17AR22-41

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AR 22:41 - The unexpected legacy of 20th-century Protestant missions

In this issue:

CULTURE - "the libertarian-leaning belief system of Silicon Valley has practically become dogma"

MISSIONS - "'missionary-connected,' ecumenically-minded white Protestants shaped public life in America more profoundly than has previously been recognized"

WORD-FAITH MOVEMENT - from the prophetic camp of Kenneth Hagin deep into the eclectic tribe of Thomas Merton

Apologia Report 22:41 (1,361)

November 15, 2017

CULTURE

The Know-It-Alls: The Rise of Silicon Valley as a Political Powerhouse and Social Wrecking Ball, by Noam Cohen [1] -- "A study of Silicon Valley technology titans and how their narratives of success have influenced political, social, and economic discourse. In a fairly short period of time, roughly 25 years since the internet became accessible to private development, the libertarian-leaning belief system of Silicon Valley has practically become dogma. ... Aside from their libertarian narrative of success, a chief principle of their belief is disruption. The concept has become so ingrained in contemporary culture that it has even infected politics...." Cohen <www.goo.gl/LutmMR> "shows how the cult of personality for tech entrepreneurs developed out of a 'combination of a hacker's arrogance and an entrepreneur's greed' and they have selfishly exploited technological advances for personal gain. Beginning with researcher and early artificial intelligence advocate John McCarthy, the author devotes each chapter to a specific CEO or mega-investor - including Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft's Bill Gates, Amazon's Jeff Bezos, and Google's Sergey Brin and Larry Page - and takes aim at the toxic mythmaking that legitimizes the often underhanded business practices, questionable ethics, and self-aggrandizement. By exposing the fragile veneer of their exorbitant wealth, Cohen helps chip away at the power these men (another crucial quality) have carved out for themselves. An enlightening breakdown of how Silicon Valley billionaires have shifted popular discourse in their favor." Kirkus, Sep '17 #2

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MISSIONS

Protestants Abroad: How Missionaries Tried to Change the World but Changed America, by David A. Hollinger [2] -- "Religious historian Hollinger <www.goo.gl/3fS5zR> argues persuasively that 'missionary-connected,' ecumenically-minded white Protestants shaped public life in America more profoundly than has previously been recognized. Between the late 19th century and World War II ... ecumenical Protestant denominations were particularly active in the Middle East and Asia. Having spent years in the field, these faithful returned to the United States with personal stories and political perspectives that shaped both cultural attitudes and public policy regarding regions of the world that most Americans would never visit. Hollinger posits that ecumenical missionaries worked to shift their approach from conversion to humanitarian efforts and focused on providing educational, medical, and other services to indigenous populations. This generation of Protestant missionaries, Hollinger suggests, were eclipsed by younger generations with more missionary zeal and turned to secular postmissionary service work in government, education, and nongovernmental organizations, where they continued to be involved in humanitarian causes. Thoroughly researched and well crafted, this is a reminder of the influence that liberal, cosmopolitan Protestant intellectuals have had on American life." Publishers Weekly, Sep '17 #2

Also see the detailed review by John Kaag in the Wall Street Journal, 10 Nov '17 <www.goo.gl/BKvzg3>, in which he declares that "20th-century American history cannot be told without understanding the place of Protestant missions abroad."

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WORD-FAITH MOVEMENT

How's this for a book promo that's sure to grab apologists: "Why would the pastor of a large and successful church risk everything in a quest to find a richer, deeper, fuller Christianity? In Water to Wine [3], Brian Zahnd <brianzahnd.com> tells his story of disenchantment with pop Christianity and his search for a more substantive faith." That's what got me (RP) started along this spectrum of contrasts. Here is the story of someone who lost his first love, yet was unaware of it for years. Had that first love matured? How soon can it be mature while near its birth ... or upon its recovery?

Zahnd summarizes his decision: "By restricting my Christianity to the narrow confines of modern charismatic evangelicalism, I suffered from a self-inflicted theological poverty." He offers significant insights that can be more broadly applied. For Zahnd, being a Christian had become something mostly done alone. This way, the need for certainty often becomes crippling. This condition reverses as one moves more deeply into the community of faith.

Another insight is that the paths of one believer and another may often cross, but they are rarely parallel. Zahnd is the ultimate example of this. His path swings from the prophetic camp of Kenneth Hagin, then deeply into the eclectic tribe of Thomas Merton; from charismatic abandon to uncritical mysticism.

He writes: "A Christianity that has no room for the mystics can expect to be ignored...." "Religion has always been about the search for meaning, and as long as it follows the path of love, it's on the right track." "We have our scriptures; we have our creeds. These are sufficient to keep us safely within Christian orthodoxy. But [we can] also learn from the wise poets and sages of aboriginal spirituality who can teach us much that has been forgotten. ... Either we become mystics, or it won't be long before we are nothing at all." A sense of spiritual annointing has been replaced by condescension and arrogance.

Thus it seems likely that after finishing the book, most of our readers will feel that Zahnd has strayed too far as he swung away from his past. Yet, there is much to be learned from those, who, trusting they are right where God wants them, will cast aside what restrains their progress, and take the next step by faith in His leading. Zahnd models waiting patiently on the One who is faithful while growing ever more at peace with the unexpected.

Where our unity is greater than our differences, where there is freedom to fail, learn and wait upon Him - or not - is a good place to be. In this way it is not difficult to trust Him to continue leading Zahnd. I write this cognizant of how apolojedi types may be jaded, probably less surprised when we notice someone stray from the path.

Again, our Master is faithful. I would do well to be as hungry as Zhand for His leading. Having been introduced to Zahnd here, it is easier to have confidence in Him who demands our humble longing for His hand upon our tomorrows.

It is ironic that my introduction to Zahnd came by way of a library book. Its previous user appeared to enthusiastically endorse the text. Many pages had been spoiled by the person's lines of selective underscore.

Even more ironic is the likelihood that I am fully capable of doing the equivalent as soon as I become sufficiently distracted myself. Both Zahnd and I will continue on our journey. Perhaps we shall yet meet each other at some midway marker.

There is such a thing as Spirit-designed disaster, even failure. Certainly trusting Him must acknowledge and make allowances for this possibility in our future as well - and with this in the lives of those we love.

"If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing - you're at least decent to your own children. And don't you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?" Luke 11:13 -- The Message New Testament

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SOURCES: Monographs

1 - The Know-It-Alls: The Rise of Silicon Valley as a Political Powerhouse and Social Wrecking Ball, by Noam Cohen (New Press, 2017, hardcover, 224 pages) <www.goo.gl/X3CZ6j>

2 - Protestants Abroad: How Missionaries Tried to Change the World but Changed America, by David A. Hollinger (Princeton Univ Prs, 2017, hardcover, 408 pages) <www.goo.gl/rKsWdN>

3 - Water to Wine: Some of My Story, by Brian Zahnd (Spello, 2016, paperback, 204 pages) <www.goo.gl/nV5pqT>

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