Christian Left & Right

In the media, books and discussion we often heard the distinction between "left" and "right." Somehow, we know that being left is wrong and right is right. This prompt conclusion is base on our observation that most people use right hands to shake, and to works. Left is considered by many as uncommon, or even in several culture like for instance Indonesia controversial. The basic rule in Indonesia etiquette is more or less like this, never use left hand for anything for the left hand is associated with the hand that is being used to wipe our dirt in the bathroom. Even the left handers need to use right hand, their weaker hand in their social interaction with other people. 

Right is considered as someone who is biblical grounded whereas left is considered as liberal or we can say, those who deconstruct the Bible. As one author says, "The Christian left has academically downgraded the Bible to merely the story of God, or a narrative of man's writing about God." In other word, Christian left try to deny the authoritative implication of the Bible which for them, sound a bit exclusive. Christian left summarize their teaching on the core of love that is tolerant and could embrace as much as diversity even things that are considering as a clear contradiction. 

Adolf von Harnack a German Historian in his work or lecture the Essence of Christianity whereby he argue for the thing that is essential and could be separated from what he call as "Dogma". His famous line was the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. This is for him, the core of Christian doctrine. The focus of those who embrace this typical theological left, and being a Christian left is to emphasis the social gospel. Human flourishing is becoming the main thing. Justice, economy and social issues are the battle ground for the Christian left. 

The concept of Kingdom of God which focus on earthly dimension is being emphasized greatly. And the foundation was based on reformation which was credited to bring the concept of kingdom of God in heaven that is now operating in the earth in the real "here" and "now." Protestant movement also contributed to the liberalism or leftist movement because of the intellectual atmosphere that it bring (Notion of liberty and liberation emphasized). Scholar like Walter Rauschenbusch was the clear example of leading proponent of the social gospel in the past. His works entitled Christianity And the Social Gospels is the clear expression of his social Gospel thought. Even this movement is important when it first comes into existence, it left no denomination or new church being established.

However, in such time like this, with the fast rising of technology and disruptions from various angles of human lives, at least we can say that the "spirit" of Christian Left need to be proclaimed again. Although we should remember that part of the problem of this Theological Left is of course because they lack of theological formation that is strongly grounded in Bible and more focused into practical action which in some extend is more akin to humanistic movement. However, we cannot deny how this movement born and has been impacted the whole identity and ethos of Christian post-reformation era especially in the transitory-state before technological era in a good way for the benefit of society in general which suffer from complex social issues. Furthermore, even the left is cannot be said as right, Social gospel and Christian left should not seen necessarily negative in its connotation there are other way of looking this movement. In his book The Social Gospel for today, Lucas Miles wrote, 

"To be a social Gospel liberal, however was not just a designation that described how individuals reinterpreted traditional Christian doctrine such as Trinity, virgin birth, or personal salvation...social Gospel was an assertion that one cared passionately for the world and that the task of Christianity was primarily geared toward a creative engagement with the social currents of the present (Or to use the German word, to engage the zeitgeist, the spirit of the times").  

So we can say, left is not necessarily "extremely left." It can be that he is left in spirit but right in doctrinal statement of cardinal doctrines. Also on the other hand, there is a possibility that one is right in its doctrinal foundation but non-right in its application and spirit. One captivating chapter in one Lukas book which entitled Is the Right Right? There is an assumption that the right is always "Right". However, in reality today, we found that many Christian Right act aggressively, judge certain community harshly (ex: LGBTQ) and also contributed to hate and violence. Therefore, can we say that Christian Right is always Right? or dare we ask this question, in that case, Is Christian Right better than Christian Left?