I note that the keynote speaker at this year's Baptist Assembly will be Shane Claiborne. Some may remember his early "circus theology" and his teaching on New Monasticism. Lately he has been strongly identified with Red Letter Christianity, and considered one of its main exponents alongside Tony Campolo and Jim Wallis plus other good ol' boys in the band.
Red Letter Christians (RLC) are keen on social action, environmental issues and ethical questions raised by 21st century Christians. They are particularly focused on the very words of Jesus in the Gospel, which are printed in red letters in some editions of the New Testament.
There are serious concerns about the theology that has been taught by the RLC and in the books by Shane Claiborne. It has been argued that one of the significant dangers is in the way RLC seem to detach Jesus from his Jewish (Hebrew/Aramaic speaking) context. Some of the RLC arguments from silence on certain ethical issues, such as homosexuality, are seen as questionable and even misleading.
Shane Claiborne strongly contends for Christian pacifism. He is against the death penalty, which is often carried out in the Bible belt states. It is used in many southern states, in Dixie where Shane hails from. Although he has worked for many years in South Philly, he has retained his southern accent and charm.
His Christian pacifism, although ardent, seems muddled and unrealistic in some of its devices, desires and designs. It raises many questions about the police, national defence, homeland security and counter terrorism, which are dealt with in a low resolution way. RLC make some important points on war and peace, but they seem to fail to provide solutions, policies, anti-terrorist protocols and adequate civil protection measures in an violent and dangerous world where malign military forces are at work.
I expect Shane to be challenging and engaging in his Baptist Assembly sermons and message. I wonder if Shane will be delivering some great googlies later this week.
This year the Baptist Assembly (BUGB) will take place online from Thursday 13 May until Lord's Day 16 May 2021.
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