Reconciliation - an editorial by Jim Wallis

[LiberalAndProud]

http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=sojomail.current_issue

In our divisive post-election time I thought it might be appropriate and helpful to tell a personal story of reconciliation that is very important to me, and one that I had never told before until recently. It is about my relationship with a fellow Christian who, if he were still alive, would likely have voted differently than me.

Bill Bright was the founder and president of Campus Crusade for Christ, an evangelical organization on campuses around the country. Motivated, above all else, by the Great Commission, Bill Bright wanted to reach every person on the planet for Christ "in this generation." Concerned about the "moral degeneration" of America, Bright wanted America to come back to God - which for him meant an ultra-conservative political agenda. Bill and I were both evangelical Christians, but we clearly disagreed on a whole range of political issues.

-snip-

The experience of my relationship with Bill Bright has taught me much about the promise and power of reconciliation. I will never again deny the prospect of coming together with those with whom I disagree. It is indeed the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to break down the walls between us. Thank you, Bill. I will never forget you.

[cornermouse]

1. I'm sorry, but I think we've been through an orgy of

reconciliation over the past 4 years and, as a result, are now saddled with 4 more years of reconciliation and punishment combined. Which in my opinion, just goes to show that sometimes a good thing can be way overdone.

In case you haven't noticed the only ones doing any reconciling has been the democrats. The republicans haven't reconciled for at least 4 years now and I've had enough of it.

[LiberalAndProud]

2. That's why I liked the article. Reconcilation giving in or giving up.

Kind of the other way around in the end, I thought.

[TaraMoon]

3. Bill Bright, theocrat

Ah yes, Bill Bright, theocrat, leader of Campus Crusade for
Christ, promoter of ultra-misogynistic Promise Keepers and
member of Tim LaHaye's* hard-right Christian
Reconstructionist** Council for National Policy. 

*Tim LaHaye is the author of the "Left Behind"
series.
**Christian Reconstructionists believe they are God ordained
to turn this country into a theocracy by any means necessary.
They want a return to literal Old Testament Law.