An African bishop tells North American Christians the most helpful gospel-thing they can do.
Interview by Andy Crouch | posted 7/01/2006 12:00AM
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The situation in America and Africa is not so different. Recently, an American evangelical leader said to me, "In a few years' time, it's going to be very difficult for anyone who wants to be a disciple of Jesus in America." But I said to him, actually, no, it is very difficult now. If you are truly a disciple of Jesus, it is very difficult. The same is true in Africa. When I speak in some countries where Islam is powerful, they shout me down. The Bible says, "When somebody strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek"—but they ask me, "What happens when there are no more cheeks to turn?"
Whether in Africa or America, the Cross is not an easy place to be—it is the symbol of our faith, but we do not love the Cross. "Come down from the Cross" is the cry not just of the Jewish leaders; it's the cry even of us Christians. We want Christ to come down from the Cross. We don't like the Cross.
The Christian Vision Project—For Newbies
As part of Christianity Today's 50th anniversary celebration, the Christian Vision Project is spending three years asking big questions about culture, mission, and the gospel, and highlighting Christian leaders who model faithfulness, creativity, and commitment at a crucial moment in the history of the church. This year the focus is on culture, next year on missions, and the final year on the gospel. Through essays, interviews, and documentary video, we want to stimulate a conversation in the church about its mission in the 21st century.
If you've just begun subscribing to CT, you've already missed some splendid essays. And if you are not a subscriber to sister publications Books & Culture or Leadership, you've missed others. Not to worry. To read previous essays and interviews, check out www.christianvisionproject.com, and starting in the fall, come back for video clips from interviews with many of the authors. —Andy Crouch, editorial director
The Conservative Humanist | Those who are pro-life and pro-family should have no problem being pro-human. (April 21, 2006)
Loving the Storm-Drenched | We can no more change the culture than we can the weather. Fortunately, we've got more important things to do. By Frederica Mathewes-Green (March 3, 2006)
How the Kingdom Comes | The church becomes countercultural by sinking its roots ever deeper into God's heavenly gifts. By Michael S. Horton (Jan. 13, 2006)
Inside CT Better Than a Cigar | Introducing the Christian Vision Project. By David Neff (Jan. 13, 2006)
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