Centerfield

I agree that the Left Behind series is a bit, well, off. What makes me worry about it the most is that some seem to take it as a replacement of the bible, which it is not. It is fiction, a story, two men's theory of one of the most complicated chapters of the Bible. A chapter, mind you, that some theological scholars argue should not even be in the Bible because of it's complexity, and also due to it's use of symbolism, it can be interpreted in a variety of ways in order to ignite a certain emotional reaction out of certain impressionable individuals. I would argue that the Left Behind series is a good example of this.... Follow our interpretation of God's law or you will, well, get left behind... Oh, and by the way, you have until next week to do it.

However, I am a bit worried about your question, Rick. What is it about one's religous beliefs that determines their the political ideology, whether it be centrism or not? As a centrist, I would argue that your political views and your religous views are just that: seperate. Like the good Governor of California so eloquently stated, to Steppy on ABC a couple of weekends ago, we shouldn't be mixing the two. I would think that even the most conservative of evangelicals who take the Left Behind series word for word, could also be moderate politically, as well as aethiests, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, etc., etc...

We are possibly in the end of days moreso than any other time in history.

I gotta admit, that brought a chuckle. Since we haven't hit the "end of days" yet and time seems to be linear, it kinda follows that we're closer now than ever before! :-)

I guess they go up to heaven in the dress of Adam and Eve.

But don't go getting any dirty ideas. No hanky-panky in heaven, I hear. Strictly spiritual and platonic. OK, I shouldn't mock, but I do get a smile out of some of the odder intepretations of scripture. Particularly Revelation, which was not accepted into the canon for centuries, whose true author is not really known (but is almost certainly not John the Apostle, as normally attributed) and which has so many differing interpretations that you can read anything you want into it.

I guess the "middle" they're speaking of is some way to reconcile all their conflicting beliefs and realities. Or at least to bring them into an equal balance of tension.

It is certainly true that the political and religous spectrums don't map easily. However, I genuinely don't know what spectrum the blog in question thinks it's in the center of.

Hey, c'mon guys, give her (I think Stacy is a her) a break. First, note only 58 visitors so far, so its new 2) Hey, its a blog. Don't we know by now that bloggers self-perception can be out of sync with the general "virtual" public. 3) Note she mentioned Jim Wallis's book and didn't editorialize (i.e. suggest it was too left-leaning). So in that instance she attempted to point toward an important Christian book that's not stridently right-wing, in fact left of center.

Finally, "end times" theology has always been controversial within the church. It is always susceptable to ridicule. The essential Christian message is that we should always be prepared "to meet our maker". As Jesus said we are not supposed to know "the hour or the day". The bigger issue in that post (that she unfortunately didn't discuss) is the large market of christian books that's ignored by the mainstream media. The "Left Behind" series is a good example (I've never read any of them). Another great example is Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life". It's a pretty non-controversial book about a Christian orientation toward life. It's first key statement is "Its not about you". This book has sold millions and yet rarely gets mentioned. I guess its not "right wing Christian" enough to get MSM coverage.

So anyway, give her a break. She's trying to establish a voice for the non stereotypic "right wing Christian" (at least I hope she is).

The title is FaithCentrist, not political centrist. The blog is claiming to be a centrist in (christian) religious circles.

The Left Behind series has been read by a number of folks I know who are 'centrist' in their religious beliefs (not rabid anti-gay, 'abortion is a private issue', spotty church attendance, etc.) but are very republican.

It's a faith blog, so it's hard to define what "centrist" is in terms of faith--there are so many variations.

While many wouldn't consider the "Left Behind" series mainstream, the number sold should indicate that someone is reading them. I can't say that I have, but I do my best to be respectful of others faiths--as long as they aren't using it (faith) as a billy club to beat down others.

Maybe the problem has more to do with "centrism." By defining a political ideology by its position on a spectrum, it is always relative to the spectrum itself. It cannot genuinely define itself, but rather is always defined by its relationship to other positions.

Maybe centrism ought to be--or maybe it is already--more of an attitude towards politics, rather than a political theory.

As a child of Baptist parents who grew up in a conservative Baptist home, welcome to Rapturespeak, Rick. The Rapture is how these folks attempt to get you "scared straight".

I remember one particular Sunday night my church showed a film about the Rapture. People left their cars from the freeway causing massive accidents. Teachers evaporated from classrooms along with portions of the student body. Dogs and cats were left in the street, their owners having disappeared, taken by Christ.

But the scariest part of the film was a young girl whose parents had left her. She was a teenager and hadn't accepted Christ as her Savior. She was left alone in her house to fend for herself, both parents having been Raptured.

At the end of the film, the whole thing turns out to be the girls' dream. She repents her sins immediately and accepts the Christ. Better to be safe than sorry, eh?

Carla,

I saw that movie! LOL!