Doing Justice and Loving Mercy: Compassion Ministries, Mentor's Guide, MG16

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D O I N G J U S T I C E A N D L O V I N G M E R C Y : C O M P A S S I O N M I N I S T R I E S

B. Different responses in Christian history in church-world relationships

1. The tradition of withdrawal : avoiding the error and lies of the world by maintaining a safe distance between ourselves and the world, 2 Cor. 6.15-18

2. The tradition of tension : we live within the world but exist in a strong tension with it, 1 John 2.15-17.

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3. The tradition of transformation : we are to take dominion over the structures of the world, because Jesus is Lord, we as believers are called to not only engage the world but conform its structures and orders to the Kingdom of God, John 17.9-16.

C. Should we strive to become Christian humanists (J. I. Packer); the case against:

1. “Dirt rubs off; clean never does:” engaging the world opens us up to the possibility of conforming to it, Rom. 12.1-2.

2. In trying to care too much for the world, you may wind up becoming friends with it, James 4.4.

3. Social activity, friendship without regeneration is a waste of time in light of the Lord’s imminent return.

a. Isa. 40.6-8