“I would even go so far as to suggest that our moral decadence is partly
responsible for the wrath we’ve incurred from Muslim extremists.
Without in any way condoning their violence, one of the main reasons
they see America as “the great Satan” is because of how we’re
influencing the rest of the world with our debauchery. It’s undeniable
that wherever American influence is evidenced, sexual morals loosen.
They disdain our “freedom” because to them it’s inseparably wrapped up
with freedom to have sex outside of marriage. When they hear George
Bush announce that we’re going to expand “freedom” around the globe,
what many hear is Satan announcing he’s going to spread debauchery
around the globe.” –Greg Boyd
I despise almost everything Greg Boyd stands for. But I think he has a point.
When you say you despise almost everything he stands for, are you talking about Christianity in general? or specific things about Boyd's views? Just curious.
I don't despise Christianity in general, I was raised Christian (call me a lapsed Christian if you like). But I have read Boyd's book Letters From a Skeptic, and it resounded with the attempt of a man to take a God who, according to the Bible, is supposed to be inconceivably huge and powerful and omniscient, and put Him into a very small box just so that man can understand him better. I don't agree with the idea of limiting God just because we don't understand his motives or abilities.
Kristi,
I'm down with that, it makes a lot of sense. I remember skimming Letters from a Skeptic a long while back and being pretty unimpressed.
However, recently someone told me to listen to this sermon series of Boyd's called the Cross and the Sword, basically bashing on the unholy union of Christianity with politics, and I thought it was really solid. He's got a book out to on the same topic, but the sermons on audio are an entertaining listen. If your interested let me know.
I spent my formative teenage years in the church and I'd probably consider myself “recovering” now if anything. I've usually got nothing but negative things to say about the religion, but I still find Jesus' words fascinating and spend my days trying to follow those teachings. That's just me and where I'm at.
Reminds me of a book I saw in an airport a month or two ago, I can't remember the name of it but it was about some guy who spent a full year following the bible to the letter – EVERYTHING, even the crazy Old Testament laws about length of hair and all that. It looked fascinating, I wish I had bought the book now.
I think your thinking of this one:
A Year of Living Biblically
I hear it's a good read too.