Humble October 2, 2007
Posted by Zack in Georgia , trackbackI’ve started getting some flack for being “negative” about the left/progressive movement on this blog from some left/progressive friends and colleagues. I’m not being negative, I’m being constructively critical. And our inability to self-criticize is another thing I need to criticize—and once again point to evangelical Christians as a movement that can teach us a thing or two.
Check out this post from yesterday on the blog of Mark Batterson, one of the speakers I’ll see tomorrow at the Catalyst Conference:
So excited about the book, unChristian, that releases today! … The book is a great compilation of what’s wrong with the church. And I really loved the humble tone. The church has a serious perception problem. But it is more than a perception problem. Sure, there are lots of unfair characterizations by the media. But we need to look in the mirror and admit our mistakes!
Something to notice is how inclusive these evangelical insurgents are towards their own Christian establishment: “We need to look in the mirror…admit our mistakes.” That comes from the fanatical emphasis on “love” that Christians (especially these insurgents) try to live by. But it’s also a sign that they’re taking themselves seriously, expecting to succeed and therefore coming from a position of humble confidence.
It’s just the exact opposite of the angry ranting toward the Democratic establishment that, on the left, you get from most Netroots bloggers (including me!).
Tag: Catalyst conference
Comments»
Hi Zack,
My wife and I worked with you on a MoveOn project a few years ago. It’s excellent to see you moving in this new and important direction. I’ve felt for a long time a general dis-ease with many of my progressive compatriots and their reflexive dismissal of Christians.
I’m quite the greeny-liberal and somewhere between an agnostic and aethiest. But I also have a high regard for people with strong religious conviction — that is, when their conviction is based on the true love and compassion I believe is common to all religions. I may not see Jesus as the son of God, but He has a lot of wisdom to share, and we progressives should value His impact on society. I hope these evangelicals insurgent can reinvent their faith and return to living by the true intent behind the word of their God.