On February 15, 2011 the Christian Chronicle noted on its blog that Texas Ranger baseball player Josh Hamilton had visited Lubbock Christian University on the previous day.
The blog entry contains a video, and text from the local newspaper, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. The title of the blog post is: At Lubbock Christian University, baseball star Josh Hamilton discusses his faith. The Journal reported that during the 90 minute conversation, “the main narrative thread of the evening was the Hamilton couple’s struggles with Josh Hamilton’s drug abuse and the couple’s Christian faith.” (http://tinyurl.com/47s3qh3)
While I am aware of the fact that secular newspapers often incorrectly report on events and comments made by Christians, this does not seem to be the case in this instance. It is obvious that the University invited Hamilton, showing tacit approval of his claims to be a Christian; and the Christian Chronicle certainly represented Hamilton’s “Christian faith” as legitimate.
I did a quick internet search, and found an interview that Hamilton did on May 31, 2008. In the interview he was asked when he became a Christian. Here is his answer:
I became a Christian when I was 18 years old, after I got drafted and I went off to start playing baseball. I felt like during that summer that something was missing. I grew up going to church but never accepted Christ. When I was 12 years old I started playing AAU baseball and started traveling around a lot. I kind of got away from the church scene and really trying to live for the Lord. So when I was 18, I accepted Christ in my uncle and aunt’s living room in North Carolina.
Examining this quote, it is immediately obvious that Josh Hamilton did not follow God’s instructions to be saved (cf. Acts 2:38). In fact, he reveals that he was not baptized until 2006, when he was baptized at the same time his oldest girl was, about 7 years after he claims he accepted Christ.
So, by his own testimony, Josh Hamilton is not a Christian. I am not judging his heart. I do not doubt his sincerity. His story is certainly inspirational. But, as with Cornelius in Acts 10, he has need of someone like Peter, “He will tell you what you must do” (vs. 6).
Instead, Josh Hamilton has individuals who are supposed to know better, praising him for his “Christian faith.” We have reached the point where many who attend congregations that call themselves Churches of Christ do not believe or teach God’s will regarding obedience to the gospel of Christ. They are no more Christian in their teaching than any denomination.
Too many are too nice. They are not willing to condemn any man who claims to be a Christian, though Jesus Himself said, “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:22-23).
Paul had it pegged in 1 Corinthians 5. An unwillingness to convict a sinner of his need for repentance constitutes arrogance, “you are puffed up” (vs. 2). God has established His will on the matter. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). Does that seem mean to you? Do you think we should not express to the sinner that he is lost, and in need of repentance? Then you are nicer than God. And that is just too nice!
