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Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Campolo: Christianity and Consumerism are Incompatible
I'm not a huge Tony Campolo fan... a little of him goes a long way with me (sorry, Tony)... and I don't always agree with his theology. But you can say one thing about Tony... he's always challenging; and I do like that. Here are some comments he made recently, as reported in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal:
"What should you buy for someone who has everything? Nothing!" Dr. Campolo said in the keynote address at St. Andrew Presbytery's "Tapestry" training event. "But we just came through Christmas, and you didn't have the guts to pull it off, did you?"
"A whole generation is being seduced by consumerism into a lifestyle diametrically opposed to Christian values," he said, lamenting that even education is sold as a way to make more money to buy more consumer goods.
"No!" he thundered, invoking Paul's admonition to Timothy. "An education is 'to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Campolo challenged audience members to aim for doing the most good, not having the most comfortable life. He recalled a former student of his who announced she had won a teaching position in a rich suburban school system over 200 other applicants.
"That's too bad," he told her, noting thousands of students in Philadelphia would fail because their inner-city schools were 600 teachers short. "Why would you spend your life where you aren't needed?"
Comfortable religion joins consumerism in killing the passion of youths, Campolo said. He told the largely Presbyterian audience that their denomination "is dying - losing its young people - not because we've made Christianity too hard for them, but because we've made it too easy.
"Youth was made for heroism, not pleasure," he said. "Jesus calls people to die to self."
One of the ways he challenged those present to "die to self" was by not attacking worship music that appealed to others. A change from traditional to contemporary praise, Campolo said, had mushroomed attendance at Eastern University's chapel services.
"I don't understand praise music. I don't get it," he said. "But those kids get it. Don't criticize what you don't understand. We've been singing your stuff for a thousand years."
Campolo said some critics have labeled the Christianity he preaches - that eschews war and supports the poor and demands a life sacrificed to the service of others - "dangerous."
"When did Christianity cease being dangerous?" he asked. "That's when it ceased being Christianity."
Any thoughts?
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January 24, 2006 in Leadership Issues | Permalink
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Comments
I agree with what Campolo said. We are too afraid to make a stand that goes against the flow. You might think, "Hey wait a minute, I've done this and I've done that in protesting or supporting the Christian agenda. But my question is what do you do when you are under conviction to make a stand and even the church body thinks you are a "nut". True Christianity means willing to be a "nut" for Jesus even if that means you are not popular with others(even other Christians). I seen first hand how people in the church say," We need to reach out to the community." To only back down when a family in need comes to ask for help. Have we forgotten to the least little thing we do we do it unto Jesus. I'm afraid that we have taken the church and made it to cusumer friendly and not Christ friendly.
Posted by: Paul Curry | Jan 24, 2006 11:29:05 AM
Tony Campolo is right. Those who preach the exact opposite, such as TD Jakes, are dead wrong.
...Bernie
http://fgn.typepad.com/
Posted by: Bernie Dehler | Jan 24, 2006 11:46:55 AM
Tony really needs a black shirt with big white lettering that says.....
Sorry, couldn't resist reviving yesterday's blog du jour.
Posted by: Tim | Jan 24, 2006 11:59:53 AM
Bernie,
That's so awesome that you agree with what Tony had to say on this subject!
You wrote:
{Berinie said} "Tony Campolo is right. Those who preach the exact opposite...are dead wrong."
It takes many of us quite awhile for our understanding of truth that comes by revelation to work itself into our life so that it manifests a visible integrity of what we are preaching.
But He will perfect the work He has begun in us! So, don't worry about it brother, because you will eventually get there, and when you do, your confession of agreement with Tony here will be evident to the rest of us in the way you put into practice your alignment with what he said in the words;
{Tony Campolo said} "Don't criticize what you don't understand...."
Posted by: Jim Eaton, | Jan 24, 2006 12:25:04 PM
Does anyone preach the gospel of Christ anymore or is it our job to let people know what they already know...that they are living in sin?
Jesus said where your treasure is your heart will be also, but he didn't go on with a state of the church or nation address.
If we could figure out a way to help people meet Jesus and fall deeply in love with Him, maybe He would clean them up instead of us trying to with our teaching agendas.
Posted by: Ed Mooneyhan | Jan 24, 2006 12:31:50 PM
Ed Mooneyhan said:
"If we could figure out a way to help people meet Jesus and fall deeply in love with Him, maybe He would clean them up instead of us trying to with our teaching agendas."
Ed, what is your "teaching agenda?" Is it to "get people to meet Jesus and fall deeply in love with him?"
We all have agenda's, don't we? For some, it is to teach what the Bible teaches. For others, it's to teach prosperity under the guise of Christianity, while enriching themselves by fleecing the flock. For others,,, something else yet...
...Bernie
Posted by: Bernie Dehler | Jan 24, 2006 12:39:41 PM
Ed says:
"Does anyone preach the gospel of Christ anymore or is it our job to let people know what they already know...that they are living in sin?"
Unbelievers don't even know what sin is. Is homosexuality a sin? What is sin? What is truth? They don't even believe in "sin." Educating them about the holiness of God and sin is part of the work of an evangelist. Until they understand sin, they have no need for a savior.
...Bernie
Posted by: Bernie Dehler | Jan 24, 2006 12:41:58 PM
Bernie asks,
Ed, what is your "teaching agenda?" Is it to "get people to meet Jesus and fall deeply in love with him?"
Absolutely!!! When Christ revealed himself to me, I changed. Revelation changes behavior, not knowledge. We all know what to do, but can't seem to do it. Then God reveals himself to us we change.
Bernie says,
Unbelievers don't even know what sin is.
I think they do. They may deny that the things they do are sinful, but it doesn't mean they don't know. People who are lost need Jesus. The job of the evangelist is not to expose sin, that's theh job of the Holy Spirit. He removes the vail we don't. I'm not suggesting that we avoid sin issues. I'm suggesting we love people in their sin and introduce them to the One who can save them from it.
If you all want to remind the world that they're sinners I won't say it's wrong, but it doesn't seem to be working that well to me. I was led to Jesus without my good friend telling me what I was doing wrong. He told me who could save me from the inherant sin that was a part of me.
That's all I'm trying to say.
"If my name be lifted up, I will draw all men unto myself."
Posted by: Ed | Jan 24, 2006 1:12:05 PM
Ed says:
"The job of the evangelist is not to expose sin, that's the job of the Holy Spirit. He removes the vail we don't."
We agree that the solution needs to be proclaimed.. the solution is Christ. Yes, conviction comes from God. But they also need to hear, and God works through us. Look in the Old Test. and see what the prophets continually do... warn about sin and ask people to repent. The people refuse and get utterly destroyed... Israel totally (100%) destroyed and taken into captivity because of her unwillingness to turn to God and away from sin. Many false teachers and prophets abounded then, as now.
Acts 3:
17"Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ[a] would suffer. 19Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.'[b]
24"Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. 25And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.'[c] 26When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."
Posted by: Bernie Dehler | Jan 24, 2006 1:33:53 PM
Good comments Bernie. If you knew me you would understand more clearly by the way I live and preach and teach. I am not disagreeing with you. I believe God uses us in different ways to preach the same message of repentants and faith in Christ.
I am much harder on believers than the lost. Once they know the truth then they change.
Appreciate your comments.
Posted by: Ed | Jan 24, 2006 1:45:28 PM
I don't always agree with Tony Campolo's theology, but I must say, I think he is one voice today that is speaking like Jesus spoke - he saves his harshest words for the religious among us (and yes, I count myself in that group), and his gentlest words for the lost.
If I could live up to Tony's high calling, I'd be halfway to living up to Jesus' higher calling.
Posted by: Randy Ehle | Jan 24, 2006 3:12:07 PM
I also don't agree with everything Tony Campolo says.
But if nothing else, he makes me think, and boy, the church could use more of that!
One of my favorite books is, "Following Jesus without Embarrassing God." I didn't agree with all his conclusions, but it was a challenging read.
Brian
Posted by: Brian La Croix | Jan 24, 2006 4:12:57 PM
The only time I have heard Tony was a small segment on KLOVE giving a little tid bit for the day. His commentary and comments are always welcome and have encouraged me at times.
The one thing I found very intriging is that he was speaking to the Presbytery Church.
Posted by: Clairvoyent 1 | Jan 24, 2006 4:21:03 PM
Tony C. has a true heart for the poor and underprivilaged, the very ones Jesus came to heal, restore and save.
Posted by: Pastor Al | Jan 24, 2006 6:26:22 PM
"Clairvoyant": Why in the world do you find it intriguing that Tony Campolo would be speaking to the Presbyterian church?!?!
Posted by: Randy Ehle | Jan 24, 2006 6:33:20 PM
Tony's brand of christianity is dangerous to the entire body of Christ. He's the same "compassionate" guy who allows room for gay lifestyles. In fact his wife is even more "compassionate" than he is toward gays. Hillary and Bill like him and that speaks volumes to me! How much did he charge to speak at that convocation? How much did it cost you to buy one of his books?
Posted by: Randy Burton | Jan 24, 2006 8:00:45 PM
I try not to throw the baby out with the bath water. Tony Campolo's brand of Christianity IS dangerous (as Randy said), but I generally agree with these particular words.
I would add one caveat. I know a man who pastors a wealthy congregation. He says: "I used to feel guilty pastoring a wealthy church, especially when I was in the company of pastors of poor congregations. Then one day I finally realized that God was working in the lives of my people in profound ways. Then it hit me: rich people need Jesus too."
While it's a Biblical truth that "Man cannot serve both God and mammon," it's also true that money and spirituality are not automatically mutually exclusive.
Posted by: Bob | Jan 24, 2006 8:47:12 PM
Bob said:
"While it's a Biblical truth that "Man cannot serve both God and mammon," it's also true that money and spirituality are not automatically mutually exclusive."
I don't think so. Look at the way Jesus and the aposltes lived. They gave everything up for God. Look at the rich young man in the gospels... couldn't do it. Jesus told everyone, not just the rich young guy, to store treasure in heaven, not earth. Do the rich Christians that you refer to get this message? I don't think so. Don't want to offend them. The Pastor used to feel guilty, until he seared his conscious as with a hot iron.
...Bernie
PS: When you see what you can do with your money, worldwide, preaching the gospel to people who have never heard of Christ, it is sick and disgusting to see Christians in America living in affluence soaking it all in,,, as if it's some sort of blessing to absorb. There will be, I think, a severe judgement to pay for that. Warnings are rife through Scripture. If you can't see this persepective, it's easy to get... just get the free book from gfa.org (Gospel for Asia)... it does a wonderful job of exposing this "decpetion of wealth" issue we have in America.
Can the rich do things for God in profound ways? I guess... just as you could do profound things for God in the flesh, rather than the spirit. It's deceiving.
Many say I'm just jealous. They don't realize that I've mostly "been there, done that." I know firsthand the shallowness of it. I've had the upscale house, car, and vacations. I'm still trying to move away from the deceitfulness of wealth, but it's very difficult because the church at large is so deceived.
None of us are blind. We see the ads all the time for ministries who are asking for help. What do we do... help... or plan our next vacation or dream home... or church cruise... or luxary trip to the Holy Land...
James 2:15-17
15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Posted by: Bernie Dehler | Jan 24, 2006 9:03:25 PM
Randy,
I found it intriguing because most of the churches is usually another denomination other than a Presbyterian's. For the most, and I stand corrected because I was basing it off the Presbyterian churches in my area. All of them but one holds dear to tradition and will not even allow guest speakers. If I offended any of you I am sorry. If I offended you Randy I am sorry, I did not mean too. Please forgive. I will pay closer attention from now on before I hit that POST button.
PS: TODD,, If you would please. Please send me MMI to our new email address: chlrjtr@aol.net. After this week I will not be at my old address at work.
Posted by: Clairvoyent 1 | Jan 24, 2006 11:30:37 PM
Wow Bernie! Your comments sound like alot of the preaching I hear from churches that can't keep up with unnecessary high budgets. While wealth certainly can be a hindrance, it's not a sin.
Most Christians would say that God owns everything and that everything we have God allowed or even gave to us only to turn around and lay guilt trips on those who have much in the way of money. For the record, I am not one who has wealth, but I can't help to believe that God poured out great monetary blessings on Solomon. His downfall came as a result of disobedience in having relations with women who worshipped false gods.
My question to anyone who would help me understand is this...does God want me to be willing to give all and be poor or to literally give all and be poor? Can I own a home, car, toys, go on vacation, etc?
I think the principal to Abraham is that as we are faithful to bless the nations by bringing the Truth to them, God will bless us. What the blessing looks like is up for grabs.
Okay, now I know I struck a nerve because I equated blessing with financial gain. I know that the greatest blessings are defenitally NOT financial, but are finances a form of blessing from God?
Give me your take on this, I'm listening and learning.
Posted by: Ed Mooneyhan | Jan 25, 2006 10:53:33 AM
Hi Ed-
Those who justify wealth always do so from the OT... never the NT. Live by the new light and the new covenant... it's much better. The mystery has been revealed.
Solomon did have a problem with greed and money. I don't have time to look it up now, but part of God's judgment against him was because of his decadent living in wealth. Did you know that God punished Israel because of Solomon's sins? God did give him wealth, but he abused it for personal reasons.
You ask about giving to the poor, or just be willing. That's a deception in thinking. The poor are never helped by anyone's good intentions. Jesus said to store treasure in heaven, not earth. Look at how he lived his life financially, and how his disciples lived. There is your answer. Any other answer is part of the modern deception.
Can you own a car yes? Yes. Can you have a $2000 car, or a 30,000 car? Does it matter? Of course! What would a good steward, managing God's money do? Yes, pray about it... you have a relationship with God, so use it.
Finances are not a blessing of the Lord to be enjoyed. Instead, think of everying you have as entrusted to you, and you are a steward. Parable of the talents. Learn from the Lord... He knows what He's talking about. Don't learn from TD Jakes; rather, rebuke him in the presence of witnesses.
...Bernie
Posted by: Bernie Dehler | Jan 25, 2006 12:07:21 PM
Hey Bernie.
I think you misread the question. I know we are to give to the poor. My question was does God want me to "be" poor? You are correct on the stewardship issue. I think we as Christians need to be ready to listen to the Lord in matters of giving.
I think why I'm concerned about this issue is because I hear alot of guilt preached when it comes to money. I see churches being, in my opinion, poor stewards. They have high overhead because of multiple "ministries" that have absolutely no eternal value. Instead of re-adjusting the budget and looking to cut costs, like we would do in our homes, we just tell the church that they are not giving enough.
I am in the process of planting a church. I hope to help create a mentality in people of genuine love for Christ, each other and the lost as well as operate on a realistic budget without throwing out the need for faith in God's provision. I think we sometimes believe that faith means setting the bar extremely high and then hoping God will come through for us.
I like what Blackaby and King taught...watch to see where God is at work, then join Him. (Experiencing God).
Later.
Posted by: Ed Mooneyhan | Jan 25, 2006 12:30:06 PM
I have been a fan of Tony Campolo for years. He gets it.
Bernie, you are correct when you say, "Finances are not a blessing of the Lord to be enjoyed. Instead, think of everying you have as entrusted to you, and you are a steward. Parable of the talents. Learn from the Lord... He knows what He's talking about."
And I love Tony's statement, "When did Christianity cease being dangerous?" he asked. "That's when it ceased being Christianity."
We are too comfortable with our pseudo-christianity in this country. We need discipleship and death to self.
James
Posted by: James | Jan 25, 2006 12:33:13 PM
Clair - I wasn't at all offended, simply curious. I'd offer forgiveness, but I don't think you were wrong in your comment; I don't think it was offensive, even to a Presbyterian. (I'm not Pres; in fact, I've been around and been part of so many churches that I'm starting a new denomination: Menno-Metho-Luther-Bapti-Pentacos-Byterian. But we'll have strong non-denom-Opalian leanings!)
Posted by: Randy Ehle | Jan 25, 2006 1:52:35 PM
Bernie,
I'm reading parts of the Revolution book from gfa.org - interesting, I'd swear I'd heard a prosperity preacher say the same things (I was down to my last dollar and sacrificed it and -bam- the Lord had some guy I don't know and never seen give me $10 - then we're out of food because I gave everything to God and -bam- we have groceries delivered). I don't doubt the materialistic nature of the United States, I just call into question the nature of labeling it all sorts of evil.
I'm looking into supporting a native ministry like his - his idea is brilliant and worthwhile, I just hope to find one that doesn't use materialistic guilt like tithe pastors use tithe guilt to raise funds. Want me to allocate money from my budget to someone else's - state the case for the need, state the case for the benefit, show me the honor in money matters. Use guilt or blame or bemoan me for merely having and using money as God has purposed in my heart (or has permitted me disgression or hasn't laid some need on my heart, etc) then I'm gone. I've had enough of people trying to guilt me into giving, like the gfa book is trying.
Posted by: Paul Davis | Jan 25, 2006 4:21:10 PM
