Wonderful to read this. One thing to remember is that we are up against a culture that knows what being Christian means and despises it. This is a good time to bond with other Christians. We're going to need each other more as this culture continues its rocket-sled ride to hell.
The problem with Positive or even Neutral World is that leads to a lot of cultural Christians. People who consider themselves Christian just because they were raised in the church or because their family has always been Christian or even people that embrace the name of Christian without any understanding of what that actually means and without any sort of relationship with Christ. Cultural Christians are dangerous both to themselves and others. To themselves because they are often assured of their salvation because they said the sinner’s prayer when they were six and they go to church every Christmas and are generally “good” according to the world’s standards, unfortunately I think this assurance in many cases is false and frankly their eternal souls are very much in danger. Dangerous to others because people smell hypocrisy a mile a way and someone who claims to be Christian but doesn’t even attempt to live that out will inevitably leave a larger mark with unbelievers than five Christians doing their best to be a good witness. Unfortunately negative examples stay with us longer than good examples. Negative world also significantly decreases the likelihood that a celebrity labels themselves as Christian unless they are truly serious about their faith, the fewer fake Christian celebrities the better. The true church grows best and truest under persecution, so I don’t know that I am in that much of a hurry to return to Positive World, unless that occurs as a result of true repentance and revival.
Jun 1, 2023·edited Jun 1, 2023Liked by Adrian Gaty
There may be a lot more “cultural Christianity” than we acknowledge within the seemingly much more committed. What if Christians quit getting divorces? Would we stand out? I suspect so.
One other thing I add: pornography (again an area that the believing community has not been unaffected by, to use a double negative) is likely the cancer beneath so many ills we could name.
I agree. I think that the wide acceptance of divorce did quite a lot to devalue the arguments against gay marriage and showed many Christians to be hypocrites. I cannot tell you how many divorced Christians I saw arguing that gay marriage was unbiblical but then scrambling for answers when someone rightly pointed out that the Bible is extremely clear on the subject matter of divorce. If as a general rule your church will not marry homosexuals but will marry people who have been divorced then it’s pretty easy to point to that not as genuine Biblical adherence but as persecution of homosexuals.
I’m not sure if porn is the cancer beneath the ills or yet another symptom, I’m somewhat inclined to think it’s simply another symptom. But yes it’s definitely a problem within the church.
An excellent reflection of why pride is a terrible sin. So many sins and so many broken relationships even within the church are a result of pride. It’s truly heartbreaking.
Maybe there is a difference between claiming to belong to a faith and actually being faithful, and maybe the faithful do stand strong and that is how they can be identified?
Good point. Although I do think there is pressure at times to rebuke one’s own faith so as not to be ostracized (or worse, indicted for a crime in ridiculous Canada). So one may be faithful, just not as strong as Jesus when they come for him
Our brothers and sisters across the world are getting killed for their faith, they are maimed, murdered, tortured, imprisoned in prisons far worse than those in Canada for indeterminate periods of time. Yet they stay strong. So no I do not see how an incredibly wealthy Christian who bows to social pressure can be considered faithful. Faith is measured not by what you say but by what you do. If when the time comes you choose comfort over Christ then you may have some faith but you certainly aren’t full of faith.
100% spot on. Christians are martyred for their beliefs in Asia, the Middle East & Africa. Read new book by Thomas Williams, PhD: The Coming Christian Persecution.
I just received an email from my county library system detailing its plans for celebrating Pride Month. I feel sick that my property taxes and perhaps even my library membership support such a thing. At least I can revoke my membership. And I will send the library administration a letter detailing why I think this “programming” (their word, not mine) is inappropriate and appalling, especially with regard to the children being targeted for indoctrination. Yes, they have special activities planned for children.
Jun 2, 2023·edited Jun 2, 2023Liked by Adrian Gaty
A few years back, a public library branch in my town had to apologize when it’s “Womenface” Story Hour involved a convicted sex criminal. To be clear, these activities are as much about PARENTS obtaining social status [righteousness] by today’s measure while confusing their kids.
Jun 1, 2023·edited Jun 1, 2023Liked by Adrian Gaty
It’s not that I disagree with this generally — as in, we should not deny Christ — but as June approaches I am heartbroken for struggling GenZ Christians who have been drawn into a morally darkened understanding which make them like broken reeds we must take care not to crush. I think only the Holy Spirit can lift the spiritual oppression of this age, if God would be so merciful.
And somehow we must always speak and act consistent with an understanding that the lost — even in their most distressing behaviors (like those of the ever-arrogant Dr Hotez! ) are not our enemies, only Satan is.
Often the denouncing approach merely comes across as “your sexual immorality is why you are separated from God & bound for hell” when we know in reality that each of us was separated from God from the get-go.
I don’t think there is a simple way to navigate Negative World because of our own witness-damaging hypocrisy that the world is quick to point out. I am conflicted almost all the time, tbh.
I agree with this completely. Also, there are certain strains of Christianity that don't agree with the Church's traditional sexual ethic, which makes this conversation even more complex. I try to just be consistent in how I love people, regardless of their particular sexual sin. It's challenging when even that is seen as homophobic or hypocritical, though. I just remember to pray for strength, boldness, courage, and wisdom for how to love my neighbor who is different than me.
Also, just a side note, any time we use an "-ity" or an "-ism" word (homosexuality, transgenderism), I make a mental note to remember that these groups are made up of individuals with a wide variety of experiences and opinions. It helps me not to "other" other people. I agree we must stand up and point out sin when prompted by the Holy Spirit, but we also should try to be "all things to all people" as Paul said, and we should, as much as it is in our power, live at peace with all peoples.
It's a balance I can't achieve on my own. I need Jesus to get this right and to cover my sins when I get it wrong. He's the way forward.
Jun 7, 2023·edited Jun 7, 2023Liked by Adrian Gaty
This article did not really do it for me.
I think “fear of hurting people’s feelings” is perhaps just a cover story Christians are telling themselves. What we are much more afraid of is losing our livelihoods. That is why we act in compromising ways.
Wonderful to read this. One thing to remember is that we are up against a culture that knows what being Christian means and despises it. This is a good time to bond with other Christians. We're going to need each other more as this culture continues its rocket-sled ride to hell.
The problem with Positive or even Neutral World is that leads to a lot of cultural Christians. People who consider themselves Christian just because they were raised in the church or because their family has always been Christian or even people that embrace the name of Christian without any understanding of what that actually means and without any sort of relationship with Christ. Cultural Christians are dangerous both to themselves and others. To themselves because they are often assured of their salvation because they said the sinner’s prayer when they were six and they go to church every Christmas and are generally “good” according to the world’s standards, unfortunately I think this assurance in many cases is false and frankly their eternal souls are very much in danger. Dangerous to others because people smell hypocrisy a mile a way and someone who claims to be Christian but doesn’t even attempt to live that out will inevitably leave a larger mark with unbelievers than five Christians doing their best to be a good witness. Unfortunately negative examples stay with us longer than good examples. Negative world also significantly decreases the likelihood that a celebrity labels themselves as Christian unless they are truly serious about their faith, the fewer fake Christian celebrities the better. The true church grows best and truest under persecution, so I don’t know that I am in that much of a hurry to return to Positive World, unless that occurs as a result of true repentance and revival.
There may be a lot more “cultural Christianity” than we acknowledge within the seemingly much more committed. What if Christians quit getting divorces? Would we stand out? I suspect so.
One other thing I add: pornography (again an area that the believing community has not been unaffected by, to use a double negative) is likely the cancer beneath so many ills we could name.
I agree. I think that the wide acceptance of divorce did quite a lot to devalue the arguments against gay marriage and showed many Christians to be hypocrites. I cannot tell you how many divorced Christians I saw arguing that gay marriage was unbiblical but then scrambling for answers when someone rightly pointed out that the Bible is extremely clear on the subject matter of divorce. If as a general rule your church will not marry homosexuals but will marry people who have been divorced then it’s pretty easy to point to that not as genuine Biblical adherence but as persecution of homosexuals.
I’m not sure if porn is the cancer beneath the ills or yet another symptom, I’m somewhat inclined to think it’s simply another symptom. But yes it’s definitely a problem within the church.
When I made this same case publicly to a “very well-known conservative Christian writer” who divorced it ended our friendship.
An excellent reflection of why pride is a terrible sin. So many sins and so many broken relationships even within the church are a result of pride. It’s truly heartbreaking.
thank you for this. I will read it a few more times.
With Christians we can have faith in each other and yes, pray
When will the faithful stand strong? I was so disappointed by the Blue Jay’s player’s apology for speaking out about his faith!
Oppose those evils, fight those fires indeed! 🙏🏼💪
Maybe there is a difference between claiming to belong to a faith and actually being faithful, and maybe the faithful do stand strong and that is how they can be identified?
Good point. Although I do think there is pressure at times to rebuke one’s own faith so as not to be ostracized (or worse, indicted for a crime in ridiculous Canada). So one may be faithful, just not as strong as Jesus when they come for him
Our brothers and sisters across the world are getting killed for their faith, they are maimed, murdered, tortured, imprisoned in prisons far worse than those in Canada for indeterminate periods of time. Yet they stay strong. So no I do not see how an incredibly wealthy Christian who bows to social pressure can be considered faithful. Faith is measured not by what you say but by what you do. If when the time comes you choose comfort over Christ then you may have some faith but you certainly aren’t full of faith.
100% spot on. Christians are martyred for their beliefs in Asia, the Middle East & Africa. Read new book by Thomas Williams, PhD: The Coming Christian Persecution.
I just received an email from my county library system detailing its plans for celebrating Pride Month. I feel sick that my property taxes and perhaps even my library membership support such a thing. At least I can revoke my membership. And I will send the library administration a letter detailing why I think this “programming” (their word, not mine) is inappropriate and appalling, especially with regard to the children being targeted for indoctrination. Yes, they have special activities planned for children.
A few years back, a public library branch in my town had to apologize when it’s “Womenface” Story Hour involved a convicted sex criminal. To be clear, these activities are as much about PARENTS obtaining social status [righteousness] by today’s measure while confusing their kids.
It’s not that I disagree with this generally — as in, we should not deny Christ — but as June approaches I am heartbroken for struggling GenZ Christians who have been drawn into a morally darkened understanding which make them like broken reeds we must take care not to crush. I think only the Holy Spirit can lift the spiritual oppression of this age, if God would be so merciful.
And somehow we must always speak and act consistent with an understanding that the lost — even in their most distressing behaviors (like those of the ever-arrogant Dr Hotez! ) are not our enemies, only Satan is.
Often the denouncing approach merely comes across as “your sexual immorality is why you are separated from God & bound for hell” when we know in reality that each of us was separated from God from the get-go.
I don’t think there is a simple way to navigate Negative World because of our own witness-damaging hypocrisy that the world is quick to point out. I am conflicted almost all the time, tbh.
I agree with this completely. Also, there are certain strains of Christianity that don't agree with the Church's traditional sexual ethic, which makes this conversation even more complex. I try to just be consistent in how I love people, regardless of their particular sexual sin. It's challenging when even that is seen as homophobic or hypocritical, though. I just remember to pray for strength, boldness, courage, and wisdom for how to love my neighbor who is different than me.
Also, just a side note, any time we use an "-ity" or an "-ism" word (homosexuality, transgenderism), I make a mental note to remember that these groups are made up of individuals with a wide variety of experiences and opinions. It helps me not to "other" other people. I agree we must stand up and point out sin when prompted by the Holy Spirit, but we also should try to be "all things to all people" as Paul said, and we should, as much as it is in our power, live at peace with all peoples.
It's a balance I can't achieve on my own. I need Jesus to get this right and to cover my sins when I get it wrong. He's the way forward.
I am very influenced by Dallas Willard in this regard. The irony is that Christians aren’t radical enough.
I just read this and think it applies here, hope you like it!
https://solaecclesia.org/articles/were-commanded-to-love-our-neighbors-not-to-make-them-feel-loved/
This article did not really do it for me.
I think “fear of hurting people’s feelings” is perhaps just a cover story Christians are telling themselves. What we are much more afraid of is losing our livelihoods. That is why we act in compromising ways.
Very often true!
Good article!
Excellent post my brother, stirring up my heart to love and good works. We preach Christ crucified! God bless you
🔥🔥🔥
Needed this reminder today. Thank you!