It is easy to be passive. Staying in a ‘Christian bubble’ is far more comfortable than swimming against the flow. Overly busy schedules, apathy towards situations etched in brokenness, and fear of rejection can all exacerbate passivity.
Dave Landrum is the Director of Advocacy at the
Evangelical Alliance. In his role, he hopes to encourage Christians to ‘
articulate a confident, distinctive and dynamic message for personal and social transformation across the nation.’
Dave is adamant that as Christians we need to respond to the present condition of our society. In response to the ever-widening gap in wealth inequality, family breakdowns and a liberalism in which ‘you can do what you like,’ we can provide hope.
We asked Dave to expand on this topic by answering some questions …
What do you think is the greatest threat to evangelical Christianity today?
I regard lukewarm Christianity as the greatest threat. People who self-identify as Christians but really aren’t.
What does an 'evangelical' mean?
I find the
Bebbington definition helpful, which includes biblicism, crucicentrism, conversionism and activism. In other words, an evangelical places an emphasis on the
bible, the
cross, the need to be
converted, and
mission. The missional dimension is important.
People are evangelical if they are compelled to tell people about Jesus. Doing so is the greatest act of love and kindness. An evangelical introduces people to Jesus.
How can we speak about our faith without seeming arrogant?
There are different missional contexts. For example, I go into Parliament where it would be inappropriate to talk explicity about Jesus. Only once a relationship is formed would it be right. If we have
intimacy with God, we are going to be joyous and reflect something of Him. It’s all about the Presence of God.
How can disagreement amongst Christians on topics such as sexuality or alcohol consumption, for example, be reconciled?
Christians don’t actually disagree on that many key issues; in fact, all things considered, I think that there’s incredible unity across Christianity. Ecclesiological issues such as the
debate over women bishops is denominational. In the EA we promote unity. There will always be controversial issues but the EA is a table around which we can gather and discuss, potentially agreeing to disagree. It’s not relativism. We balance unity with a need for truth.
Should the Church of England remain linked to the State?
The vision we have is for a public sphere in which the gospel is maximally proclaimed. If the link between the Church of England and the State facilitates that, then yes.
Do you have any stories about making a visible impact in the public sphere?
We partner with
Inspire Magazine who recently held an award ceremony in Parliament. I was struck by the couple who have set up a care home for those with terminal cancer. Both are blind, yet filled with the Holy Spirit.
Another example is a Christian solicitor I know who goes into prison cells to evangelize and support his cases.
How can we get involved in our community?
You could be on the local council, write for the newspaper, or submit an article about a church event. Despite what we might think, the media is open to the Christian perspective.
