Recently, I posted a piece on Frank Schaeffer's recent book, "Crazy for God". It was interesting to talk to a number of friends who challenged my decision to highlight a man, who many of my evangelical friends now refer to as a traitor to the right wing causes; causes which were oringinally birthed by folks like Francis Schaeffer and his son, Frank. Hmm, kind of a circle...
The Huffington Post is often used as a reference point to show how far "off" Frank may, in fact, be. Hmm...
Interestingly enough, the work of our hands at Vineyard Boise has been featured on that website. In a recent piece on that site, my good friend and pastor, Tri Robinson asks forgiveness of people for the work of the "judgmental, arrogant, mean-spirited, exclusive and self-righteous" attitudes of so many of us.
Bill Moyers (not an icon of the religious right, heh?) featured our work on his PBS special last year.
And I'm proud of that?
Sure.
Frank Schaeffer and Bill Moyers have voices that should be listened to. And dialog with them is always helpful. Always.
No one is asking you to believe everything they (or others) say or write...but to NOT listen to or read their work is self-limiting - and it's foolishness. Why would we NOT want to hear the comments of two men who have profoundly impacted this culture?
The argument that Francis Schaeffer has been dishonored is incorrect. Frank obviously loved his mother and father. Os Guiness' recent comments about Frank's teenage selfishness towards his parents is nothing. It was awkward reading what Mr. Guiness had to write.
So, as a conservative political GOP guy from the 70's and 80's and a leader of the religious right in Idaho in the 90's - as the first recipient of Club for Growth's initial Congressional Campain donations in the 2000 cycle, as the former (and briefly employed) Executive Officer of Brent Bozell's Parent Telelevision Council and as an ardent follower of Jesus, I love to read Schaeffer, Huffington and Moyers.
Why wouldn't you?
Den
PS: The alternative - of following Rush Limbaugh's desire to see Obama fail is inexcusable. Even Newt Gingrich sees that. Rush is ONLY an entertainer. If you want solid policy content, read his brother David. He's got some solid questions for Obama on his recent posting.
I believe that Rush will soon become the new Joe McCarthy of the emerging culture - many in the media will move in that direction. It is iteresting that Rush is a good friend with Brent Bozell and others who are, themselves, of that earlier era by birth and association. Well, let's just wait and see.
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