Gadfly's Muse

Poverty: Abstract & Specific (part II)

In my previous post I gave a brief overview of some current events that make it somewhat pressing for Christians to clarify their thinking toward the so-called "problem of poverty." Much good and "not-good" is being done today under the auspices of dealing with this "problem" and it is an area where the a Christian's born-again natural sympathies can sometimes get in the way of his or her Christian discernment.

Perhaps some clarification could be attained if we first approached the question of poverty in general (abstract) and then particular points of poverty (specific) that may come before us.

Just as with everything else, Christians need to view poverty from the vantage of a balanced, God-centered world view. As with all other evils which flow from the heart and actions of sinful men, poverty plays a God-ordained role in the continuing progress of history. It is a peril to be avoided when possible, but it is also a threatened judgment by which God may chasten those who neglect His wisdom.

Poverty: Abstract & Specific, Relative & Absolute

A recent Stratfor report (05.11.06, Reframing Poverty  by Bart Mongoven, go to www.stratfor.com) provides some insight into the current trends in dealing with sociological conceptions and strategies for handling the so-called "poverty issue."  I learned therein of an upcoming symposium at Notre Dame called "Poverty, Prophets & Profits: A Theological Challenge to the Faith Community" where ecumenically diverse theologians, social workers, human rights activists and others will discuss how poverty is addressed.

Most interesting to me was the underlying strategy that seems to be popping up all over these days.  Already employed by Green Peace and other militant environmentalist groups, the modus operandi is to hold large corporations, especially multi-nationals, hostage to the threat of demonstrations, sabotage (in some cases), public villification campaigns, litigation and a host of other business-affecting initiatives.  The general idea is that it becomes more cost-effective to negotiate with the groups than it is to fight them.  One can almost hear Al Pacino murmuring "it's only business."

A Terrifying Sight To Behold

Elevated,
Isolated,
Insulated,
Invincible,
Detached.

In constant communication with the rest of the known universe....
A single hand, draped casually over the steering wheel,
contemptuous of all us lesser beings in her magnificent power...
mindless, as the 400 horse, Hemi-powered, Cumins Diesel intimidates everything in its path,

the thing cost more money than my first house...

on that 17ft wheel-base, using that extended bed, she could haul an elephant if required ...
but she will return with five bags of groceries and a frozen dinner for supper.

It's a suburban housewife ripping through a parking lot...

In ain't right Ollie, it just ain't right.

The Necessity of Good Works

We Evangelicals, I included, perhaps need to reconsider this whole business of "good works" and some repentance may be in order.

This topic has surfaced in my thinking and discussion so much over the past few weeks that I am beginning to think God may be trying to get my attention.  Briefly, let me lay out  what I am and am NOT thinking.  Before the mob gathers with the firewood and pole, I am not retreating one bit from the historic Reformed confessional stance that we are saved, through grace, by faith.  There is nothing in any good work we do which puts God in our debt nor comes even close to giving us room to boast.  But God's Word does speak to a "necessity of good works" which I term a necessity of presence if not of merit.

Needed: A Transcendental Perspective on Marriage

The latest issue of Christian Reflection published by Baylor University (and available on the web at their site www.ChristianEthics.ws )is  concerned with marriage.  In the introduction the editor, Robert B. Kruscwitz sets the tone by asking "How should Christians respond as marriage becomes deinstitutionalized in our culture...?"  Good question and one that is as relevant as the most recent statistics on divorce, single parent families, abandoned children and, ... (have I forgotten something?, ... oh yes) homosexual pairings.

David Gushee authors the lead article and argues that Christians should respond to the declining situation regarding marriage by reclaiming the idea of covenant, with its obligations and promises, as our basic strategy for resisting the cultural decline.  I agree with his overall statement but consider his arguments supporting the position as being sadly deficient.