The Church has become wishy-washy

It may not be PC to make such a statement about the church, but for many I believe it is true.  What happened?

The church throughout its history was never PC, nor did it expect to be.  It is just in the last century or so the fear of offending has quieted the Body.

You ask people what we as United Methodist believe and most have no idea.  Most don't know there is a whole thick book called "The Book of Resolutions,"  published by the UMC, which covers a wide spectrum of issues trying to address as many topics as possible.  But who has the time to read, much less study each page to glean an understanding of who we are and what we believe. 

So, in my opinion, it is difficult to have any solidarity on issues effecting the world around us.  (There I go trying to be PC)  I believe it is impossible to have a shared stand on problems and issues because there is no leadership.  Or don't take me worn, there is good leadership, but the passion doesn't seem to get much attention.  The "mainline" doesn't get heard, just the fringe who say they represent us. Not me!

Just the other night a commentator said that part of the world is like NPR (National Public Radio), soft spoken trying not to offend anyone.  Where the other side comes out with some of the most outlandish (my opinion) statements and seems to want to offend everyone. 

Which one is working?  I don't know, what do you think?  Who do you pay attention to when you sit down to watch TV, surf the net or listen to the radio? This commentator said the NPR group should start using the same techniques as the "other side"  to draw just as much attention to their understanding and beliefs.  They and the church needs to stop whispering trying not to offend anyone. (That's me talking)

"Jon Stewart got a big laugh recently on The Daily Show when he said the United Methodist Church "is like the University of Phoenix of religions"—inferring that being a United Methodist is as easy as getting an online diploma.

In other words, you don't have to show up in person. You don't have to work very hard at it. And as long as you pay your dues, you stay in good standing." (Robin Russell , Managing Editor, UMR)            

You know the Gospels and teachings of our faith do step on toes, most of the time our toes are right there with many others who cry out in pain.  So Jesus had a whole group of people on his back because he wasn't PC and he didn't care what they thought.  The message is the message is the message no matter how or what subject is causing the pain from squashed toes.

I believe people don't listen to the church because we have forgotten to speak loud enough to be heard.  Rather  we allow the fringes of our faith to speak for us, or so people think.  Yes, even the good church going folk talk a great story, but don't ask them to step out of the PC behavior it might cost them something.

What do you think, how do you feel about the whole issue?  Remember God IS present  so speak the truth of God's word, not your word.

A fellow traveler,

Rick