Many religious reactionaries are told, "Your actions are speaking so loud I cannot hear what you are saying!" James wrote with similar thinking in chapter 2:14,17 when he wrote, "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith, but has not deeds? In the same way, faith in itself, if it is not accompanied by actions is dead. Many people have been repelled by the strict- legalistic standards erected by the "religious" of their communities. Instead of finding solutions to their problems in the local churches, many have turned to popular psychology or other para-religious experiences to find answers to their questions.
Some religious reactionaries tend to put greater weight on the sins of commission than the sins of omission, disposition, or wrong assumptions. This is particularly seen in their desires to censor immoral activities of pornography, abortion, or sexual promiscuity. William Bennett gave America a great lesson in presenting a positive picture of avoiding all four of these sins in his best selling book, The Book of Virtues. In his book, Bennett shows people how to succeed at being a public espouser of Biblically based virtues. He railed about American's broken moral compass as an academic in the 1970s; he carried on preaching morality when he was Ronald Reagan's education secretary and George Bush's drug czar. His 1992 best seller book has made him a millionaire several times over and has spawned a mini-business: book sequels, calendars, videos, stickers, speeches at $40,000 for an appearance. He remains an outstanding example of a media darling who is a moralist in the age of determined relativists. While many are insisting that what President Clinton does in his private life is his own business Bennett objects to that saying, "If Americans suspend judgment of such behavior they have lost the capacity to make moral judgments about anything."
He insists that without a morally guided capacity, Americans might not have ended slavery, outlawed child-labor or mobilized itself against communism. He asserts that without that basic moral value system, America stands little chance against the family disintegration and decline in social disciplines that have become too prevalent. Mr. Bennett gives us a fine example of someone who can bridge the gaps between the educated progressive and the educated conservatives through dialogue. He effectively gives us an example of one that is no longer just urging people to better exegete their basic Ten Commandments. Instead, Bennett urges people to re-weigh the values by which they live. He is not judging the President of the United States in public, but is using these incidents to point out the harm that wrongful behavior can have on the respect of the President's character. Bennett appeals to the pragmatic aspects that people respect. Many religious reactionaries have become more concerned about maintenance than with productivity. Talking about issues becomes an end in itself rather than a means to an end. To them, "Success is entirely in the hands of God."
By implication, this helps the reactionary religious right to rationalize away their declining influence. There is also a quiet disdain in the mind of many of these ultra conservatives toward those who have seen success. For this reason many reactionaries can be heard to say, "The only thing that God expects me to do is to be faithful." Often, this phrase is used as an excuse for their own failure to utilize all the resources that has been made available to them, but they were too hesitant to try for progressive change.
Paul, the apostle wrote, "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity." (Eph. 5:15) The unwise person does not have a strategy to maximize one's contributions. Consequently, many people miss opportunities to help Christ's kingdom grow in qualitative and quantitative means. They prefer to just get by with avoiding criticisms by those close to them. Some people profit by their experiences; others never seem to recover from them. Several religious reactionary followers fall into the trap of hero worship with their leaders. This dependency relationship fosters many unhealthy consequences. When the followers believe just about anything that their leader tells them they are dangerously on the edge of resembling a cult. Perhaps, some need to be warned, "Do not follow a leader until you know who he is following and for what reasons."
A few religious reactionaries end up spending more time in conflicts with other Christians than with those outside the church. They feel that within the church they can find a safe sanctuary for conservative views. Petty arguments can consequently boil over into mammoth in-house fights to rival any corporate board skirmish over minor things like what color of carpet will be put into the church sanctuary. What most ultra conservatives forget is that our spiritual battles are to be fought in the quest of enlarging Christ's kingdom in a qualitative and quantitative sense. The religious reactionaries' myopic sense of proportion often limits their effectiveness because of the lack of an
ability to distinguish between the essentials and the non-essentials of the Christian life. Try not to become obsessed by any person, project or issue.
Many quarrels are unnecessary since the source of most arguments come from within our own desires. James 4:1-3 says, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." It is not uncommon for some religious reactionaries to lose his or her sense of balance in one of two directions: legalistically or traditionally. Being very concerned about their ability to follow the scriptures down to the last letter of its truth, these conservatives insist on a strict interpretation of the Biblical criteria for selecting leaders in the church.
Other extremist groups will instead insist upon the upholding of sacred traditions that give their group its distinctiveness. While these ultra conservatives tend to swing back and forth between these two extremes, they bemoan the fact that "liberal" churches swing back and forth between the extremes of humanistic concerns to Spiritistic influences.
The following chart is an example of the four corners of extremism that may cause conflict. Christ should be our balancing focus.
SPIRITISM
(AN OVER EMPHASIS ON SUPERNATURAL FACTORS)
TRADITIONALISM --------------- JESUS CHRIST -----------LEGALISM
(AN OVER EMPHASIS (AN OVER EMPHASIS ON HISTORICAL FACTORS) | ON RULES)
HUMANISM
(AN OVER EMPHASIS ON HUMANITARIAN CONCERNS)
Most people are well served by the great words of the apostle Paul who gave us a great solution for staying balanced and focused on the most important aspect of life. In Colossians 2:2,3, Paul wrote, "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love. So that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, IN WHOM ARE HIDDEN ALL THE TREASURES OF WISDOM AND
KNOWLEDGE."
Some religious reactionaries approach life from such a conservative philosophy that they tend to reject anyone who espouses a "liberal" viewpoint. This could be one of the reasons why the religious reactionaries are so opposed to the American "liberal media". It is very difficult for a member of the reactionary religious right to tolerate individual differences in their fellowships. It is imperative for a extremists to insist that others accept the same absolute truths that they adhere to. It is difficult for the ultra conservative to accept the fact that everyone develops their own world-view based on their unique set of experiences, background, and education.
Cultures are continually being refined to better adapt to their situational challenges. A world-view helps each person to know their identity, what one is to do, and how one should relate to: God, the supernatural, and people. Basic communication theory teaches us that in order to relate to people, we have to know something about how their world-views are shaped, developed and influenced. Compare and contrast the following ways in which some people develop a world-view differently from the reactionary religious right. The following is a model that can be used to help us appreciate the basic parts of peoples' perspectives:
LEVELS OF RESULTING ATTITUDES STEPS TO PERSPECTIVES MATURITY
1. What is Real? - This core element of a person's perspective is made up of one's basic assumptions about reality, essential allegiances, and constant facts that are assumed to be true without having to explain it to another. A religious extremist may approach life from an ultra conservative set of assumptions. These assumptions affect the way one looks at everything. The conservative assumes that it is good to preserve cherished historical values, norms, and principles. Accompanying this presupposition is the mind-set that is adverse to changing one's views, tastes, or perspectives or to even moderate them. He may be skeptical of liberals, progressives or change agents. He resists attempts to refine ideas and make improvements in a system. In order to effect a change of perspective one needs to appeal to one's root assumptions of reality. For example, a Christian will assume that God is sovereign, omniscient, and omnipotent. Therefore, most believers will assume that God has the right to do what He wants to as the Psalmist writes, "Our God is in the heavens, He does whatever He pleases." This fact implies that God has the right to alter our plans according to His divine will. This helps everyone surrender rights, expectations and priorities to the Lord.
2. What is True? - By what standard does a person use to determine whether something is factual. When a person is faced with a difficult decision one will know an individual's objectively and subjectively held truths by their actions, attitudes, and words. If a person really believes the Bible is true they will change their mind, will and attitudes to reflect its teaching. Truth, to a person, is not just what they say, but what they consistently incorporate into the mental, physical, social, emotional, financial, and spiritual dimensions of their life. Truth to one person may be merely a reflection of their traditions, culture or what one's parents held to be true. To grow in truth one must not only study the scriptures, but obey it. Truth is best taught individually by the Holy Spirit.
3. What do You Believe? - When life becomes difficult , belief is made visible by what and whom an individual puts their trust in. If a person really trusts in Jesus Christ, that individual will manifest the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. These attitudes reveal an abiding attitude of security in the Lord for His greater wisdom and strength. Romans 4:20,21 gives us four levels for increasing one's faith. 1). Sensory faith - A new believer relies on what his senses tell him to be reliable. There is a need for a mentor to give examples in living by faith. 2). Communicative faith - When a person starts to learn the language of the Bible, one's faith develops.
3). Concrete and Experiential Faith - One can see the cause and effect relationship between sowing and reaping 4). Principled Faith - Taking action steps of obedience regardless of one's feelings.
4. What do You Value? - One recognizes a person's values by observing their priorities with their time, talents and resources. Every person and culture has certain things that they consider most important - this is a reflection of values. If one values tasks more than relationships it will be reflected by how a person allocates their time. By looking at how we spend our money it is a guide to where our most important values lie. Mature believers give increasing attention to what Christ values in His kingdom and righteousness. We should follow John who said, "I must decrease so He might increase."
5. How do You Behave? - How does one act toward people, situations and opportunities? If one's behavior fails to show love for people there may be something wrong with their values, beliefs, truths or assumptions of reality. An attitude of fear towards people may be a behavioral symptom of a deeper problem. One person calls F-E-A-R: Faulty Expectations Assumptions of Reality. One grows in maturity through practice, training, and following the examples of experts.
Typically, fighting fundamentalists respond to people who speak their "language". For example, if they are criticizing someone on a particular issue, try using the words of Jesus as He answered His own critics from Matthew 6:1,2, "Before you try to take the speck of dust out of your brother's eye, first remove the log from your own eye." Similarly, one might try using Christ's words when the Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. They said to Jesus, "In the law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. Now what do you say?" They were using the question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write in the sand. When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." When the Pharisees and those who heard Jesus, they began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing in front of Him. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you? She said, "No one, sir." Then Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin." (John 8:5-11) There is more power in an open hand than a clenched fist. Sadly, many extremists try to control their followers through fear. By playing on fears of judgment, shame and feelings of inadequacy, some religious reactionary leaders manipulate their followers. Since many conservative followers are well meaning, but perhaps a bit naïve, the leader plays down the aspects of the believer's freedom found in Christ.
Christianity Today carried an excellent illustration on how some Christian leaders are playing to the fears of church members to sell books. David Neff writes: "Perhaps most outlandish was a stack of books (We saw at the annual Christian Booksellers Association convention in Orlando, Florida) with the title Satan-Proof Your Home, apparently treating the Devil as if he were radon gas. Most were more tasteful, yet clearly appealing to readers' self-protective instincts: there were books that played on fear of psychologists, fear of charismatics, fear of 12 step programs, fear of Anti-Christ, fear of school-teachers, and fear of New Age influences. What these publishers' wares tell us about the Christian public should give us cause for concern. Christian book publishers have become savvy marketers. If they have placed their bets well, it means some of the Christian public is driven by fear, and that is not good.
Fear was designed by God to give our bodies the sudden bursts of strength and speed we need in emergencies. But when fear becomes a permanent condition, it can paralyze the spirit, keeping us from taking the risks of generosity, love, and vulnerability that characterize the citizens of God's kingdom."
Defensive Strategies
TYPE OF JUDGMENTAL BEHAVIOR PUT DOWN PHRASE BEST RESPONSE
Giving unsolicited advice "Let me tell you what I think you ought to do…" Thank you. But you are not seeing the situation from my perspective.
Predicting failure based on speculation or personal opinion You are going to really have a hard time amounting to anything with that kind of attitude." Which attitude are you suggesting that will lead to failure?
Calling into question your credibility "You do not seem qualified to know what is best" What makes you an expert in deciding for me?"
Questioning one's ability to make a correct value assessment. "Your values seem all messed up. You need counseling." On what do you base your ability to decide which values are right for me?"
Using a stereotype to make a value judgment "You are acting like a typical teen-ager" Why are you trying to put me in the same category with all people my age?
Sticking their nose into someone else's business. I may be wrong, but I think you are making a serious mistake." Are you playing the role of God in judging me?
Picking at a small detail about someone's appearance, attitude or action "Let us look at the specifics of the way you handled that presentation." That may be only one aspect, but what did you think of the overall presentation?
Squeezing you into an uncomfortable social position "Are you willing to submit to the scrutiny of the church elders?" What are some of the problems you are getting at?
Subtly insulting someone about a difference of opinion "You seem to act like a bush man without any tact." Everyone has a right to their OWN opinion
Bringing shame, guilt or fear "If you do not change your attitude real fast you are going to be in a lot of trouble!" The best way to motivate people is by being positive with them, not by trying to threaten them.
Intimidating "Why don't you just accept the fact that you are wrong and do things the way most of us do things?" Everyone has to be responsible for his actions. I do not want to have to live with any regrets!
Accusations "You always try to be the big man who has to control the situation." Let us look at the matter objectively without bringing in subjective feelings.
Undermining your emotional maturity "You seem to be unstable and in need of counseling." Have you now taken on the role of the Holy Spirit of God to know exactly what people are thinking?
Negative and critical comments "You really have a different way of thinking about everything!" Who makes your thinking the standard for truth?
Using Peer Pressure "Why can't you just go along with the group and stop being so different?" If everybody decided to jump into a lake would you still expect me to follow the group?\
Blowing things out of proportion "You are way off base with your thinking" In what ways am I off base? What is the basis for your reasoning on this?
Suggesting that another is being defensive about a sensitive issue "You sure get defensive whenever I bring up a subject about submitting to authority." Can you tell me specifically what you mean by being defensive and what authority are you referring to?
Giving directives "I want you to submit to my order to stop what you are doing and join our committee." I will have to pray about that and consult my people to see what God wants me to do.
Preaching "The Bible says, 'Submit to your elders for God resists the proud.' " Look at the context of that passage. Leaders are not to flaunt their authority
Ideas adapted from Asserting Yourself, by Sharon and Gordon Bower, Addison- Wesley, Mass., 1980
CONCLUSION
Motivating some people is not difficult because they are determined to follow positive examples. Our faith grows when we appreciate the price great people have paid for their beliefs. We grow best when we focus on what we love most. When you are focusing on loving the Lord with all your heart, strength and mind and your neighbor as yourself, many problems will automatically solve themselves.
