a [gradual] change of perspective

So I've come to a realization. Christians (not all but way too many) aren't easy people to have constructive and intelligent conversations with on what are referred to as "hot-button" issues. Mention the words "sex," "homosexual," "abortion" or "democrat" (along with a handfull of others) to a Christian and we go into what I call "defense mode."

Imagine, if you will, a clip from the first Batman movie. At one point after Batman escapes from a burning factory, at the touch of his remote he shuts the Batmobile off and huge, impenetrable shields (which are built-in) wrap around its whole body to protect it. That is the picture I see when I think of our Christian "defense mode." The sad part is that Christians often times do this for the exact same reason Batman did it: protection. We don't want to hear anything of or from the secular, sinful, non-Christian world around us. But we aren't being protected, although we think we are. In fact, what we are really doing is stunting our spiritual growth. Growth comes from taking chances and being risky with our faith. We can't keep lying to ourselves. Although having a few non-Christian friends, I stay in my "holy huddle," as many do. I'd bet that most Christians would say the same thing.

But, I've been thinking, and I can't seem to move away from the thought that Christians cannot submit to engaging the world in this way anymore - and something drastic must be done. How can we expect to be Christ-like when we aren't showing the love of Christ to exactly the people who need it (people in the "secular" world that we want no part of)? We can't. We simply aren't fulfilling the action of becomming Christ-like if we don't engage the world. Conversations must happen, not just random shouting about "hell and heaven" with a tract thrown around here or there.

We are so hypocritical. How can Christians picket at abortion clinics with a clear conscience while being some of the most outspoken supporters of the death penalty at the same time? How can Christians rant about the Defense of Marriage Act when statistics clearly show Christians have some of the highest divorce rates in the world? I'm not standing up for or advocating against anything here. I'm simply saying we need to take things in perspective. How many of us as Christians actively try to form friendships with a homosexual, or an aethiest, or a homeless family? These are the people that need love. Many of them are waiting on us, on me. I hope that, day by day, I can take on the challenge of loving the ones that have been waiting on us and on God.