By Christiana Holcomb, The Gospel Coalition.
More than 35 states now issue same-sex marriage licenses. An increasing number of scholars and judges insist that the First Amendment only protects the freedom to believe—not the freedom to live out those beliefs. At least one state now compels employers to provide insurance coverage for elective abortions. Many cities nationwide ban religious employers from hiring and firing based on their religious convictions. Gender fluidity is gaining legal and political legitimacy.
Churches cannot afford to ignore the fallout of the sexual revolution. Churches that desire to maintain a faithful gospel witness increasingly feel the effects of these cultural changes.
Pastors are being asked to perform same-sex ceremonies and admit same-sex couples to marriage enrichment retreats. Churches face litigation for holding their employees—including pastors or music directors—to a biblical sexual ethic. Church administrators receive requests to use church sanctuaries for same-sex ceremonies. Pastors who teach the sanctity of human life and the creation institution of marriage are frequently labeled “political” and threatened with the loss of their church’s tax-exempt status.
These new political, cultural, and legal realities directly affect the church’s freedom to live out its faith. While most church decisions about internal governance or doctrine currently enjoy constitutional protection, churches cannot assume that these protections will stand indefinitely. Maintaining a gospel-centered witness in today’s culture requires not only standing firm on the truths of Scripture, but also taking affirmative steps to protect the church’s freedom to continue peacefully teach and live out its faith.
Here are five ways churches can protect their freedom to maintain fidelity to the faith.
6 Comments. Leave new
You people are funny.
That article makes 5 suggestions … all of those are things that any church should have done already, duh. If it is only NOW that you think any of that is a good idea, if in the past you were not worried about renting out your space to people who wanted to be married by an Elvis impersonator while dressed like someone at Carnival in Rio or you don’t have anything that would suggest qualifications for a youth advisor, your timing just makes you look homophobic.
Try to see what once was as a really cool church where mostly Northern Euros gathered to worship the Creator, study His Word, and remember His Son. By Northern Euros, I mean Nordics, Celts, Anglos, Franks, Germanic, you know, the people who founded this country and made it what it was.
If you can do that, then also consider how strong families and communities are made. Boys meet girls. Moms and Dads reaffirm. Strong schools are built, firm but fair, no nonsense. Strong businesses and local governments result.
Now, if that is not too much, then think how Satan hates this church. Satan rules the Earth. He must have his way.
Satan is the great deceiver. Very few escape his lies.
And you, pres, are a continuing example of childish arrogance and trolling.
Well, reddirt, we see your true colors shining through, so to speak.
As are your own, Pres. Your political correctness means nothing to me.
How does it feel, Pres, to be in a discussion with Bible believing Christians who don’t roll over and play dead at your slightest insult and innuendo, your pathetic displays of righteous indignation, all contrived?
Common Tater has skewered and grilled your every argument, yet you remain immune. Your form of argument is called rhetoric, and the courts do not permit it. Rhetoric is the province of political tyrants.