The Apostle Paul summarized the gospel message by which we are saved by stating that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. (I Corinthians 15:1-4)
On Easter Sunday morning millions around the world will celebrate the fact that Jesus saved us from our sins, but sadly the societal benefit of what He did by going to the cross and rising from the tomb has been lost in identity politics.
You probably didn’t see that coming. But neither did I.
Matt and I were sitting in a lecture on “The Heresy of Identity Politics” at the Touchstone Conference last October when Easter and politics unexpectedly came together for me.
Joshua Miller had been explaining how in identity politics the traditional division between liberal and conservative has been replaced by transgressors and those who are innocent. And while liberals and conservatives can often work together for the good of society through cooperation and compromise, there can be no discourse between transgressors and those who insist they are at least innocent, if not actually victims of current or even historical transgressions.
At the conference I picked up Joshua’s book, American Awakening, and came to a better understanding of identity politics, and, more importantly, the only solution. The bottom line is that we have totally abandoned a biblical understanding of human nature, and are looking for a scapegoat to blame for all the ills of our society.
Until we recognize that none of us are innocent, and that we are all sinners, the dividing line will remain. And until we come to understand that the price has been paid for our sin, and forgiveness for everything is possible through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, there is no hope for a much needed American awakening.
God Bless, Rick
Chatham Christian Church 