From a pastor on twitter
"After listening to an hour of Christian radio— The positivity gospel is a close cousin to the prosperity gospel. Positive thinking theology minimizes our sin, belittles suffering, and undermines Scripture’s sufficiency. Positivity gospel is nothing more than baptized Hinduism.
I’m not saying—
1. All Christian radio DJs or music fit in this category. There are faithful DJs who speak clear gospel truth & many songs are faithful to Scripture.
2. Christians should be joyless, negative, & grumpy. We have the truest reason for joy—Jesus saved us from our sin!
I am saying... Always speaking “positively” and never saying what could offend or make me feel uncomfortable (like sin, hell or judgment) is something, but it’s not Christian. It’s not “family friendly” or “always encouraging” to only speak about happy things.
I am saying... Jesus came in “grace and truth" & his messengers should as well. Optimism apart from faith in Christ is a lie."
- Garrett Kell
posted by melilotnfosco | 9:31 PM
4 Comments:
Agreed! Sometimes we humans go too far with things; it's hard to find the balance, I suppose. (Is for me anyway.) But I sure find constant positivity exhausting and it can even inspire me to cynicism and greater grumpiness. (But I know, I'm responsible for how I react.)
I'm with you. It's not just annoying. It's unhealthy.
It also damages our testimony. When we preach the gospel of positivity, it gives people reason to question the truth of our gospel if they see us unhappy or despondent. And young believers question their salvation if they don’t feel joyful all the time. “I asked Jesus into my life - why don’t I feel different?” It’s a religion based on feeling, not truth.
But Jesus felt sorrow. He got angry. He questioned God’s plan. He experienced loneliness.
Yes, we have reason for hope and joy. But our salvation does not hinge on that.
Love that, hobsis; thanks! Of course, Jesus was also obedient, and I fail there, but I'm also reminded that "His grace is sufficient." (Thank God!)
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