Richard Prow ~ rpcrosswords@gmail.com

 The word apology can be interpreted two ways.  In it’s most recognized form it describes an expression of regret for a mistake, insult, etc. from one person to another.  Apology can also be defined as a formal defense of an idea, doctrine, belief system, etc. The term ‘apologetics’ has become popular in the Christian community over the last decade, defining a system or a group of individuals whose specialty is to prove the authenticity of our faith.  While applauding the efforts of these individuals, and considering myself a novice at it, I’ve been thinking lately that maybe we need ‘apologists’ within the Christian community who will issue statements more in line with the most common use of the word.

We should apologize to the homosexual community for spewing hate filled, vile speech at them while within our own ranks the divorce rate is higher than in the secular world.  We give in to our own sexual perversions with little if any remorse, while condemning those who struggle with feeling with which we have never experienced nor had to fight.

We should apologize to Hollywood for laying blame at their doorstep for the moral erosion of our families and our world while we within the church emulate the very activities that play out on the television and the big screen.  We sign petitions and arrange boycotts of programming that we deem reprehensible yet we overlook and engage in gossip, slander and bitterness before we reach the parking lots of our sanctuaries.

We should apologize to the liquor companies for accusing them of poisoning our children and robbing them of their future while Christians have become just as addicted as non-Christians to prescription pain killers and mood altering medication.  While railing alcoholics, our vices are off limits to the scrutiny of God and others as long as we possess a prescription and a doctor’s signature.

Maybe we need to spend less time defending and proving what we believe and more time apologizing for failing to live up to it.  If we’ll spend more energy cleaning our own house rather than trying to spruce up someone else’s, we just may make our faith more visible and believable to those who have none.