Apparently it’s the horror of being mistaken for a rabid fundamentalist.
Ruth Gledhill, who identifies herself as a liberal Christian, has become aware of this ever present danger:
I believe some of what Ruth says here about persecution is spot on: Christians in the West are more inconvenienced than persecuted – although we seem to be heading in the direction of persecution.
As for the rest: well, I think I am going to have to start wearing a cross so that I can have the pleasure of being easily identified as someone with extreme right-wing fundamentalist views.
You can always count on Ruth Gledhill and Rowan Williams to speak with the voice of liberalism.
And what’s wrong with extreme right-wing fundamentalism?
Peace,
Jim
Nothing at all; particularly if it’s practised with conviction.
“heading in the direction of persecution” – That’s the point; we know it’s just inconvenience at the moment, but what about in 20 or 40 years’ time? And certainly for orthodox Christians it will come, and well before 2050 … But “Liberal” people – the Church Compliant – they’ll be alright .. they just ride the wave of the culture … no problems …
Yes, quite a coup, that: they made it so that “Right Wing” is some kind of put-down, insult, but “Left Wing” is cool, edgy, seductive – despite the 100s of millions put to death by left-wing totalitarians onf one kind or another – just how did they do that?
John (#4), extremes exist on both sides. In the US, where I’m temporarily located, things are very polarized. I’m a leader in a kids club at our church – grade 5 and 6 boys – and, this past Wed evening during prayer time, one of the boys requested that we pray that the country be protected from socialism. I’m not normally at a loss for words, but his request put me back on my heels. It also made me wonder what his parents are like.
I’m also taking a course on church history. I found it interesting that, when Constantine ended Roman persecution and made Christianity the official state religion, many of the church fathers expressed concern that the church would become soft and complacent.
David: You mean you haven’t been wearing a cross already?
Warren: I agree with your comment, but something needs to be corrected. Constantine did not make Christianity the imperial religion; he made Christianity legal. The Edict of Milan, issued by Constantine and his co-emperor Licinius in AD 313, brought to an official end the Great Persecution, instigated by Diocletian in 303, by proclaiming religious toleration for Christianity.
In 380, Emperor Theodosius declared Nicene Christianity the official state religion.
Scott (#6), you are correct – although, in a general or practical sense, I would argue that Constantine’s actions did, for all intents and purposes, make Christianity the state religion. All of a sudden those who embraced pagan beliefs were no longer on the fast track to power and success. My course is not the problem, I just generalized.