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 Carl Medearis with Sheikh Nabil Qawouk Hezbollah’s number two leader.
July 24th, 2011
01:00 AM ET
My Take: Why evangelicals should stop evangelizing
By Carl Medearis, Special to CNN Let’s do an exercise. I want you to fill in the blank on what you think you know about me based on what I’m about to tell you. Here goes: Twenty years ago, I became a missionary. My wife and I left our home in Colorado Springs, Colorado to move to Beirut, Lebanon. Our job description was to plant churches and evangelize to Muslims. Based on what I just said, Carl Medearis is a ______________ . Depending on your background, the blank may look something like this: Carl Medearis is a... hero of the Christian faith, a saintly super-man willing to sacrifice the comforts of home in order to share the love of Jesus Christ with those who have never heard the gospel. Or this: Carl Medearis is a... right-wing extremist who destroys cultures, tears apart families and paves the way for neo-colonialist crusaders to invade, occupy and plunder the resources of local populations.
Quite a range, isn’t it? For one group of people, the words “evangelist” and “missionary” bring to mind pious heroes performing good deeds that are unattainable for the average Christian. For another group, those same words represent just about everything that’s wrong with the world. I understand the confusion. Based on my experiences of living and traveling around the world, I know that religion is often an identity marker that determines people’s access to jobs, resources, civil liberties and political power. When I lived in Lebanon I saw firsthand how destructive an obsession with religious identity could be. Because of the sectarian nature of Lebanese politics, modern Lebanese history is rife with coups, invasions, civil wars and government shutdowns. When I tell my Christian friends in America that some of the fiercest militias were (and are) Christian, most are shocked. It doesn’t fit the us-versus-them mentality that evangelism fosters, in which we are always the innocent victims and they are always the aggressors. This us-versus-them thinking is odd, given that Jesus was constantly breaking down walls between Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, men and women, sinners and saints. That’s why we have the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jews in Jesus’ day thought of the Samaritans as the violent heretics, much the same way that Christians think of Muslims today. The idea that a Samaritan could be good was scandalous to first century Jews. Jesus was the master of challenging religious prejudice and breaking down sectarian walls. Why do so many Christians want to rebuild those walls? Even the Apostle Paul insisted that it’s faith in Jesus that matters, not converting to a new religion or a new socio-religious identity. What if evangelicals today, instead of focusing on “evangelizing” and “converting” people, were to begin to think of Jesus not as starting a new religion, but as the central figure of a movement that transcends religious distinctions and identities? Jesus the uniter of humanity, not Jesus the divider. How might that change the way we look at others? This is more than just a semantic difference. When I used to think of myself as a missionary, I was obsessed with converting Muslims (or anybody for that matter) to what I thought of as “Christianity.” I had a set of doctrinal litmus tests that the potential convert had to pass before I would consider them “in” or one of “us.” Funny thing is, Jesus never said, “Go into the world and convert people to Christianity.” What he said was, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Encouraging anyone and everyone to become an apprentice of Jesus, without manipulation, is a more open, dynamic and relational way of helping people who want to become more like Jesus — regardless of their religious identity. Just because I believe that evangelicals should stop evangelizing doesn’t mean that they should to stop speaking of Jesus. I speak of Jesus everywhere I go and with everyone I meet. As founder and president of a company called International Initiatives, my work is aimed at building relationships among Christian leaders in the West and among Muslim leaders in the Middle East. It may come as a surprise to many Christians that Muslims are generally open to studying the life of Jesus as a model for leadership because they revere him as a prophet. But now that I’m no longer obsessed with converting people to Christianity, I’ve found that talking about Jesus is much easier and far more compelling. I believe that doctrine is important, but it’s not more important than following Jesus. Jesus met people where they were. Instead of trying to figure out who’s “in” and who’s “out,” why don’t we simply invite people to follow Jesus — and let Jesus run his kingdom? Inviting people to love, trust, and follow Jesus is something the world can live with. And since evangelicals like to say that it’s not about religion, but rather a personal relationship with Jesus, perhaps we should practice what we preach. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Carl Medearis. soundoff (3,792 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 Next »
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Editor's Note: 
Perhaps the writer should have paid better attention to what Jesus actually said. Evangelicals are simply trying to obey the great commission. Jesus was a reality. What He said and what He did and who He said He was were and are realities. Islam is not a religion. It is a movement for world conquest. Its "god" is a Arabian pagan moon god. Evangelicals don't behead people who refuse to recognize Jesus. This article is a propaganda piece, which distorts truth.
never mind the fact that Judaism and Islam are 2 factions of the same base religion. Where they split is in the story of Isac and Ishmael.
"Evangelicals don't behead people who refuse to recognize Jesus. This article is a propaganda piece, which distorts truth."
Another finalist for the "Revisionist History Award" of the day....
Apparantly, you never read anything about when the Spanish came to Central and South America.
I do find it interesting that you would say the Islam is based on a pagan god. But, as a Christian, I guess you would be familiar with the concept of stealing attributes of other religions to form your own.
Please do some reading on the comparision of the story of the Egyptian God Horus and compare it to the story of Jesus.
Or.......... Are you like most Christians and just make up facts and claim truth without supporting evidence?
It is fair to say that, unlike some modern-day, Muslims, modern-day Christians do not behead people. Most of that bad stuff was centuries ago for Christianity, but it never stopped for Islam.
Any christian who is surprised at the fiercest militias being christian obviously hasn't read their history (or a newspaper) and doesn't really know what they 'believe' in and support. Yes, evangelicals do more harm than good. For all the hatred and violence religion has inspired, we'd be better off without any of it.
"Few arguments are more dangerous than the ones that 'feel' right but can’t be justified." -Stephen Jay Gould
Jesus mentioned in the bible that if he wanted to handle a situation (i.e. Do I think Jesus would carry a gun?) he could do it easily. His very words in scripture when Peter cut the ear off of a soldier in Gethsemane were... Don't you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? (Matthew 26:53, NLT) If you think about it, Jesus owns the greatest weapon of all and uses it through his faithful followers every day to drive evil from the most foul places of the Earth. If you are on the side of getting guns out of people's hands then work on getting them from people that abuse the power of the gun for home invasion, drugs and murder. I witness to people about my faith and always give them the freewill to do what they want because ultimately it is there decision. Do you think Jesus would support handing welfare out to able bodied people who take it out of the mouths of the genuinely needy?
above post meant to be in response to kida below
Seems to me that y'all have fogotten that God is love. The one we call God is not into religon or politics. Take words written down by man and use it to drawl lines in the sand, kinda sad really.
Jesus said "this..." or "that...". Come on! Nobody has a clue what "Jesus" actually said. Just to prove it to yourself, make up a story, tell it orally to your church going pals each Sunday and have your family and survivors do so for 75 years. Then have someone write it down. Then get it translated 100's of time as Western civilization, politics and churches denomination flourish. What was that story about anyway?
You shouldn't compare evangelicals and militias in countries where one's family is constantly under the threat of attack. I've known people from a Muslim majority nation who have lost brothers and neighbors, wives and children gone missing, to rioting violence where they are attacked with machine guns and machetes by large crowds and entire towns identifying with traditional Christianity burned down. When their country's government is unwilling to defend them until the press gets involved, the survivors are forced to organize and let the aggressors feel some of the pain that was inflicted by them. The same thing would happen here if the civil and military were unwilling to stop the violence and find perpetrators. Please don't say evangelism by missionaries and violence faced as a result is the same as the violence faced by communities that have been destroyed.
I believe in the separation of Church and Hate. Dear God, please protect me from your followers.
I thought this way such a powerful take on Christianity. Many Christians like to serve God in 'advisory role' but God does not need advisers as He is one, but those who obey to his asks. Carl's approach is based on his experience and that is something that sets him apart. Many will look at his words and have opposite views based not on knowledge and understanding but based on personal venting. Albert Einstein once said:"Condemnation without verification is the height of ignorance." If you think Carl is much off base, do the research, preach the word, gain experience and you will see that your conclusions might not be that much off from his. I know, I have come to understand the same in my recent years as I realized Jesus can run his kingdom, Holy Spirit will convert, and what I must do live in peace with all where possible so that I might have an opportunity to be the WITNESS, not the judge. Even apostle Paul realized that in his later years... He would say that he will do anything possible to have an opportunity to preach the word. He know, once he planned the seed, it was up to God to do the rest.
I respect religion and religious faith. But I have always felt (and said) that evangelism is fundamentally disrespectful. Under the apparently generous guise of "I want to share good news with you" lies the subtext "My religion is right and yours is wrong, so you must change." Great evil comes from treating others with this enormous level of disrespect.
So Jesus should not have evangelized? Maybe its not what they are doing, but how they are doing it.
Nope. It's not how they do it, it's that they do it. Period.
I work with a doctor who is an evangelical, and he treats the staff at all the hospitals he goes to like dirt. He is the ,most superior, condescending jerk you'll ever meet. Anyone with a brain doesn't listen to them anyway.
Letting the world know you're an evangelical is tantamount to awarding yourself the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. From what I've observed it seldom translates into displaying Christlike behavior towards your fellow man. These people are usually self-righteous, condescending, and rude.
@kida Yes, the Republicans may do things that are different from their so-called beliefs because America is a place of all peoples not just christianity. They have to make decisions for the entire country. They have to decide what is best, free, and just for all, not just those of christianity. To answer your other questions, Yes Jesus would support captial punishment, he is coming back one day and will judge everyone accordingly, some in hell, some in heaven. On Jesus and access to healthcare no he wouldn't want only the rich, but those with Jesus know that he is the best healthcare anyone can provide. On Jesus and War I would have to say absolutely yes. Do not forget the cities that the "angel of lord" destroyed when they were not doing what he wanted them to. Keep in mind this was after they multiple chances to redeem themselves.
This purpose of this column is to talk about how we can unite people, Paul. The author believes this was Jesus' greatest calling. How do you fit the issues you state here as a uniting methodology?
Evangelical is like the word "liberal" "Conservative" or "moderate" it only has a definition that has meaning when carefully defined. Talking to people about Jesus and encouraging them to follow him is, by my definition evangelism. If people get together to help each other in their quest to follow Jesus you have "church". Mr. Menear, was Paul wrong to disturb the "Pax Romana" with his proclamation of Jesus?
I filled in the blank with "stupid". If you believe in an invisible man living in the sky, you are stupid. Thats simple. And its ok. Not much we can do about intelligence. But we will never have peace anywhere until religion is abolished. Remember: Religion is the root of all evil.
You’re comment shows you are just as fanatical as those you are attempting to reticule. Your religion is just the absence of religion and you are a zealot who preaches your rhetoric. Think deeper and try again, I have faith you will get it!
Just because we don't have the ability to see God doesn't mean he doesn't exist. Many scientists believe there are more the three dimensions we're conscience of and live in. Try reading "Flatland", by Edwin Abbott for an analogous understanding (it's not a Christian or religious book). God is real and he lives in the heart and mind of every believer. By the way, I do that religion often is exhibited as evil. That's because the Christian faith is not about "religion", it's about a savior, it's not about what we've done or do, it's about what He's already done for us.
@M: I agree that many non-believers should think more logically before they comment. But, I do see Malbec's argument. Your beliefs form your actions. Your actions can and do affect others, and should be based on as much factual, verifiable evidence as possible. Many believers state that their faith is the root of the way they live their lives and how they treat others. Without verifiable evidencial support, they can use their faith to justify any action they wish.
The one point that believers have never explained to me is this........ burden of proof.
Those making claims must provide verifiable evidence to support their claims.
They have provided no verifiable evidence. This leaves one of two options. Either they cannot provide verifiable evidence, or they will not provide verifiable evidence. To claim knowledge and fact without this evidence is either ignorant or dishonest.
My apology, sir, I was not intending to ridicule you or anyone else. I have thought long, hard and deep about my belief in God and it wasn't until I was in my forties until I "got it". There is no explanation for a universe that was created from "nothing". Meditate and try to imagine an existence of anything that sprang out of nothing. I do have to agree with your comment about being a zealot because I am a zealot for Jesus. I do believe, however, that sharing and helping others understand about God is easier done by building relationships, not bashing people over the head with the Bible or religion.
Malbec you give athiest a bad name. I just want to let everyone know that not all of us are like that. I am an athiest, but I actually respect peoples beliefs and their right to have them.
We can't see air or gravity, either, but we know they exist!!!!
This artical is pure muslim propaganda. Go to any of the middle eastern countries and try to teach that Jesus is the Son of God.Muslims want tolerence for them selves but have none for any other religion. Their jihad is only an excuse to kill anyone who disagrees with them.They are brainwashed from childhood to be killing fanatics.Where do you think all of the suicide bombers come from?Ever heard of a christian or Hindu or Jewish SUICIDE bomber?
Thats exactly what I was thinking!
You've made up an ugly fantasy about this author. But based on what he really wrote, he's as negative about Muslim (or any other) evangelism as he is about Christian evangelism.
No, Christian terrorists have generally had better weapons, so they didn't have to commit suicide to be effective....The Irish Republican Army, Tim McVeigh, the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, European colonialism of N America, S America and Africa, the Slave Trade, the Reformation and Counter-reformation, The war of the Roses, the French and Indian War, the US conquest of the Pacific Islands, etc.
modern day Suicide bombing was started by Tamil Hindusin early 80s. World's earliest suicide bomber was Samson (a jew). Modern Christians and Jews kill unarmed civillians by their heavy weapons and call it collateral damage. War is terrorism of the strong against the weak and terrorism is war of the weak in response.
Carl Medearis has totally lost it. He's using his personal experience to twist Jesus' mandate to all REAL Christians. The Bible should validate our experiences not vice-versa. According to the Bible Jesus is THE only way, THE only truth and THE only life period. No amount of human rationalization or emotion can distort that. Jesus said if you love your friends, your relatives or yourself more than Him, you're not worthy of Him. Since Christ is THE only way to heaven, Christianity is the only means to prove your worth to God. I'm talking about the true Christianity based on the Bible, not the kind of "christianity" that flourishes today which is full of self-imposed doctrines and traditions. You must repent Carl Medearis, check if you're still in the TRUE CHRISTIAN FAITH or not.
lol....Fanatics are idiots.....anyone who says "Jesus" and "Christianity" are THE ONLY way to get to GOD and HEAVEN is just a fanatic pushing their beliefs on others...just as on EARTH it shall be as it is in HEAVEN...which means just as on EARTH there is always more than one solution to EVERY problem.....if you have a personal relationship with GOD, that is all it takes. If you thank him for your sustenance and apologize to him for killing animals and for other sins...then you are righteous. Christians make "GOD" seem like some EVIL guy in the SKY who is SO PETTY that if you don't follow the letter of the CHRISTIAN law you will be condemned to HELL...I don't believe GOD is EVIL like that....
This is a good article, gives me something to think about.
I grew up around religion and pretty much stayed away. Then one day I began following Jesus. Very refreshing and real experience. So all this makes perfect sense to me. A no-brainer.
Fun fact Evangelical were kicked out of England only to come to America and accuse other christian sects of witchcraft.... I'd say Evangelical are the cause of much of the suffering in the world...
I'd say greed for land, resources, power,and control is behind every conflict. Every national conflict. Name one where there was no transfer of them. It's not about religion. Religion is used as a tool to get what they really want.
Greed for land, resources, power,and control is behind every conflict. Every national conflict. Name one where there was no transfer of them. It's not about religion. Religion is used as a tool to get what they really want.
First off: I believe, following a book of any religion to heart is wrong and bad. This article and many other comments have already given examples why its wrong. Following any book written by anyone I believe is bad. If I went and wrote a book and called it the Bible, (John T. 1:1) states that you should give me all your lands and earthly possesions, follow me to the ends of the world and work for me for free. Does that mean you should? The Koran, The Bible, and any other book out there being followed to heart is bad, should I say that again?
Second: I believe every religion and any belief, may it be Muslim, Christian, Atheism, Hinduism should evangelize and spread there news. BUT!!!!!! If the person your evanglizing to tells you NO... it means NO, I dont want to hear about it I dont want to know about it, then leave that person alone and never harrass him again. Muslims and the Catholics are guilty of this, when a person tells them no, they either start a crussade or send a few suicide bumbers to get rid of those people. So yes continue to evangelize, both muslims and christians, but if that person does not want to hear it, PLEASE SHUT UP and go away.
I've never met A SINGLE LIVING SOUL who is religious and actually practices what they preach. Religion is a man-made way of controlling other people, and has almost nothing to do with God. If someone chooses to believe in God, it is a personal thing. Telling someone what they should believe (as most religious people do, especially Christians), is the most arrogant act I can think of. Our mind is our last freedom.
Don't even get me started on these stupid political parties (in particular the Republicans) who claim to be Christian and then act in a way that makes their so-called beliefs totally invalid. Do you think Jesus would have supported capital puinishment? Do you think Jesus would want only the rich to have access to healthcare? Do you think Jesus would endorse any war? Do you think Jesus would carry a gun?!
Complete BS.
Don't forget "family values". The guy who screams the loudest is always the in the freakiest marital affair (sometimes with another dude)..
Jesus mentioned in the bible that if he wanted to handle a situation (i.e. Do I think Jesus would carry a gun?) he could do it easily. His very words in scripture when Peter cut the ear off of a soldier in Gethsemane were... Don't you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? (Matthew 26:53, NLT) If you think about it, Jesus owns the greatest weapon of all and uses it through his faithful followers every day to drive evil from the most foul places of the Earth. If you are on the side of getting guns out of people's hands then work on getting them from people that abuse the power of the gun for home invasion, drugs and murder. I witness to people about my faith and always give them the freewill to do what they want because ultimately it is there decision. Do you think Jesus would support handing welfare out to able bodied people who take it out of the mouths of the genuinely needy?
You haven't met many religious people, then. Just preachy ones.