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Written by Rev Michael Bresciani
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Monday, 27 August 2007 |
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Word Count: 953 Christiane Amanpour Reports - CNN Airs Controversial
CNN’s choice of Christiane Amanpour to present these controversial issues was
a wise choice because of her experience and her obvious ability to ask
meaningful questions with skill and excellent timing.
A critique of all three segments would be impossible in a few paragraphs and
even here only a cursory examination is possible. Looking only at the “Christian
Warriors” segment has already raised endless controversy and discussion. Casting
a critical eye on Christiane’s reporting and research would be a waste of time.
She has a method and a thoroughness that is hard to question, only the nature
and content of the report can come under any serious scrutiny.
Because an article is not an epic, necessity demands examination of only three
main but significant points.
Starting with the interviews and comments about Rev. Jerry Falwell it is plain
to see that he was afforded a title and a legendary status that he may not
really have earned nor wanted. He was often referred to as the father of the
conservative Christian right.
Few have contributed more than Rev. Falwell to the movement to restore faith in
America. Yet even he would warn that it was not him but the founding fathers
that connected America’s politics to Biblical principles in the forming of the
Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Almost no attention was paid to the Christian principles America was founded on
and that left the report in doubt at best. Falwell addressed the downward slide
America has been on from the mid sixties to now through the founding of the
“Moral Majority” and in the creation of “Regents University.” Conspicuously
missing was any allusion to the fact that Americas very roots and foundation
came from biblical beliefs and practices. At best Rev. Falwell only reminded us
from whence we came.
The report went on to reveal the divisions among believers about social issues
and matters like global warming. A great deal of attention was given to the Rev.
Richard Cizik who has formed a movement of Christians who ascribe to his
“creation care” theology. Cizik quotes bible passages about God’s commands to be
good stewards of the earth’s resources and natural wonders. He urges believers
to jump onboard the “green train” and says that the bible is all about saving
the earth. He has gotten his share of flak from his own National Association of
Evangelicals and other Christian notables such as Dr. James Dobson.
It seems that Rev. Cizik’s theology is tainted not by his lack of general bible
knowledge but by his lack of eschatological understanding specifically. That
Christ returns to earth is well known to all believers and regardless of when,
one thing is certain, he does not return to a planet that man has completely
destroyed. It is the souls of men that go on forever not the earth according to
Christ and his apostles. (Luke 21:33) (2 Peter 3:10)
A cross section of ministers with opposing views about Christian involvement in
politics is offered in the report. In the end it casts more doubt on the subject
than a reasonably stable mind can endure. From Falwell to Rev Greg Boyd of the
Woodland Hills Church in Minnesota the questions are craftily juxtaposed by
Christiane but never quite answered. She says that the message of ministers like
Boyd is that there can’t be a Christian nation any more than there can be a
Christian bicycle.
Neither she nor they seem to have noticed that Christianity’s call to the
statesmen and politicians in this nation is to their character not their
politics. If they all were guided by the bible and the Holy Spirit the nation
would not now be in its death throws and issues like abortion and same sex
marriages would be non existent. As to whether Christians should or should not
be involved in politics the simple admonishment of Christ in Mark 12:17 says it
all, “And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are
Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.”
The last segment of the “Christian Warriors” piece deals heavily with Ron Luce
and his “battle cry” rallies sponsored by the ministries of “Teen Mania.” The
movement is based on the idea that our society is over secularized with among
other things a “toxic pop culture.” Luce and other leaders say that TV,
Hollywood, gamers, the internet and media in general have become “virtue
terrorists.”
Those alarmed by the downward trends of youth culture have long been crying out
for answers. Ron Luce and the teens that get his message are saying they have
the answer. It would be impossible even for a novice student of the bible to say
they are wrong.
The real question is what are the alternatives? Media did not ask America if it
could invade the home and pollute our children’s hearts and minds. They are the
first to use phrases like “don’t shove your faith down our throats.” The battle
cry movement is reversing this phrase with “don’t shove your pop culture down
our throats.” Who would not give these kids kudos for their powerful stand? They
should be credited for being the first to come to their senses while educators,
politicians, law enforcement and civic leaders are bogged down in debate and
helplessness.
Rev Bresciani is the author of two books. He also is a columnist for several
online sites and magazines. His articles are read throughout the world. For more
articles and news from around the globe visit "The Website for Insight"
http://www.americanprophet.org
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