As I was reading on Facebook this morning I came across this report.
Ralph Drollinger, the minister who leads regular prayer and Bible study meetings with members of President Trump’s cabinet and members of Congress …. Drollinger’s comments about prayer were part of a discussion of separation of church and state. He says that while the Bible supports institutional separation—no state Church—it does not support “influential” separation. (http://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/leader-of-trump-cabinet-bible-study-god-only-hears-prayers-of-righteous-christians/)
Rev. Drollingmeer and Rev. Barber (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Barber_II) want the same thing, to influence the agenda of the government while maintaining an institutional separation. The difference between them is a polarity of Scriptural interpretation and application. It is a significant polarization. Rev. Drollinger identifies with the evangelical conservative theological portion of the Church. Rev. Barber identifies with the progressive theological portion of the Church. Historically, it can be argued that Rev. Dollinger's theological perspective is a more modern perspective, and Rev. Barber represents a more traditional and conservative perspective.
As I have stated in other instances, one of my seminary professors, Dr. Catherine Gunsalus Gonzalez, stated that one who truly is a biblical conservative will be a social liberal (progressive). Her reasoning, as I remember it, was true biblical conservatives take scripture so seriously as to not take it lightly. Biblical conservatives hear the word and the Word issuing a clear call to be on the side of the hungry, the lonely, the sick, the imprisoned, the widow, the orphan, the oppressed and the alien. These are themes which are unavoidable in the Hebrew texts, the Gospels, and Epistles.
Biblical conservatives, while giving thanks for the land in which they dwell, do not equate any land, nation or empire as "God's Chosen." To identify one's nation as "God's Chosen" is to make it an idol, and to become blind to its faults. Nor do Biblical conservatives look to a human governor, president or emperor as God's anointed one.
I admit I resonate with Rev. Barber's letter to the ministers who met with and prayed for President Trump while laying hands on him.
(https://thinkprogress.org/an-open-letter-to-clergy-who-prayed-with-trump-7876ee87dbc2). 1 Timothy 2:2 urges us to pray for those in national leadership. The act of "laying on of hands" is recognized as an act of blessing or setting aside particular calling. Of course, the pastors have responded. (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/living/religion/article162559693.html)
It seems we have the archetypal standoff between the court prophets and the prophets who stand outside the seats of political power.
Is it possible to be a biblical conservative, evangelical, and progressive Christian? I like to think so.
