That was a wild ride! When I sat down the other day to draft the post on John Kerry’s misuse of James 2, I had no idea it would generate this much attention. The word of God is indeed powerful!
I was surprised — but pleased — by the onslaught of commentors and detractors. Based on the comments I’ve read from people on my own blog and other sites that took issue with my post, I stand accused of using the Bible to support a “conservative” position, when what I actually did was show that Kerry took James 2 out of context to support his opinion that George Bush is not “compassionate,” however one defines the word.
While I could have been clearer and more precise, I suspect some would still take issue with my assertion. Most critics responded with a barrage of philosophical arguments about government’s role in helping the less fortunate. My point, however, was that government social programs are not “fruits” of salvation. That’s it! That is my assertion. But no matter how clear you are, some will always come away with a different interpretation, just as they do with the Bible.
For example, most critics missed my point that James 2:14-17 does not pertain to governments. What Kerry implied in his “sermon” was that because George Bush is a Christian, he should be spending more of your tax money as a display of his “good works,” thereby proving his Christian compassion. That’s flat out unbiblical nonsense.
Some asked why I thought I was qualified to “speak for God.” Even a cursory reading of the Bible indicates that God calls all believers to share the Gospel and defend the faith. That’s our great commission, so yes, I am a spokesperson for God in that sense.
Others called me a hypocrite for asserting that government can’t do “good works,” while at the same time claiming that government should “work” to deter certain behavior through laws (did you follow that?). I made no mention of government’s role in dispensing justice and deterring certain behavior. Rather than disputing my argument based on Scripture, they added their own biases about my conservative political affiliation.
As I study Scripture and learn how to let the Bible interpret itself, I’m becoming more discerning of its misuse. Of all the unconstructively critical responses to my post, not one person, not one, reasoned from the Scriptures. Not one offered a biblical refutation of my claim that Kerry misapplied James 2. As I read negative responses to my post, I kept waiting — in vain — for biblical reasons why I’m wrong. All I got was opinion about how government should feed the poor.
There is one point I will concede. Writing “If Kerry were a Christian…” was inflammatory, and I should have phrased it differently. That statement obscured the point I was making and caused many people to veer off into diatribes about “who are you to judge another’s faith?” They are absolutely right. Only God knows John Kerry’s heart.
I read yesterday that the “Bush camp” criticized Kerry’s use of Scripture for political reasons. That’s not the issue. It’s not that he used it; he misused it. The White House should have either said nothing or come back stronger than that. It’s possible they did offer a reasonable response but the reporter chose not to include it in the story.
One thing that bothered me more than I thought was when some people kept referring to me as “Mr. Barber” or “he.” I always thought “La Shawn” sounded feminine. Maybe I should post a different headshot!
The most dishonest responses to my post were allegations that I believe works save. A careful reading of my post would dispute that. But let me say it loud enough for people to hear: I believe that we are saved through faith alone in Christ alone by grace alone. The effect of our salvation is good works, not the cause.
In closing, I want to address how the Bible should be interpreted. Rather than reading a verse and trying to make it fit our view, here is where we must begin:
1. What does the author say?
2. What did the author mean?
3. How would his/her original audience understand the text?
4. What does this text mean today?
And that’s only the beginning of developing a deeper knowledge and appreciation of a God so awesome and merciful as to forgive us worthless sinners.
