With another General Election upon us, the contesting parties and prospective MPs are rightly evaluated in terms of their track record. It is not only their promises that we consider, but their ability to deliver on those promises. For that, reputation is crucial.
The church is also tested for its track record. That is presumably why many areas of media will often emphasise moral failure and corruption. We do not have to look far in church history to multiply the examples of ungodly leadership and behaviour. Indeed, the Reformation itself, particularly at the time of Martin Luther, was a response to the depravity of the Roman Catholic Church exemplified in the wicked leadership of Pope Leo X and the money-grubbing ministry of Johann Tetzel.
Good track record
However, before we throw up our hands in despair at some of the things done in the name of Christ, it is crucial in apologetics to emphasise the good track record of God’s people down the centuries. If we would judge Christianity by its track record, then judge it by those who have faithfully sought to do the best – not by those who have distorted it for their own ends.
