I was listening to the radio and heard an interchange concerning airport security. The topic was the use of pat-downs by TSA personnel for those who refuse to be subjected to the body scanners. The guest in the talk show was a woman who has experienced sexual abuse and she talked about how the pat downs made her feel traumatized again. On the phone line was a woman who basically said that the guest was overreacting and talked about the importance of security to save lives. The guest made an interesting retort. She said that Christians should stand with those who are vulnerable in society, including victims of abuse. Although that is true, it is problematic that the guest seems to imply that a "Christian" perspective would oppose the pat-downs.

   I have heard people say that their view is the "Christian" perspective. This is a subtle way to quell any dissent. The motivation behind finding a "Christian" perspective may be a real desire to honor God, not intentionally quelling dissent. Nevertheless, there are two problems with the search for a "Christian" perspective.

     First, when the Apostle John told the audience of his letter to test the ideas of the day to see if they are in line with God's revelation, he was not talking only to church leaders. He was talking to a congregation. In other words, it is the responsibility of all Christians to test the ideas that they encounter in their respective environments. It is the responsibility of a Christian child to test the attitude of his peers towards the weak. Christian adults should guide him, not just give him their perspective. The Pastor should give guidance to the congregation in testing ideas, not give them a "Christian" perspective. Every Christian should engage their respective cultures, not just tow the party line.  

     Second, most issues are complicated enough that one perspective would not deal justly with the issue. The caller in the show could have retorted that there are people in the plane that are also valuable to God, including helpless children. Is it not also "Christian" to stand with these helpless people? The guest may retort that no matter what we do, anybody who is determined could get past airport security. The caller may retort that it is society's responsibility to do everything they can to prevent tragedies. The discussion could go on and on in this issue and many other issues.

     Instead of finding one perspective, it is better to listen and empathize with all the concerns of our world. Then engage those concerns with the Christian narrative. God is concerned for the weak so Christians should be concerned for the weak. Christians will differ in how they care for the weak, and hopefully, there would be love in the midst of those differences.