I recently read a review of Kevin Roose's book The Unlikely Disciple. The book records the experiences of a student from Brown University who spent a semester at Liberty University. Roose, a liberal and non-Christian, decided to explore the "fundamentalist" world of Jerry Falwell's school and write a book about it. I have read the book and found it to be an intriguing read. However, that is not why I am writing. The issue I would like to focus on is the reviewer and an overarching problem I've observed.
The reviewer tears apart the book and accuses Roose of going too far with journalism. In addition, the review explains how Liberty is not a closed university that needs to be "infiltrated" in order to be studied. I have posted the link for the review below, if you'd like to read it for yourself.
http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2009/12/01/simply-juvenile-or-a-breach-in-journalistic-ethics/
I am concerned with the ways many professing Christians place moral standards on those who are living lives of sin. As in the review, many of those who are Christian (or politically conservative) are quick to lash out at those with differing opinions and perspectives. I am not condoning Roose's erroneous comments in his book. Nor am I attempting to agree with those who support abortion or other unbiblical practices. However, Roose and those in the spotlight of the pro-choice movement are not believers in Jesus Christ!
What are we to expect from those who have not placed faith in Jesus Christ and received the grace of God? Every individual is a sinner. The sinful nature of man leads one to lie, reject truth, and promote anti-biblical values. Those of us who follow Christ should not be surprised when a non-believer acts in a way contrary to that of the believer.
I thank God for His grace and mercy as revealed through the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. Through the blood of Jesus Christ I have been led to salvation from eternal damnation and a life of repentance. To God be the glory!
I fundamentally disagree with those outside the church. Any choice or lifestyle that contradicts the teachings of God as found in the Bible is sin. Roose is wrong by making false assumptions. Planned Parenthood is wrong for promoting the murder of children. The list of wrongs can go on and on. The point is: Sinners sin.
The follower of Christ should confront sin and spread the message of Jesus Christ. Such actions should be practiced in love rather than malice. I find it ridiculous how many Christians tend to chastise those outside the church committing sin while ignoring those living in sin within the church. Sin must be addressed. With that there is no doubt. Nonetheless, let us address it with the Word of God and love, not bashing reviews and hateful condemnation.
