“When Righteousness and Peace Kiss,” is a collection of essays written to demonstrate the climate of fundamental, evangelistic churches in the mid-twentieth century. That climate is changing; many attitudes are changing, and it’s ok to change unproductive attitudes.
There have been cultural, social, emotional, historical, and educational differences, among other things, in every generation. In addition to different languages, Bible teaching and practices have been different in every country in the world. Let it be said...many churches and families have been divided over one thing or another throughout religious history. Yet, Jesus prayed for unity.
In the United States, the climate of the 1950s and 1960s is totally foreign to children born in the late 1980s through early 2000s. Yet they are now teen-agers or young adults. We call them “Millennials” or “Generation Y” (Gen Y). We desire that they follow Jesus. We want them to be part of God’s family, His church, but the look, sound or feel of the 1950s is not acceptable to Gen Y, so many have left the fellowship of the more fundamental churches to search for a better fit for themselves in the world of religion.
In family matters, in business relationships, in social circles and realms of academia, there can be disagreements about methods of doing certain things certain ways and at the same time there can be unity of purpose and performance. However, in matters of religion and theology, we have had trouble settling or accepting those disagreements and differences and at the same time demonstrating kindness. Truthfully, we don’t have to agree on anything to be kind to each other.
When we are able to offer grace to one another and when we can love even those with whom we disagree, well… that is when righteousness and peace kiss! Psalm 85:10.
