What is the Gospel? (Part 2)

Scot McKnight asked a while ago whether the gospel was misunderstood by rank and file evangelicals.  He specifically pointed to Luke 4:18-19 which speaks about the poor, about captives, about the oppressed.  The suggestion was that for most evangelicals the gospel is defined in terms of “personal salvation”, where we are individually saved from our own sins and benefit as individuals in a spiritual sense, when the more “robust” gospel is about the “kingdom” here and now, righting of wrongs, healing of wounds, mercy, justice and liberty.  

It is  not my intention to hammer Dr. McKnight, but to push back on the emphasis.  The so-called "soterian" gospel of personal salvation is indeed worthy of some scrutiny.  But so is a gospel that suggests that the effects of grace in the here and now should be the primary focal point of "gospel".(More)

What is the Gospel?

Back to theological issues, I've been observing from a distance discussions about the meaning of the Gospel in evangelical circles.  Everybody talks about "the gospel" in evangelical circles, but like a lot of words or phrases that are used again and again, there is an assumption that everybody agrees on what the term means.  So I think the discussion itself is not a bad idea.  (More)

Post Racial America

Two interesting takes on race relations in America.

For Jamie Foxx it is all about race. While starring in a movie that uses the "N" word over 100 times, reportedly, Foxx (who is a truly talented actor) mentions the indignity of finding that a photo shoot is stocked with snacks of Ritz crackers and cheese.  (For the record, I'm a northern raised, white male and I ate my share of Ritz crackers and cheese growing up - not even aware there was some sort of issue with that one.  And yes, I love fried chicken and watermelon.)

For Robert Griffin III it is not about race.   After being called a "cornball brother" by a black ESPN commentator and accused of being "not really down with the cause, he's not one of us", Griffin says he refuses to be defined by his race.  His sins against the black community?  Apparently inter-racial dating and rumors of having Republican leanings.

Which of these examples best exemplifies a post-racial America?