Authority and Affirmation

I happened across an interesting blog today, For God's Sake Shut Up! After reading a few posts, I decided to post a comment, as well as an affirmation of the blogger's efforts:

Brian, your definition of (or perhaps more accurately, your interpretation of Moore's definition of) "patriarchy" as "male hegemonic rule" fired-off a few synapses, reminding me of a specific word: Authority.

I have had the pleasure and torment of knowing several individuals whom were reared upon / indoctrinated into the teachings of entities such as Bill Gothard's Institute in Basic Life Principals. Only when I was invited to a "Basic Seminar" and left in disgust halfway through the second session, did I begin to do research on the organization.

The perversion of authority - descending into authoritarianism - is endemic today, both on the political Left and Right. But it is most immediately destructive in families. It is especially perverse that the IBLP, which was initially created supposedly to solve problems with children, often causes far greater problems. What greater problem is there for a child on the precipice of true, saving faith in God, than to turn his back on God never to accept His gift?

I welcome your efforts here, as I've often found myself internally recoiling at the dogmatic and often wrong statements of those who would presume to speak for our Lord and Savior. I am reminded of the title of a book I once saw, but have yet to read: Following Jesus Without Embarassing God. Perhaps you've read it?

Generally, I have found those critical of more politically conservative Christians, while calling themselves Christians, tend to focus on the politics of those they criticize, rather than their manner of following Christ. This tends in my view to undermine their "Christian" arguments. Such is why I am more heartened to see your blog. I am glad also to see a link to Al Mohler's exceedingly excellent blog. This tells me that no matter where your actual political bent may take you, you are sensitive to the persuasion of a great argument, which Mohler often makes.

Some friends and I started a blog a few months ago, appropriately termed Reasonable Nuts, in order to bandy-about notions we think should be discussed. Sometimes I stray with what I find interesting, as my other blog has been less-than-online for a while. But generally, we like to offer up topics that need some investigation. We have a couple of more conservative Christians and a couple more libertarian, such as myself. We haven't added any distinctly liberal friends, but one is coming to mind who I may ask. I usually invite based on an ability to communicate effectively rather than a specific political bent.

I'll be reading your blog and look forward to your interpretation of events and ideas.