My Christian Manifesto
by Glynn Beaty
I have written this introduction several times. In one of my earlier versions, I took us back 50 years to the changes that have occurred in our society and politics. I thought about making this a primarily political document and how a Christian can come to the spiritual and Scriptural conclusions that influence political views. In some ways, this and following papers will reflect that, since I believe that a Christian must bring his or her ideas and faith into the world in which that Christian lives. We are commanded in the Great Commission of Matthew 28 to go and make disciples. The “go” means to live our daily lives and, in doing so, become disciple makers.
But I have come to believe that politics is really secondary to what I want to say and convey in this writing. I have been a follower of Christ for over 40 years now, sometimes following more closely than at other times, but always seeking to discern God’s leadership in the way I deal with Him, with others and with myself.
And so I come to my Christian manifesto.
I use the term specifically and intentionally. “Manifesto” is defined by Dictionary.com as, “a public declaration of intentions, opinions, objectives, or motives, as one issued by a government, sovereign or organization.” The word originates from the Italian language, which originally described a manifesto as a “public declaration explaining past actions and announcing the motive for forthcoming ones.” That’s the denotation of the word. It also has connotations, too. Most people associate the word with the works of Karl Marx. While I’m not a Marxist, I thought the word would get a reaction, so I’m using it.
“Christian” was chosen because it is my intention to present a Biblically based explanation of different aspects of what it means to be a follower of Jesus and how that discipleship should direct the paths and choices I make each day.
“My” is used because these papers are strictly my own; I don’t propose to speak on behalf of a group or movement. This is strictly my understanding of what it means to be a Christian in my world. It is my hope that it may help us to consider more deeply our beliefs and understanding of the Christian faith and discipleship. If you’re not a Christian, perhaps this will offer a balanced understanding of where this Christian is coming from, to help you understand that not all Christians think and act alike.
Having said all this, allow me to explain a little about myself, so you can understand the “my” a little bit better. I am the youngest child of three; I have an older sister and an older brother. That’s our birth order. My parents were married for 38 years until Dad died in 1986.
I was born and lived my first 14 years in El Paso, Texas, where I attended public schools. From the moment I was born, I was taken to Baptist churches in El Paso. We moved to East Texas after I graduated from 8th grade, first to Tyler, then to Whitehouse. I spent my sophomore through senior years at Whitehouse High School. It was at Whitehouse that I met the people who have had the most profound effects on my life. These people became my friends, and as a result of their friendship, I was born again in February, 1972, and was baptized at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
I became involved in the Baptist Student Ministry when I was in junior college, and it was while I was there that I understood God was calling me to full-time Christian ministry. I attended seminary, hoping to become a Baptist Student Union director myself, but God had other plans.
I have spent the last 31+ years serving local Texas Baptist churches as a pastor; since 1999, I have had the privilege of pastoring in a bi-vocational capacity.
Twenty years ago, my wife suggested I attend law school and become an attorney. I did that, and I have also been a bankruptcy attorney in the Waco area.
Since my wife suggested I go to law school, it should come as no surprise to know that I’m married; have been since 1979. Like my parents, I am the father of three children, two daughters and one son. Though they are my children, they’re all adults, getting on with their own lives.
God has been dealing with me, and this idea has been percolating within me for the past few years. I have come to see God in a different light over the last few years, and have come to see myself differently as well.
So that’s my story. Hopefully, you are intrigued enough to continue reading. My plan is to write a chapter a week or so, and to post it on the internet. Let me know what you think, since I hope this will start a dialogue. All I ask is that we have a civil dialogue, one that includes open minds and hearts, and a willingness to let God challenge us as we seek to walk with Him more closely each day.
By the way, I use the NIV Bible for study and will quote it in these writings.