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Pastor Rightly Wins Out on Religious Views May 13, 2003 What is a Christian conservative? In light of a church controversy involving a local clergy member, a clear answer might be trickier than you think. Although disagreements exist among conservatives in the political arena, overarching themes of limited government, a strong national defense, free enterprise and traditional social values unite the conservative movement. But attacks on a Lutheran pastor, due to his actions during "A Prayer Service for America" held at Yankee Stadium just 12 days after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, raise questions about being "conservative" in the Christian sense. The Rev. David Benke serves as president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's Atlantic District, which covers Long Island, New York City and parts of upstate New York, and as pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Brooklyn. For praying among both Christians and non-Christians at the Yankee Stadium gathering, a small group in the Missouri Synod brought various charges, including syncretism (professing, contrary to Christian theology, that all religions basically are equal), against Benke. In reality, though, Benke's prayer was unmistakably Christian, and concluded: "In the precious name of Jesus." Benke also had the permission of the Rev. Gerald Kieschnick, president of the entire Missouri Synod, and the support of a church resolution to speak at the event. Nonetheless, the charges went forward, and in the initial decision, Benke inexplicably was found guilty and suspended last summer from his district president duties. But common sense prevailed, as it was announced yesterday that Benke won his appeal. The burdens on him, his family, congregation and district finally have been lifted. Interestingly, so-called "conservatives" in the church brought the charges against Benke. During this controversy, Benke found it necessary to defend himself against charges of being an "East Coast liberal" by declaring his theologically conservative positions on key issues. For example, Benke is pro-life. He also subscribes to "the proposition that the Bible is the Word of God," the idea that "good doctrine is the fount and source of outreach," and believes in "engaging the world with the Gospel of Hope." So what's the problem for religious conservatives? Well, looking at Benke's words and deeds, there shouldn't be a problem. The real trouble lies with some self-proclaimed "conservatives" in the church, who in reality turn out to be nothing more than isolationists. As Benke told me yesterday, "There's a difference between being a conservative and a reactionary point of view." Referring to the charges against him, Benke said: "This does not represent Lutherans at all, nor conservative Christianity." Should Christians spread the Gospel or exclusively preach to the choir? If Christians believe they have the truth, they have a responsibility to get the word out. Jesus clearly commanded: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." (Matthew 28:19). Doing so takes tact and courage, however, particularly in a time when relativism is so pervasive, and political correctness frowns on religious debate and discussion. But it seems to me that the clergy, in particular, have no higher calling. It is hard to imagine a more appropriate opportunity to reach out than at the Yankee Stadium event for victims of 9/11 that was beamed to television sets around the world. A liberal churchman would have avoided the name of Jesus, not wishing to possibly offend anyone. The isolationist either would not have attended or, if he did, would have had to attack other belief systems to avoid charges of syncretism. A brave Christian would have stood strong in his faith and boldly, but responsibly, declared the love and hope offered by Jesus Christ. Benke said to me that religions should be able to "make exclusive claims in an expansive way," that is, "done in an attitude of gentleness and respect." While conservative Christians disagree on biblical interpretation and doctrine (though still praying for church unity one day), they should agree on the need to tell all about the Good News in a caring manner. That's what Benke did. Benke's actions, and the subsequent woes inflicted upon him, serve as reminders of the often-difficult challenges and responsibilities that come with the religious life. Raymond J. Keating serves as chief economist of the Small Business Survival Committee. He can be reached at rjknewsday@aol.com. Copyright (c) 2003, Newsday, Inc. This article originally appeared at: http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/columnists/ny-vpkea133280201may13,0,2311085.column |
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