j In the area of ethics, specifically Christian ethics, today's society, and its cultural
norms, are being wrought with misinformation and disinformation. There are
several very negative and inaccurate premises that are being propagated by small
groups who thrive on disunity. These are groups who contend such ideas as "all"
white people are racist, or that "every" Christian who stands against abortion is a
woman hater. They make arguments such as "all Christian men are simply
misogynist" and "all Christian women are simple followers". These types of all
inclusive statements about whole sects of people are both inaccurate and
dangerous.
j j The church is the most significant group of people with regard to this struggle
within our society. The church is commanded to live, work and thrive through unity
with one another. One of the most powerful statements that Christ made about
this, in my opinion, is when He tells His disciples "by this all will know that you are
My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35) Christ made it clear
that all were welcome. (I Tim. 2:4) The most popular verse in the bible, John 3:16,
tells of the greatest love that can ever be shown, "For God so loved the world..."
God is not a discerner of men based on physical traits or biases. God judges
based on righteousness and holiness. This is because God "sees the heart" (I Sam.
16:7).
j j This is an area where Christian leaders, more than ever, need to be grounded and
willing to stand firm in biblical truth. This is why Christians, leaders and laypeople
alike, need to be students of the Word. To make their theological beliefs their
foundation for behavior. It is unfortunate that some leaders feel that they can
"blend" in with the world surrounding this very important topic. It is always easier
to fit in than to stand alone. The key is that as Christians we are not alone. If no
one else will stand for truth, Christ will stand with us. The "world" has seldom ever
had a solution that would stand the moral test of God, unless it was derived from
the truth found in God's word.
j j The idea that absolute truth is merely a biblical metaphor is a failure from those
who do not want to be ridiculed by the world. I believe there are several reasons
for this, however, the most prominent ones are wealth and position. Over the last
several months we have seen how standing against the cultural norms, specifically
in the area of ethics, can and has cost some their livelihood. This is such a shame,
but it is only possible because we as fellow believers shy away from standing with
those who proclaim scriptural truth. Christ was counter-culture and so are His
followers today. Vanhoozer and Stachan say it best, when they write about how our
culture today has made the position of pastor / minister a person to be mocked.
Someone who is of "low intelligence".1 They are accused because they refuse to
fall for lies of so-called science and other academia subject areas. As Leaders
(pastors, deacons, elders, ministers, etc) we need to stand firm, whole heartedly
acknowledging and practicing the truth of scripture. As believers we need to come
along beside our leaders and shore them up against the onslaught of the worlds
negative perception. j
1. Kevin Vanhoozer & O. Strachan. The Pastor as Public Theologian: Reclaiming a
Lost Vision. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Pub.) 2015
