Growing up in an evangelical church, I recall “Sunday School,” where kindly parents taught us young teenagers the story of David fighting the fierce Philistine, Goliath. With only a sling in his hand, but also deep faith in God, David defeated a seasoned army champion!
Later, I learned that the sling was a regular weapon of war, and the stones were rocks about the size of baseballs. So, as Goliath stood self-assuredly issuing insults at the Israelites, he was just a large target for a youthful slinger who could easily stay out of reach.
The real point of the story was that, while everyone in Israel’s army stood petrified before this gigantic threat, David did not “go along with the crowd.” Recognizing the threat to Israel’s nation, faith and moral values, David was determined to trust in God.
Whatever happened to so many evangelicals who imbibed this story in their youth? They’re vocal about Christian faith and values, but where is the courage? “Goliath” today is big, blustery, boastful and self-absorbed. His weapons are gigantic promises and streams of lies. His words and deeds are anything but consistent with biblical teachings, and he panders to any group that might help him stay on top.
David’s battle cry was “Who is this Philistine, that he mocks the living God?” Unfortunately, our president has used the Bible as a prop and evangelicals as pawns, even as he mocks them privately. It’s long past time for evangelicals to begin acting like David again and stand up against this modern-day Goliath!
James E. Davison
Verona