Paul Weyrich created quite a stir the other day when he said, "I no longer believe that there is a moral majority" in this country. He then went on to say that we cannot bring about cultural change merely through the political process.
Frankly, I'm still not sure why this has been so controversial. After all, Paul Weyrich wasn't saying anything that I haven't heard Cal Thomas say or Chuck Colson say. Erwin Lutzer, pastor of Moody Church says it even more forcefully in his new book Why the Cross Can Do What Politics Can't.
Perhaps it is because Paul Weyrich is the man who told Jerry Falwell to call his organization the Moral Majority. Perhaps it is because a leader of the Christian right is expected to say that politics can bring about change. For whatever reason, his comments sent shock waves through Washington.
His latest statements help clarify his earlier comments. But I don't think they change any of the pundit's perception. Paul Weyrich says that when asked about cultural decline in America, we should no longer say "elect more conservatives to Congress. And then get our guys in leadership." He recognizes that much more must be done. But again I would add that most other people recognize that as well. Paul Weyrich focuses on home schooling as an example. Most Christian leaders also talk about strengthening the home and preaching the gospel.
What is so helpful about Paul Weyrich's statements is that it reminds us again that we aren't going to change the culture through the political arena. Christians have a responsibility to be good citizens and to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. But they shouldn't try to use politics to change culture when what must be done is the change hearts. That's why the cross can do what politics can't.
I'm Kerby Anderson of Probe Ministries, and that's my opinion.