CRN.Info and Analysis

Some quick thoughts on the quotes in the CRN article “Good Words”

THE WORLD IS NOT IN NEED OF A NEW DEFINITION OF CHRISTIANITY, IT’S IN NEED OF A NEW DEMONSTRATION OF CHRISTIANITY.

Sounds a lot like keep the message but change the method. Couldn’t agree more, Mr. Ravenhill.

WHEN THERE’S SOMETHING IN THE BIBLE THAT CHURCHES/SAINTS DON’T LIKE, THEY CALL IT “LEGALISM.

No, when people place non-biblical (or cultural rules) at the core of their faith and then press them on others, it is legalism. For example, saying that music from the 1890s is the only way to worship God – that is legalism. Saying that there is a correct and incorrect slang to write in (i.e. “dude”, “hot”, etc.) – that is legalism. Saying that you can’t have comfy chairs in church or coffee bars – that is legalism.

“SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT ARE THE DEVILS SUBSTITUTE FOR GOD’S JOY.”

I would not have a problem with this statement if it said “Sports and entertainment can be the devil’s substitute for God’s Joy.” However, Ravenhill makes a definitive statement, saying that these things are inherently evil. I wonder if the “editor” at CRN has ever been to a baseball game. I wonder if he/she/it has ever been to the movies. I wonder if he/she/it would currently feel comfortable taking part in any sports game or entertainment. If they do, then they are substituting God’s Joy for the Devil.

There are many teenagers who now go through a variety of emotional and sexual manifestations that are not only not mainstream, some are obviously bizarre and self destructive on many levels. One of the most intriguing and bewildering exhibitions of emotional instability is the phenomenon known as “cutting”. This is where a teen, usually a girl, will derive some emotional relaxation by cutting her own flesh. They will take a razor or knife or some other sharp object and cut the flesh on their arms or some other place on their body. Usually these cuts do not require medical attention so the secrecy of their actions remains intact, but why would someone cut themselves and what benefit emotionally is derived from cutting?

We may never figure out the reasons with any amount of accuracy, but we can know with complete assurance they are in desperate need of help. They, like the goth, gay, and other communities of the lost world, do not need mocking and ridicule, they need Christ to meet them at the very intersect of their crisis. How dare the body of Christ, saved only by God’s grace, ever mock or berate them or use them in any self serving posters like visual stepping stones to a further self righteous elevation. The Lord reveals that “such were some of you” and indeed we were, but through God’s grace we have been changed. But these “cutters” are so representative of the lost world, desperately seeking any way to relieve the pain and unhappiness that has burrowed itself deep within their hearts.

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