Demythologizing the Gospel and my previous post

Recently I read an article that addresses many of the issues I raised in my previous post, “A criticism of modern Christianity as I see it”. The article is titled “Demythologizing the Gospel” and is authored by Rance Darity.

Darity begins his essay by quoting Luke 4:18, 19. He explains how the language of the passage has often been construed purely as spiritual, detached from the social implications. The “poor” are viewed purely as the spiritually poor; the “captives” solely as spiritual captives; the “blind” only as the spiritually deceived or ignorant; and the oppressed as merely those afflicted by Satan.

Darity asks, “Doesn't the gospel simply deal with what we hear in church about going to heaven, possessing assurance, and overcoming personal sin?” Darity continues by explaining the dichotomy conservative and liberal Christians sometimes create in interpreting the gospel and asks the important question, “Are we permitted to divide the social and spiritual sides of human existence and limit the concern of the gospel to one dimension only? Is the gospel spiritual, or is it social, or is it holistic?”

Darity sets out to answer his questions and present a “unified gospel that encompasses the spiritual as well as the social.” He continues by pointing out flaws within modern, typical understandings of the gospel that he labels as “myths.” He then presents solutions or alternatives to these myths. Many of them were similar or analogous to the four issues (or myths) I presented in my previous post. Here are the following myths he lists (keep in mind the descriptions are longer in the actual article itself):

1. “The central concern of the Christian faith is the salvation of individuals from eternal torment. ”
2. “The spiritual well-being of man is the premier concern of the gospel, and it is possible to water down the message if Christians expend too much effort in causes of social justice and economic development.”
3. “Since man's body is only physical and destined to perish, the soul of man is the primary concern of the gospel.”
4. “The Bible contains a simple plan of salvation for the evangelization of sinners. Evangelism is based purely one's ability to share the steps of Christ. Deciding for Christ and praying a sinner's prayer are the only assurance one needs of his conversion to God.”
5. “The gospel from Genesis to Revelation revolves around the issue of law and grace. The great question facing mankind is how man, the sinner, can find a gracious God. The task of evangelism is mainly to clarify the doctrine of justification by faith. Further, the proper confession of this doctrine is the issue by which the church stands or falls.”

Though the answers are fairly similar to my own (I hope), to see how Darity addresses the above myths, view his article on www.thepaulpage.com.