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Christianity Today, May, 2007 |

Holy to the Core

We're tempted by moralism because we've forgotten what God wants at the center.

Joel Scandrett | posted 5/09/2007 08:50AM

For many american evangelicals, "holiness" conjures up musty images of revival meetings, gospel trios, and old-time religion—along with stern prohibitions against drinking, dancing, and playing cards. ...

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Jon White

Posted: May 15, 2007 11:33 AM

I think this is an EXCELLENT article. The main point, that holiness equates with dedication of self to God, hits the bullseye. A person who is continually dedicating himself to God will act morally simply as a supernatural consequence of living a dedicated life. And this main point does stand in stark opposition to today's idea of an American as being the master of his own soul and destiny, almost a Ulysses-type of character who sees the world as his oyster and even defies the gods to do what he desires. But today's idea of an American is not at all that which George Washington or Thomas Jefferson envisioned. They envisioned a man who had liberty which was constrained by his responsibilities to God (yes, even Jefferson thought this) and to his fellow countrymen (what we today call "society".) Jesus said "You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free", & it is in this context that Washington and Jefferson thought o liberty: subordinate to God and His morality.

Nicole

Posted: May 15, 2007 8:27 AM


I enjoyed reading this! I grew up in a very legalistic "holiness" church and I have been trying to understand the meaning of holiness all my life. I felt the words in this article spoke to me in a very personal way. I will share it with my family and friends.

Tom Gozinske

Posted: May 10, 2007 8:48 AM


Doctor Scandrett nails it. We, as a society, have lost our God-core and, instead, substituted the god-core of self and narcissim. We take ourselves way too seriously and try to do everything under our own power. It is only through dedicating our entire being to doing God's will that we can truly turn back to Him and glorify Him. Life isn't about us, it's only about God and His Son Jesus!

Brenda~

Posted: May 09, 2007 7:19 PM

Good point that our holy status is credited to us because we are one with Jesus and that holiness means we are set apart because we belong to God. I liked the reminder that we really can't take credit for, or be self-righteous about, our own holy actions, because for our actions to be holy, they must be prompted by the Holy Spirit. I'm not sure what Mr. Scandrett means when he mentions the trap of moralism? Is he referring to political activism or private judgementalism??? I really don't like the implication that Jesus abandoned the "rule book". Jesus said "I have not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven" Mt5:17,19. My remedy for judgemental pride is to compare others' blindspots and what motivates them to sin to my own sets of sinful inclinations. This way I can associate with them in an effort to mutually overcome immorality.

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