Quote:
Originally Posted by Evangelical
In regards to the gospel I believe it is important to state the gospel message in simplicity, purity and truth. However God may choose to draw someone through the Christmas message and even through the message of Santa so we should exercise freedom in this respect, taking opportunity at Christmas time to spread the true gospel, and if necessary, defer to the example of Santa and Christmas in order to attract unbelievers. This is a similar approach to the one Paul took where he related the true God to the people's beliefs in an "unknown god". This was the same approach the Catholics took when they converted pagan Europe - they related the true Christian message to the pagan beliefs at the time. The first stage of gospel preaching is to draw people according to the opportunity available, the second stage is to declare the true gospel without confusing it with the first stage. The issue is when people confuse the two stages. The issue is when the "unknown god" or "Santa Claus" becomes part of the true gospel story. A situation like this is common in places like India where Hindus accept Jesus as merely another one of their many gods to be worshiped. In Hindu or Buddhist countries it is possible to find people worshiping Mary or Jesus as just other people to be worshiped.
|
I agree. We are in the world the way it is. Although we should strive to be pure in our hearts, the process isn't always so neat. Besides, what would be the fun of that?
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds"
And Paul wrote in 1 Cor 9:
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.