to come at the expense of another geography. Human flourishing is not a zero-sum game!When jobs move from America’s heartland to China, the response needs to be new wealth creation in the USA, remembering that someone across the ocean can now feed their family. At the same time, America must oppose all forms of sexual and work slavery, including suboptimal conditions in foreign factories.

America’s leadership is more than sheer force or economic power. It must arise from exemplary ethical, political and social principles that include freedom of conscience and religion, the rule of law, personal virtue, natural and property rights protected – not bestowed – by government and a virtuous citizenry that desires for all others the liberties they enjoy.

Vision 2016: Part 3: Domestic and Economic Issues

Vision 2016: Part 3: Domestic and Economic Issues

Whenever altruists speak of vision, cynics chortle with, “Get real – politics is dirty business.” While the politicians are not among the favored groups in our land, they are elected to represent us and pass laws that – according to the Constitution – will further “domestic tranquility.” As we consider vision that people of conscience can embrace for America’s preferred future, here are some insights for domestic policy. All require integrity, consideration of future generations and some measure of thoughtfulness toward others. These virtues are sometimes in short supply within the environs of Washington, D.C.! Our experiment in liberty depends upon consideration of the common good. Here are some policies and principles that our public servants should consider:

  • Poverty is ameliorated through personal, social, spiritual and political cooperation, including vibrant private/public partnerships, ethical entrepreneurship and well-administrated compassion.
  • Economics is a moral science, with concern for value-creation, long-term flourishing and adaptability to global and local changes.
  • Environmental stewardship and economic flourishing are partners for good, not rivals for power. It is possible to care for people and the planet and have healthy profits.
  • Private property ethically managed is a foundation for wealth-creation.
  • Universal healthcare is a moral mandate, administered as locally as possible, with federal ethical oversight and public/private partnerships that secure excellent, cost-effective care, with no violation of religious principles.
  • Best practices help us reign in the costs of domestic and foreign aid programs without reducing services or hurting the most vulnerable.
  • Balanced local, state and federal budgets are the norm, not the exception.
  • Local and state governments still matter and activist judges cannot overturn the reasonable will of the people.
  • The minimum wage should be phased out in favor of natural pricing and an increased Earned Income Credit.
  • Immigrants are welcome, with proper screening, border security and accountability from business, educational, political and religious institutions and the immigrants themselves.
  • The war on drugs includes recriminalizing marijuana sale and use (with very restricted exceptions for particular patients under a doctor’s care), destroying the cartel fields wherever they are found and holding our neighboring nations accountable for their corruption.
  • Mental health and addiction needs are properly funded and no one is without help when needed.
  • New businesses are encouraged with local, state and federal regulators stewarding resources for generations to come while opening doors for wealth-creation. The EPA is demilitarized and eminent domain is used selectively.
  • Tax systems are simplified, IRS powers no longer violate the Constitution and more revenues are spent locally.
  • Our welfare systems are humanized and reformed, with proper incentives to find work. Care for the vulnerable is improved, while rooting out corruption and fraud.

These are some of the policies that will help ensure improved economic and social conditions now and in the future. Changes in the IRS and minimum wage are uphill fights, with so many special interests competing for resources. The Clinton-Gingrich cooperation of 1994-1997 helped four million people get off welfare and find sustainable work.

The dignity of work, sustaining families and offering everyone access to opportunities to flourish are vital for stability and a thriving society. None of these suggestions work without personal virtue, the rule of law and property rights. Justice and responsibility are inseparable and fairness is not the guarantee of uniform outcomes. May we again find our way toward creativity and community, initiative and interdependence.

Vision 2016 Part 2: First Principles

As we continue this important series, it is vital that we agree on and understand the principles that support and shape our nation’s flourishing. Policies and programs, including necessary political compromises are built on particular conscious and unconscious values. Here are some of the key ideas for our nations future.

We the People unite in creating an America where…

  • Freedom of conscience and religion is protected as the first freedom and the deepest values of our citizens inform civil debate.
  • Life is cherished from conception to its natural end and no active measures are adopted to prematurely end it.
  • The freedoms of peaceable assembly, the redress of government and speech must be protected not restricted and the marketplace of ideas unhindered by bureaucratic notions of “fairness.”
  • Moral persuasion is as influential as public legislation.
  • Our natural rights are protected – not bestowed – by the government.
  • Government is subsidiary to the person, family, community, religious group and other voluntary agencies. In other words, sovereignty and support structures first rest with the people, not the federal government.
  • The Constitutional balance of power matters and all legislation gets to the floor for public debate by elected leaders and citizens.
  • Access to education, business markets and other opportunities are not stifled by corrupt business and political powers.
  • Equality of opportunity is not necessarily of equality of outcome.
  • Cultural, gender and racial diversity are celebrated along with unity on the guiding first principles of liberty, virtue and the common good.
  • Marriage is defined as one man and one woman, with legal allowance (state-by-state) for other approved adult relationships such as civil unions and domestic partnerships. Marriage so defined is one of the empirical cornerstones of future success for the next generation.
  • Citizens must show an official ID from their state and prove their residential status in order to cast a ballot. ID cards should be offered to qualified persons without charge. No votes cast by non-citizens count in any elections.
  • Disagreements do not devolve into personal attacks and caricatures and stereotypes do not obscure issues worthy of serious reflection.
  • History and hope meet and Americans can cherish their heritage and humbly resolve not to repeat her egregious errors. We live in a land of saints and sinners, humble servants and rapacious overlords, amazing sacrifice and regrettable indulgence.

With these first principles in mind, the coming posts will consider domestic and foreign policies that will bless both our nation’s residents and liberty-loving people around the world.