While I don't take specific issue with Focus on the Family, or its head, James Dobson, I do wonder whether their strategies are effective, or even helpful. I am growing increasingly wary of overt political involvement, especially in the espousal of having prayer in schools, for example, since it'd be a hollow victory if even it was gained.
The means of affecting change has been, and will always be, Christ and His church. Imagine, if you will, if that $138 million, and the untold millions raked in by similar ministries, were divested instead to the struggling churches throughout the world? What if we took our monies and focused on God's family, not our own, to "make His name known among the nations" (Psalms 67:2), giving instead to solid missionary works? Even in my own (beloved) denomination, we could invest even more monies in missionary endeavors if there weren't so much overhead and administrative costs.
Of course, that begs the question whether the churches would step up and advocate for the family, for missions, etc. However, in my experience, a need can't be met unless it's a grave one, and if these parachurch organizations were to pull out, I fully suspect that God's people would step up and be His ambassadors through His church.
In my humble opinion, for what it's worth.
Great thoughts! Our efforts for reform directly through the government are mostly in vain and miss the heart of the issue. The hope lies in Christ work through His church and the best thing para-church organizations could do would be to invest their resources in equipping and assisting the churches. I one heard a para-church org leader quoted as saying his main goal for the organization was that it would no longer be necessary. Good thoughts!
ReplyDeleteNo need for the disclaimer about not trying to pick on Focus on the Family. This still is a direct shot at the organization. As much as I have learned about marriage and parenting from Focus, they seem to completely miss the point so often.
ReplyDeleteRegarding your point, including the thoughts from some previous posts, Molly and I have been pondering a new ministry opportunity that you may think helpful. I'll share with you another time.
Good post. You should read Chapter 3 (I think) in The Brothers Karamazov. One of the brothers (Ivan) had written an article about how the Church should stop trying to change nations from the top down and focus on influence from the bottom up. It's a lot like what you're talking about.
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