Jesus Didn’t Say Anything Against Same-Sex “Marriage” So He Must Support It.
Posted on October 7, 2014 in Marriage, Sexuality by Nathan Cherry
A favorite argument for advocates of marriage redefinition is that Jesus is on their side. Being experts in biblical studies and theology they have determined that since Jesus didn’t explicitly prohibit homosexuality and same-sex “marriage” that He, obviously, is for it.
These armchair theologians have somehow deduced a meaning from Scripture that nearly every pastor, every theologian, every academic, and every expert denies as impossible. But, apparently gaining some insight from the Holy Spirit that others have not been blessed with, they are adamant in their belief that Jesus supports the homosexual lifestyle.
As someone that has studied the Bible for a couple decades and regularly reads through it, I find it hard to believe that anyone reading the pages of Scripture can find support for homosexuality. A cursory reading of the text, whether Old or New Testament, reveals a universal consensus that homosexual behavior is sin. Only through a strange twisting of any particular text could anyone hope to find anything less than a condemnation of homosexual actions.
Nonetheless advocates of marriage redefinition, desperate to gain the support of evangelical Christians, present Jesus as supportive of their cause. Continue reading…
What Two “Pastors” Said About Abortion is Appalling
Posted on October 6, 2014 in Uncategorized by Nathan Cherry
I’ve heard a lot of arguments for abortion that have bothered me. Many of them are selfish and take no account for the human life being destroyed. And some of those arguments have come from Christians or others seeking to gain the support of the religious community. When I hear attempts to justify abortion by distorting Scripture I cringe.
But what two “pastors” said in an attempt to justify abortion, encourage religious people to support it, and demand Christians pay for it is simply beyond the pale.
An article at LifeNews carries the comments from the Washington Post by pro-abortion Reverends, Dr. Alethea Smith-Withers and Harry Knox in their attempt to encourage Christians to support and subsidize abortion. They write:
“People cannot truly make the best decision for their lives and families if they are denied access to the health care that they need. That is why people of faith should speak out about discriminatory and harmful policies like the Hyde Amendment, which targets low-income people who utilize federal health programs for health coverage by withholding coverage for abortion care.
“People of faith, as well as those with no religious affiliation, have widely varying opinions about moral questions. That’s okay. Freedom for differing views and beliefs is a core American value. The problem is when one particular religious viewpoint gets written into law, in direct violation of our national commitment to religious liberty. Every person in the United States should be able to make decisions according to their own conscience and faith tradition, especially in deeply private matters, such as accessing health care.” Continue reading…
Former Homosexual Warns America of “Unmitigated Disaster” of Marriage Redefinition
Posted on October 3, 2014 in Marriage by Nathan Cherry
Activists pushing for the legalization of same-sex “marriage” don’t want you to hear from former homosexuals. In their world there is no such thing. Anyone claiming to be a “former homosexual” is, in their opinion, either a liar suppressing their true identity, or they never were really a homosexual. I’m not sure how someone can claim to be a homosexual without ever really being one – it doesn’t seem like something you do as a recreational past time.
What they think of this rapidly growing class of people, they are afraid of them. No group has more power and ability to stop the homosexual agenda in its tracks than former homosexuals. So when someone like David Kyle Foster, himself a former homosexual, writes about the “unmitigated disaster for gay marriage,” it might be a good idea to listen.
For anyone not sure if Foster really was a homosexual his answer is succinct: “Does sleeping with over 1,000 men count?” His time as a homosexual spanned 10 years and he has now been a “former homosexual” for the past 34 years. Because of his experience living the homosexual lifestyle, Foster is uniquely qualified to discuss the dangers and disasters awaiting the society that chooses to life homosexuality atop a pedestal.
I’ve often tried to use the simple logic that the “plumbing issue” betrays any attempt to legitimize homosexuality. But of course, I’m a straight white guy, so no one really wants to listen. Not too surprisingly, Foster says the same thing: Continue reading…
Pastors: Get The Facts Then Share Them With Your Church
Posted on October 2, 2014 in Uncategorized by Nathan Cherry
There can be no doubt that in recent years many pastors have become hesitant to speak out concerning critical issues facing our society. But why?
In a recent article for Christianity Today, Peter Chin shares some of his own reasons for hesitation and even fear in addressing these very sensitive yet critical issues. I confess that it’s hard for me to discern the tone of Chin’s article. I can’t tell if he is offering these thoughts as legitimate reason for pastor’s not to speak out on these issues, or if he is simply stating facts from his perspective to give insight.
For example, Chin cites the “separation of church and state” as one reason pastor’s might feel hesitate to speak on issues that could be perceived as political. He writes:
“It’s an idea that was coined by Thomas Jefferson himself, and given (some) weight by the First Amendment. And for pastors, this goes far beyond the cultural pressure that a person feels to avoid coming off as overly-religious. For us, there are legal implications because the tax free status of churches depends on maintaining this separation, although instances of enforcement are admittedly rare.”
This statement alone makes me think Chin is simply sharing his own experience and seeking to help people understand a pastor’s perspective; rather than making a case for silence using these reasons.
The idea of “separation of church and state” was not “coined” by Thomas Jefferson as it is currently used by some politicians today. Jefferson never meant for this idea to be used as a bully pulpit of weapon to intimidate and silence pastors and churches. (Chin does speak to this a little, but not enough to clarify.) Continue reading…
The Connection Between Porn and Incest Is Closer Than You Think
Posted on October 1, 2014 in Uncategorized by Nathan Cherry
The epidemic of porn can’t be overstated. In the past this has largely been considered a male problem, but new evidence suggests that women have become just as snared as men by this dangerous habit.
The fact that women are just as likely as men to use porn is indicative of a systemic problem in our society. Sex is increasingly viewed as just another social interaction having no ramifications, consequences, or responsibilities. It began with men seeking to “conquer” as many women as possible. Not to be outdone by men, the feminist movement convinced women that “anything men can do we can do better,” and with that they skipped off to outdo men in sexual conquests.
Now, both men and women began to see sex as nothing special, just a social interaction to be undertaken at one’s discretion. Sure, “mistakes” will happen, but with a little practice we can become proficient and skilled in this interaction. And while we are practicing we can learn from the “experts” through the use of pornography. Remember, Playboy is just read for the articles. So both men and women make porn use a regular habit, whether for self-pleasure, or for “research” as to how to get the most out of every sexual encounter.
Fast forward a couple of generations and the inevitable result of rampant porn use combined with lax sexual morals is obvious. What was once a problem for men and women has now become a problem for teenage boys and girls. Where once parents were satisfied to look at photographs, kids needed to see videos of sexual acts, now grandkids are uninhibited to the point that sending nude images of themselves via cell phone is an everyday occurrence. Continue reading…
Amazing Picture! Baby Born at 24 Weeks Changing the Late-Term Abortion Debate
Posted on September 30, 2014 in Life, Uncategorized by Nathan Cherry
Sadly, most people don’t know the abortion laws in their state. Deliberate attempts to keep people in the dark are meant to e
ncourage apathy – which in turn continues to allow abortion groups to kill unborn kids.
In my home state of West Virginia I am amazed at the number of people that are unaware of the non-existent abortion laws. In the Mountaineer state a baby can be killed up to the moment of birth, for any reason. There is no law limiting abortion or even regulating the abortion industry. Abortion is a free for all in West Virginia.
Within this ongoing conversation is the aspect of “late-term abortion” and what the legal limit should be; whether 24 weeks (the current standard) or earlier. As science continually shows us the humanity of the unborn at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 20 weeks; pro-life advocates have begun an aggressive campaign to see the 24 week abortion limit moved to no later than 20 weeks.
At 20 weeks it has been shown time and again that the unborn can feel pain. This means that y 20 weeks an abortion is nothing less than torture before murder. Legalized torture has no place in any society, much less one built on principles of personhood, freedom, and liberty.
Abortion advocates hate the idea of moving the late-term limit from 24 weeks to 20 weeks. It’s not surprising. Groups like Planned Parenthood also oppose informed consent laws, parental notice laws, clinic health and cleanliness regulations, and other very pro-woman, pro-healthcare, pro-common sense laws. Planned Parenthood and NARAL have built their business and reputation on deceit, misinformation, and outright lies. They will ruthlessly attack anyone, even women, for opposing their efforts while simultaneously claiming to be “pro-woman.” Continue reading…
New Documentaries Tell Stories of Former Homosexuals and Their Faith
Posted on September 29, 2014 in Sexuality by Nathan Cherry
Christian musician Dennis Jernigan shares his struggles with homosexuality.
I’m convinced that those driving the LGBT agenda don’t want to have an honest conversation. This fact is primarily seen in their efforts to silence ex-gay people who have left the homosexual lifestyle. Anytime a story of someone that once lived the homosexual lifestyle but chose to leave surfaces, it is attacked and ridiculed. This shows the intolerance of those asking us all to be tolerant as they vehemently deny that it’s possible to be a “former homosexual.”
I find this interesting. Since science has yet to find any evidence of a “gay gene,” it stands to reason that sexual orientation is a choice. The ideas of nurture and nature, as applied to sexuality, can be brought into the discussion but, ultimately, it’s a choice. This fact makes LGBT activists angry. If sexuality is a choice then creating an entire system of laws based on that choice is dangerous. They realize that even a hint of personal choice in sexuality will sink their cause.
And yet, try as they may, there is no way to deny the fact that there exists an entire sub-culture of people that were at one time proud homosexuals but are now – not.
Are they heterosexuals? Some are, but not all. Some are simply choosing not to be homosexual in order to adhere to their religious convictions that homosexuality is a sin. This makes LGBT activists angry. They say these people are denying who they “really are” in favor of a lie. They don’t understand the biblical commands to be holy and deny oneself – including sexual desires – in order to live a life pleasing to God. Continue reading…
This One Glaring Problem In The Church Is Helping Spread Liberal (Social) Theology
Posted on September 26, 2014 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
Let’s just be frank for a minute: biblical illiteracy is one of the most pressing problems in the church today. Far too many Christians don’t know what they believe, cannot begin to defend their beliefs using Scripture, and aren’t even sure where to find support for their beliefs in the Bible.
I can remember arguing with a teacher over the biblically justifiable reasons for divorce. He had one view but I knew it was wrong and pointed it out. He told me to come prepared to defend myself the next day. The next day I went into class prepared with Scripture to show several justifiable reasons for divorce (death, desertion, unfaithfulness) and he admitted he was wrong.
It became clear to me that often we take our views for granted and assume we know they are biblical and that we can defend them. Such an assumption leads not just to embarrassment when we are proven wrong, but to false positions that are in fact unbiblical.
You can see the problem clearly when you begin asking the average Christian about his or her views. Suddenly their eyes start shifting, sweat begins dripping off their forehead, and their throat gets really dry (Is it hot in here is often asked). These are the tell-tale signs of a Christian that has not studied “to show yourself approved unto God” as the Apostle Paul told us to do. And obviously these Christians have ignored Peter’s advice to “be ready always to give an answer.” Continue reading…
Dr. James Dobson: America Will Not Survive If We Allow the Family to Disintegrate
Posted on September 25, 2014 in Family, Marriage by Nathan Cherry
Dr. James Dobson is a world-respected psychologist, author, and speaker. For more than 40 years he has spent his life teaching and training parents on how to raise children in the healthiest way possible. As a Christian, Dr. Dobson infuses his biblical beliefs into every aspect of his ministry and helps parents to learn biblical truth regarding child rearing.
After leaving Focus on the Family, the organization he began, Dr. Dobson founded ‘Family Talk,” to continue his efforts in helping parents to leave a legacy of biblical values in their kids. His new book, “Your Legacy” is centered on this idea of leaving a legacy, and the difference between inheritance and legacy.
In the video below Dr. Dobson talks about a variety of issues that he is concerned about in society. One of the first issues is that of the epidemic pornography problem. An oft-overlooked aspect to sexual crimes – whether against adults or children – is the link between the perpetrator and pornography. But Dr. Dobson makes it clear that many, most sexual crimes are at least in part due to the presence of pornography in a person’s life.
It was Dr. Dobson who last interviewed notorious serial killer Ted Bundy before he was executed in a Florida penitentiary. Bundy confided in Dobson that pornography was a catalyst that led to the beginning of his life of sexual violence and murder. Dobson says that pornography is dangerous in that it leads users from passive action such as looking at pictures, to acting out what they see in pornography in real life. In this way it is much like a drug. Continue reading…
Is There Any Good Reasons to Defend Traditional Marriage?
Posted on September 24, 2014 in Marriage, Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
Can any arguments withstand judicial scrutiny on the issue of same-sex “marriage”? That’s the question being asked more and more as judge after judge strikes down state marriage protection amendments as unconstitutional.
In one of the most recent decisions, by Judge Richard Posner, in which Judge Posner struck down both the Indiana and Wisconsin marriage protection amendments, the question of judicial scrutiny is front and center.
Judge Posner has, seemingly flipped flopped on the issue of same-sex “marriage” and now has no trouble shooting down state voter-approved laws. A recent article notes the change in Posner:
“Posner was clearly leaving himself wiggle room on the issue, and has used it. At some point between 1998 and 2012, the Blade notes, Posner changed his mind about same-sex marriage, announcing the change in a rambling posting on his blog that cited his newfound conclusions (based in part, it seems, on a Wikipedia entry).”
Now that Posner has changed his mind it seems easy for him to find loop holes and other holes in the arguments used to defend traditional marriage. Regardless of Judge Posner’s odd assessment of the arguments there is sound logic and common sense in defending traditional marriage. Continue reading…