Do you feel as though you either have to support or trash it?
I like this recent statement by Tony Campolo where he strikes a balance:
Most of us, if not all, would contend that we love America. We may call America “Babylon,” but we believe it’s the best Babylon on the face of the earth. Nevertheless, it is still Babylon, and we sense a call bidding us not to be conformed to this world.In Robert Webber's last book, Who Gets to Narrate the World, he affirmed a similar conviction. He critiqued capitalism and stated that one of the church's greatest inner dangers in the 21st century is complacency (largely the fruit of capitalistic or consumeristic values).
Although he simultaneously affirmed that (in his view) Capitalism might be one of the better social philosophies (or form of government) in the world at the moment, it can't be fully embraced without critique by a Christian if the Kingdom of God and the Values of Jesus is his/her's main worldview.
How do you balance your love and appreciation for the culture or country you live in with the honest critique that your values or faith lead you to have?
Do you feel comfortable living in the tension?
Are you comfortable stating where you do not agree while living within the benefits of what you do agree with?
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