Following the leader
is more cult-like than anything that I've come across lately. Anyone seriously thinking about our society today has already the obvious examples of that on the mind. The two key-words for christians are humility and obdience to God after all.
Why are so many christians so sure about particular politician or country to support? Isn't it rather about following the example of Christ and not anyone else, nor even any nation or group in particular at all? Couldn't it actually be a real attempt to manipulate even God in his being?
Often I've wondered about this radical shift in the christian community out large, especially in the United States. Then I came across something in my on-going studies of theological matters...
In theology there's something called 'apostolic affirmation'. It's a process by which the authenticity and authority of a person or group, often in a religious context, is recognized and endorsed by an authoritative figure, such as an apostle or a council of elders. It's used to gather around the one person. Not my thing because who actually wants that as a true christian, is my own remark up front about that already.
Apostolic affirmation is often rightly criticized for being a form of self-focused, manipulative prayer rather than a humble submission to God's will. Critics argue that it can distort the purpose of prayer by implying that speaking certain words or maintaining a specific mindset can control outcomes, which is seen as a departure from biblical principles of God's sovereignty.
In short, there's a distorted view of God's sovereignty, an emphasis on too much self-focus, a real potential for deception and unrealistic expectations, and most of all a clear misuse of scripture.
What is needed now is still more of the same that's been needed for centuries past...
Instead of relying on affirmations, critics suggest focusing on studying Scripture, praying with humility and submission to God's will, and seeking to understand and align with God's purposes. It will emphasize a relationship with God that is based on faith, trust, and obedience rather than on manipulative techniques
Why are so many christians so sure about particular politician or country to support? Isn't it rather about following the example of Christ and not anyone else, nor even any nation or group in particular at all? Couldn't it actually be a real attempt to manipulate even God in his being?
Often I've wondered about this radical shift in the christian community out large, especially in the United States. Then I came across something in my on-going studies of theological matters...
In theology there's something called 'apostolic affirmation'. It's a process by which the authenticity and authority of a person or group, often in a religious context, is recognized and endorsed by an authoritative figure, such as an apostle or a council of elders. It's used to gather around the one person. Not my thing because who actually wants that as a true christian, is my own remark up front about that already.
Apostolic affirmation is often rightly criticized for being a form of self-focused, manipulative prayer rather than a humble submission to God's will. Critics argue that it can distort the purpose of prayer by implying that speaking certain words or maintaining a specific mindset can control outcomes, which is seen as a departure from biblical principles of God's sovereignty.
In short, there's a distorted view of God's sovereignty, an emphasis on too much self-focus, a real potential for deception and unrealistic expectations, and most of all a clear misuse of scripture.
What is needed now is still more of the same that's been needed for centuries past...
Instead of relying on affirmations, critics suggest focusing on studying Scripture, praying with humility and submission to God's will, and seeking to understand and align with God's purposes. It will emphasize a relationship with God that is based on faith, trust, and obedience rather than on manipulative techniques
