In Chapter 4, The Church is Responsible for So Much Injustice, Keller addresses the idea of Fanaticism in religion, particularly in Christianity. This is a hot button issue for many people. How can the church promote fanaticism that seems to manifest itself in hate, violence, and intolerance?
Keller writes on the bottom of pg. 57:
Think of people you consider fanatical. They're overbearing, self-righteous, opinionated, insensitive, and harsh. Why? It's not because they are too Chrisitan but because they are not Christian enough.
What is your reaction to that statement, and how does Keller further unravel what he means in saying, "not Christian enough?"
Happy reading!
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2 comments:
This quote is so good. It has to stop everyone that reads it, no matter if you're a believer or not.
A religious fanatic in the eyes of a skeptic is known for their intolerance, bigotry, and narrow mindedness. Here Keller agrees. But he agrees by saying, "they are not Christian enough." Those who truly embrace the teachings of Christianity, and pattern their lives after Jesus Christ will be known for their love, comfort, and charity... If that is not what is being manifested in our own lives, then we truly haven't understood fully what it means to follow Jesus. We are "not Christian enough".
Fanaticism obviously does not carry a positive connotation. It brings to mind a frenzied, excessive enthusiam or an intense devotion for something. When paired in the religious arena a few examples come to mind - the Crusades and all the bloodshed in the name of religion or Jiihad those who kill themselves for Jehovah.
While I believe our faith needs to be active, even aggressive "Be doers of the word" and not passive or complacent - we need to temper what we do with the gifts of the Holy Spirit: love, peace, patience,
gentleness, kindness etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). Jesus was radical He wasn't a fanatic. Our example is always Him.
I think what Tim is saying is that in our intense desire to see others come to Christ we shouldn't use our faith as a battering ram or we become or are viewed as the antithesis of what we profess to be as christians.
Diane D.
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