Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Offense, 21st Century Style.....


"Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Ps. 119:165.

As a part of my morning devotion yesterday, I read an essay from Al Mohler's book, "Culture Shift."  An excellent read, the essay speaks on today's culture of offendedness, and how it strays from historical viewpoints on the subject.  Mohler opens up the essay as follows: "A new and unprecedented right is now the focus of legal, procedural, and cultural concern in many corridors-a supposed right not to be offended."  I found this to be a striking statement in light of, not only my own experience, but in light of what Scripture teaches about such an attitude.

Proverbs 19:11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

From the tenor of the Bible, an offense is more than something said or done that evokes emotional discomfort.  Offense is a stumblingblock.  In his essay, Mohler references Christian philosopher Paul Helm who states, "Historically, being offended has been a very serious matter.  To be offended is to be caused to stumble so as to fall, tto fail, to apostasize, to be brought down, to be crushed."  Wow!  How far is this from what we experience in society today, when we have lawsuits because someone is "offended" that another wants to pray before a soccer game?  In many arenas, it appears that "I'm offended" is the new "I'm uncomfy."  These things ought not to be. 
 Jesus tells His Disciples in  Matthew 5:29, "If your right eye offends you, pluck it out and cast it aside."
in Matthew 18:6, Jesus is found giving a stark warning to any who might offend the "little ones" who believe in Him.  
In both these cases (and more; this is by no means exhaustive) "offend" means "causes you to sin."  Jesus did not have in mind the emotional comfort or discomfort of his subjects.  He had in mind the real meaning of the word offend.  The offense we hear so much of today is shallow, self-centered, and at its core, an affront to some key freedoms inherent within a democracy.  As Mohler quotes Salman Rushdie, "democracy is not a tea party where people sit around making polite conversation.  In democracies, people get extremely upset with each other.  They argue vehemently against each other's positions."
The point here is, if mere emotional discomfort or the provocation of negative feelings equals offense, then we are all in trouble; especially, as Mohler points out, regarding issues like free speech.
The proposed right to not be offended is evident in all spheres of life today.  Work, home, government, etc.
The fact that we as believers are charged by God with the sharing of His Gospel makes this ridiculous climate we live in all the more tricky to navigate.  How do we preach a Gospel that's promised to offend (as in cause to stumble, as Christ ALWAYS has those who don't believe) in a culture so bent on itself? 
What are your takes on offense? 
 Is being easily offended a sign of immaturity and/or selfishness? 
 Have you indeed seen the "Culture Shift" regarding what is deemed offensive and what is not? 
What should offend a Christian, if anything?
 Share your thoughts!  

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