Pragmatism may be the dominant philosophy of the twenty-first century but it is not a new mentality. In fact it is at least three thousand years old: According to the psalmist, “Many are asking, ‘Who can show us any good?’” (Psalm 4:6). That is, most people want to know who will help them get the things of this world and give them peace of mind. But the psalmist says, “Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when grain and new wine abound” (Psalm 4:6-7). Nothing in this world can compare with seeing the light of God’s glory in the face of the eternal God-man. (Lundgaard, Through the Looking Glass , pp. 35-36) Harrison, team leader of iServe Africa, has long warned us that pragmatism is one of the most insidious threats to the Kenyan church. It is more subtle than a blatant prosperity gospel that promises perfect health and wealth if you ‘sow a seed’ (i.e. ‘give to my ministry’). Even...
Living and preaching at the foot of the Cross