Republicans delay Second Coming.

This is an amazing article. But rather than taking the obvious cheap, funny shots at it, how about we go a little deeper.  What do we see in this article? I see a few things, what do you see?

Pride - -Works Gospel- -Fear

Pride: How does one political party in one country, some two thousand years and thousands of miles away from the Life of Christ in any way affect what God's timing for His will? Do we have such a great power in the Universe that we can literally bend God to our commands/influence?  I certainly don't and to preach such a thing is, as far as I am concerned akin to a magic spell.

Works Gospel:  So, Christ Himself doesn’t complete the final Redeeming of Mankind, but in fact He needs us to do certain things or He can't come back.  Just what did God need ME to do to affect my salvation? I seem to recall that is a gift from Him that I could never "earn".  How do we "earn" the Second Coming?

Fear:  That if we don't do what ever is "right" then the consequences are "all our fault". Yes, there are always consequences to our actions, even though God consistently forgives us and seeks us out. I know I am a sinner, even though I try to do what I should, the one thing I have, however is confidence in Christ. I have no fear of this world.

What do you see, readers? Are we somehow keeping Jesus in Heaven when He wants to hang out with us, here below?

Comments

[The Lost Ben]

Always the republicans. Its always the republicans isn't it? I didn't join the republican party because they were theologically sound. I know someone who thinks that republicans are Biblical, but that's not me. I'm disgusted with my party and with those who look to it as being Godly!

[BruceA]

I see a cautionary tale about the dangers of tying one's theology to a particular political ideology. When it becomes obvious that the ideology does not mesh with Christianity -- no ideology ever can -- there's only one way to repudiate the alliance: Demonize the politicians.

The Republicans' cynical courting of evangelical Christians finally appears to be coming full circle.

But undergirding that, yes, is a theology of pride, works, and fear.

[Kevin Bussey]

I don't get it. Republicans, Democrats, Whigs, Libertarians, etc... None of them will keep Jesus from coming back.

[Jathan]

I think the extent of human achievement was shown when we crucified Him. If we're holding Christ back, he'll never come.

[[rhymes with kerouac]]

Annie said exactly what I've been thinking, too.

It all just feels so very... strange... out there.

[societyvs]

That is some weird theology that we can bring Christ back or hold him back from finishing what he is doing with humanity...funny. I don't think a single human can control the power of God or determine it's timing...not me, not a prayer group, and not a whole denomination...God is not subject to our beliefs. I have heard this teachings before and I thought it was terribly mis-guided then and still think it is mis-guided. Why focus on the end of time anyways...stay awake by caring about those in need around us.

[Paul]

I see insanity. And gullibility in those who will sit in a service and "amen" this kind of junk theology.

[Rose-Marie]

Has the world gone mad? Lord, Jesus, Come! Come anytime you want! We trust both You and Your Wise Judgment! (...first time to your blog...nice :)

[Annie]

All I can say is that there is a strange wind blowing everywhere.