discuss: christians and secular causes
I know there are different opinions on this issue and no easy answers, which is good for this kind of setting.
There are plenty of organizations out there that are willing to help the world out. Walk for Diabetes, blood drives, United Way, you name it, there’s plenty of stuff out there to make the world a better place.
But how involved should Christians get with this? You will hear Christians speak of the importance of balancing social justice with evangelism, but this isn’t the case with a secular organization. You’re doing good for the betterment of society, not to advance the Kingdom.
On the counterpoint, though, it does show that Christians are able to play nice with others and that we see the same problems that the world does. It keeps us from appearing exclusionary.
Question:
Should Christians be participating in secular humanitarian efforts?
The questions isn’t saying if it’s sinful to do so or not, only if it’s the ideal thing we should be doing. Please understand that!
August 7th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Matthew 25:31-46: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…” However, it should be noted that the brethren in verse 40 relate only to disciples of Jesus, though I think it safe to presume that there are Christians who would be benefitted by these organizations.
In addition, we are called by Christ to “heal the sick” (Matthew 10:8). I would say that the command was not limited to faith healing, but also by doing secular humanitarian efforts. I would suppose that we should be doing these sorts of things.
I can also see where pride can come because of this, and as noted in an article this week, good deeds alone will never allow one entrance into heaven. But it still doesn’t mean that we should not do good deeds because pride could come about.