The "real context"

The term Liberation Theology does not seem to get much attention these days, at least not by name. In light of recent statements by Pastor Jeremiah Wright, it is important to understand this ongoing endeavor to unite theology and sociopolitical concerns. It seems quite interesting that some critics have compared liberation theology with marxism. In fact, some have implied that liberation theology and marxism are indistinguishable.

What should we know? The basic goal of liberation theology is to employ a class analysis, which divides the culture between the oppressor and the oppressed. Concerning liberation theology, a section from the Evangelical Dictionary of Theology reads, "The biblical notion of salvation is equated with the process of liberation from oppression and injustice. Sin is defined in terms of man's inhumanity to man. Biblical history then becomes important insofar as it models and illustrates this quest for justice and human dignity.

One of the results is that suffering and pain become the motivating force for knowing God. Certain preachers, professors, and theologians often complain that they are taken out of context. The underlying problem is that the vast majority of people do not understand the context. The "real context" is liberation theology. Once this is understood, it is clear that their statements are very much in context. The context being a theological viewpoint that is a departure from the historic Christian faith. What are some of the ramifications?

more to come...

-craig

We are very grateful to God to be able to partner with the W.M.U. to drill a well in the Narok region of Kenya. We are also working and praying for the resources to build two churches (one in Kenya and one in Sudan). We praise God for all that He is doing. We serve a mighty God. Everytime we travel to Africa, we go with the understanding that the ministry is all about HIM and never about us.

stay off the paved road ...

-craig

All Eyes on the Keystone State

All eyes are focused on Pennsylvania. As you are probably aware, we have a primary in the Keystone state on Tuesday. I recently heard a political commentator say, "this is the first time since 1976 that our primary will have significance in choosing the democratic presidential nominee."

Obviously, I would not suggest the specific candidate that you should vote for in the primary or the general election. I would like to suggest that you be involved in the process. President James A. Garfield (the 20th President, and a minister of the Gospel during the Second Great Awakening) made the following statement:

“Now, more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature . . . If the next centennial does not find us a great nation . . . it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.”

Below you will find some revealing information from the 2006 elections:

1. There was a 30% decrease in Christian voter turnout, falling from 28.9 million evangelicals down to 20.5 million

2. The result was clearly visible in the philosophy of those elected to Congress

3. Of 54 freshmen elected to the U. S. House, only 17 were pro-life (a 31% pro-life class)

4. Of 10 freshmen elected to the U. S. Senate, only 1 was pro-life (a 10% pro-life class), and one of those two will not vote for marriage as being only between a man and a woman

5. The Baltimore Sun described this Congress as “the most pro-choice Congress in the history of the Republic”

6. Just as Christian voter turnout directly affects policies on life issues, so, too, on issues related to slowing the promotion of the homosexual agenda

7. The 2006 Congress has been active in promoting the homosexual agenda through its onerous homosexual hate-crimes bill as well as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act that would force employers, including churches, to hire homosexuals

8. While Evangelical voting turnout reaches only at 50% when at its highest, homosexual men vote at a rate of 92.5% and lesbian women at a rate of 91%

9. Clearly, there is a direct correlation between Christian voter turnout and the percentage of elected leaders who embrace and reflect basic Biblical values (source www.wallbuilders.com)

I will let the data speak for itself. One final question, "Do you still think your vote doesn't matter?"

stay off the paved road …

--craig

Mark Your Calendar

Please mark your calendar. On June 7 we will have the Crossroads Mission Support Dinner at Library Baptist Church. The address is; 81 Walter Long Drive, Finleyville, PA 15332. We are currently selling tickets. If you would like more information, please contact us at crossroadspittsburgh@msn.com. Tickets are $10.00. All of the funds raised will be used for projects that we will be involved in during our upcoming mission trip to Africa. As you may be aware, the dollar has been de-valued throughout the world. This is also true in Eastern Africa. As a result, a church building or a water well may cost up to 40% more than it did 2 years ago.

Your support at the dinner will be extremely helpful. You will also have the opportunity to support specific projects such as a water well, church building, orphanage ministry, or abstinence training. During the dinner we will have a multi-media presentation of Crossroads mission work in Africa. Our team has raised their own support, but we are hoping to provide funds for two Kenya pastors to travel with us to Sudan. If you do not reside in Pittsburgh, we still welcome your support. You may send your tax deductible contribution to: Crossroads Church of Pittsburgh P.O. Box 79054 Pittsburgh, PA 15216.

We know that God has led us to mission work in East Africa and we are very aware that he will provide. What a tremendous blessing to be "on mission" in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and throughout the world.


stay off the paved road...

---craig

On Mission

Do You Have Beautiful Feet?

I had the opportunity to share from the book of Romans this past Sunday. I wonder how often we consider the human condition. Certainly, we look around and see people blindly following cult leaders. Many go to their terroristic death in the name of religion. Others are happy to seclude themselves from society and culture in an attempt at personal piety. Regardless of how it is lived out, the lost human condition is the lost human condition. This is certainly not a popular idea in this politically correct age of pleasure and pluralism. The Apostle Paul rightly describes this condition in Romans 9:31-32a. He states, "but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works."

What Paul goes on to say in the latter verses is that God's plan for the human sinful condition has been rejected by many, even becoming a stumbling block and a point of offense. That seems to summarize the condition of our current culture. Truth has become a stumbling block because people have devised their own systems, philosophies, and worldviews. Paul knew however that truth must be proclaimed at every turn. He writes, "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge." I pray that we have the same conviction and passion to share truth." Jesus himself said, "and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." Jesus also proclaimed the truth about himself in John 14:6 when He said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me."

So what are we going to do with the "truth?" To ask the question directly from scripture, "How then will they call on Him whom they have not believed ? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" (Rom. 10:15) Final Question --Do you have beautiful feet?

stay off the paved road ...
---craig

Sights On The Nile

I discovered the photos below on the internet recently. I thought it would be helpful to show some sights around the Nile. This is an area of Southern Sudan called Juba. We will be traveling to an area (on the Nile) about 200 kilometers north of this region. One of our friends in Sudan sent an e-mail recently to say that we can travel to our destination in one of two ways. There are no roads so driving is not an option.

Choice one is to fly from Juba to the mission work area. It will be a one hour flight. Choice two is to travel on the river. This would involve a three day trip on the Nile. As tempting as the river sounds, we have limited time in Sudan so I guess we will have to fly. Enjoy the pics.

stay off the paved road...
--craig