| Thursday, August 2, 2007 |
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| Written by Kevin Boling | ||
| Thursday, 02 August 2007 | ||
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The Theology of Adoption
James 1:26, 27 state, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
In the text the Apostle gives us ways to distinguish between pure (that is genuine or sincere) religion and vain (or empty) religious profession.
Vain religion is defined as one of show – it is designed to be seen by those around us (notice the writers use of the word “seemeth”) but lacks charity in speech and compassion in action.
True religion (a religion that is right in the eyes of God) is characterized by charity toward others, especially those who are unable to provide for themselves – here epitomized by the “fatherless and widow” (those most apt to be neglected, abused, abandoned or exploited).
“Visiting” here implies providing relief from their afflictions. This relief comes in many forms including care, protection, guidance and counsel. James goes on to say in the following chapter (2:15-16) that a willful disregard of this responsibility is evidence of a faulty faith… “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?”
On today’s “Calling For Truth” Radio Program we will discuss this important issue. Our special guest will be Dan Cruver – newly appointed Ministry Outreach Coordinator for Carolina Hope Christian Adoption Agency. Dan is a former pastor and college professor of Bible and Theology. In this new role, Dan will network with pastors and churches, mission agencies, children's homes, and other organizations to inform them of Carolina Hope's full-service adoption ministry.
"We are very pleased to have on staff someone who has such a strong passion for adoption," said Laura Beauvais-Godwin, Founder and Director of Carolina Hope. "Dan's own family has grown through adoption, and he has also shown Christ's compassion to orphans by traveling to China to minister in orphanages. Dan's focus as Ministry Outreach Coordinator is to show Christians how redemption intertwines with adoption and to encourage churches to support and promote adoptions both of children born overseas and here in the United States."
Dan has recently launched a blog called “From Hope to Reality” to post adoption related updates and discuss issues related to the Theology of Adoption.
To listen to the program, click on the words “Read more”
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