Trendiness of Charity

This morning I read this on one of my favorite blogs. I certainly find it exciting and hope that it is a sign of a trend that will define 21st century Christianity and not just be something that is fad-ish like the social peach and justice movement the Christians of the 60s started that resulted in very little long-term change.

Vintage Faith: Will all the interest in social justice become trendy?: "[A southern California pastor] then went on to say how he now knows so many churches and ministries are awakened to the need of being aware and involved in what is happening with the poor, diseased and needy locally and globally. He said he nows feels awkward sharing about his ventures in this, as he now hears about them all the time from so many people. Saddleback and Willow Creek have both jumped in very strongly in being a global voice for AIDS and for the injustice that occurs in certain countries. I rarely ever go to a Christian concert - but the last two I went to both showed videos during their concert of one of the band members in Africa talking about helping with Compassion International and the Invisible Children. It seems every conference or event you go to the leaders now bring attention to some international compassion or social justice project they are supporting. This is all so wonderful and must please Jesus so incredibly much.

But...what an odd and interesting question to be thinking about - to actually be wondering if being involved in social justice and compassion projects sounds 'trendy' ?

What was haunting to me and what I have thought about since the conversation I had with my friend, is what if it is true?

Bono certainly caused us all to really evaluate the 'sleeping giant' (what he called the church several years ago) and how the church was ignoring the poverty, injustice and AIDS crisis. He recently said the church woke up and has now taken notice. But, will it last or will it be trendy?"