Tag: Christians
Can Christians Handle the “Tough Truths” Taught in the Bible?
Posted on December 18, 2013 in Sexuality by Nathan Cherry
Though the bishop’s statement is directed toward Catholics it could easily be aimed at people of every denomination. As culture swerves away from anything traditional or moral, doubt has crept into the minds and hearts of those who claim the name of Christ. It almost seems to be that same doubt used by Satan in the Garden of Eden to deceive Adam and Eve and cause them to sin. Satan caused Eve to doubt God’s words, and then to add to God’s words, and ultimately to ignore God’s words and do what she wanted.
The same pattern is taking place in our society today and yet it is a tactic as old as time itself. Christians are sitting in churches week after week skeptical of the words being taught. They wonder inwardly if the preacher knows what he is talking about and if that’s the “original meaning” of the text.
Government Demands Christians Violate Religious Convictions
Posted on December 11, 2013 in Public Policy, Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
In what can only be described as an appalling verdict, a federal judge has ordered a Colorado baker to violate his Christian convictions and serve cakes to homosexual couples.
Jack Phillips is the owner of Masterpiece Cake shop in Colorado. Last year a gay couple asked him to prepare a cake for them so they could celebrate their recent “marriage” in Massachusetts. Jack told the couple he could not serve them because doing so would violate his religious convictions. The couple, with the help of the ACLU, filed a discrimination lawsuit against Jack.
Now, a judge has told Jack that he must serve homosexuals or his business will face penalties.
Atheists Celebrate the “True Meaning of Christmas”
Posted on December 8, 2013 in Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
A billboard in Manhattan’s Times Square has gone up asking the question “Who needs Christ during Christmas?” The answer, provided by the American Atheists is, “nobody.” Instead, the group shares their list of reasons for the season, which include: family, friends, the Rockettes, and mistletoe. American Atheists president, David Silverman commented:
“This season is a great time of year for a hundred reasons — none of them having to do with religion…This year, start a new tradition: Don’t go to church. You hate it, it’s boring; you probably only go because you feel guilty or obligated. Instead, spend more time with your family and friends — or volunteer. There are better uses of your time and money.”
I’ve previously said I believe it is critical for Christians to keep Christ at the center of Christianity in the face of efforts to secularize our society. This is one more evidence of the need to enjoy the festivities of the holidays while keeping Christ as the central focus and purpose for our celebration.
Watch an animated video of the American Atheists billboard below. If the video doesn’t appear automatically, please refresh your browser. Click here for original article.
Answering Questions on ENDA
Posted on November 25, 2013 in Public Policy, Sexuality by Nathan Cherry
The federal ENDA bill appears to be stalled, perhaps dead…for the moment. After passing in the Senate by a solid majority it appears the House will not bring the bill up for a vote. Even though West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin promised to oppose legislation like ENDA, in the end he broke that promise and voted in favor of the bill. However, to this point House Speaker John Boehner has opposed ENDA and said he will not bring it up for a vote in the House of Representatives.
One thing is for sure: this is the end of ENDA. There is no doubt that this bill will come back and we need to be prepared to oppose it. West Virginians in particular need to be prepared to oppose ENDA on the state level as we will no doubt be facing a state level ENDA bill again in the 2014 legislative session.
For those who are not familiar with ENDA, Joe Carter, writing at The Gospel Coalition, has written a short, informative article answering some of the most frequently asked questions about ENDA. In particular he answers the question why should Christians be concerned about ENDA?
“As a practical matter, ENDA teaches a view of human embodiment that Christians will strongly object to. Christianity embraces the body and self as an integrated whole; as unique creations that witness to the divine action and creativity of God through our being created male and female. Male and female are not arbitrary, socially imposed constructs. They are rooted in our biology. In contrast, the worldview behind ENDA assumes an ‘expressive individualism’ where our bodies become instruments of the will, capable of being re-created according to preference and desire.”
I highly recommend reading this article.
Should Christians Compromise to Receive Government Money?
Posted on November 14, 2013 in Public Policy, Sexuality by Nathan Cherry
One article has stayed with me since I first read it last week. I’m having a hard time even processing what I’ve read, much less any sort of biblical foundation for the decision.
The Kentucky Baptist Convention’s president of children services is urging the convention to change their hiring policy for Sunrise Children’s Services to allow the hiring of homosexuals. In a recent closed-door meeting the president, Bill Smithwick told trustees that “federal protection for homosexuals in the workplace as a ‘civil right’ just as race, gender, national origin, etc., is certain to become law sooner than later. Sunrise will comply or lose.”
Smithwick then presented three options to the leaders including “Follow current policy and terminate the employees. Then refuse to hire homosexuals even when doing so becomes a condition of receiving federal funding. (2) Terminate the employees according to current policy, wait until the government mandates a change, then comply. (3) Change the employment policy now.