by Ryan Polk | Apr 10, 2013
In a recent article at the Huffington Post, Frank Schaeffer penned an opinion piece with this provocative title: “All Evangelical Leaders Will Soon Be Doing Gay Weddings”. Continuing with his recent life course, the son of famed Christian apologist and intellectual Francis Schaeffer and the recently deceased Edith Schaeffer (both of which made tremendous contributions to evangelical Christianity during the 20th century), may be more right than we would care to admit.
Only God can discern the heart of Schaeffer and what led him to abandon the evangelical faith of his parents. He has himself tried to chronicle his reasons in his books Crazy for God: How I Grew Up as One of the Elect, Helped Found the Religious Right, and Lived to Take All (or almost all) of it Back and Sex, Mom, and God: How the Bible’s Strange Take on Sex Led to Crazy Politics – and How I Learned to Love Women (and Jesus) Anyway. The titles themselves suggest a biting cynicism as well as give a subtle preview of Schaeffer’s own agenda including the acceptance of homosexuality in general and same-sex marriage in particular.
But could he be right? Not entirely and certainly not for the reasons that drive him to his conclusions. Schaeffer’s cynical reason is ultimately evangelicals will cave on this issue because we are unprincipled charlatans more concerned with surviving and keeping our positions and careers than standing for biblical truth. We are nothing more than mere hirelings who…well, need to be hired and for that to happen we will join the culture. Plain and simple self-preservation.
But Schaeffer grossly misunderstands a movement that he claims to have been a major part of making. If evangelicals cave on the issue of marriage, it will not be for self-preservation but rather a poorly misguided ‘others-preservation’. His father was prophetic in identifying two terribly damaging weaknesses that we as conservative evangelicals tend to suffer from. What are they? Namely, the desire to be accepted by a hostile culture (almost always with the good heart motivation of reaching people not realizing what we are giving away to do it) and the fact that we are rarely ahead of the cultural curve. As Greg Thornbury has rightly written, an apropos description of evangelicals could be “anything you can do I can do later, I can do anything later than you.”
Each of these weaknesses puts evangelicals in the position of being reactive rather than proactive with the truth of the gospel. How many good things usually come from our reaction? Not many. It often forces us into corners that seem unavoidable, hence the issue of same-sex marriage. Since we have allowed culture, for the most part, to set the parameters of the debate we once again find ourselves in a reactive posture. Culture has said it is about consenting adults who want to express their love for another, experience the joy of children, and receive all the benefits of being married. Bill O’Reilly has said that must leave our ‘Bible-thumping’ arguments in the church. They have no place in the courts. And the media and entertainment industries are supposedly convincing us daily that the battle is over. It is simply a matter of when, not if. A reactionary position seems primed and ready to acquiesce (see Rob Bell) and accept the inevitable. If this is true, then Schaeffer is right.
But there is more to the story for evangelicals. One of our defining foundations has been the authority of the scripture. That is the bigger issue at stake for believers in debates over the definition of marriage. It is not a postmodern battle over whose opinion gets to carry the day but by what authority will we live. For those of us who long to be faithful to Christ and his Word that means the scripture is our authority. This means that despite being unpopular or even persecuted we will be found faithful to the one that matters…and it isn’t Frank Schaeffer.
by Tiffany Zylstra | Mar 29, 2013
“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.” —Douglas MacArthur
Do you have a moment that just moves you back a bit in surprise? This happened to me in regards to President Obama appointing the very first woman to direct the Secret Service. Now, I am not political in any way, but this selection struck me for several reasons. First, it is my understanding that this agent, Julia Pierson, is a veteran of more than 30 years.
Recall this agency is coming off a scandal involving male Secret Service agents and prostitutes in Columbia last summer. While the former director was not involved in the scandal he ended up resigning in February of this year. I would be thinking, to walk into that kind of pressure situation as the new leader, “Wow, no thank you!”
While her reported qualifications for leading the Department seem to make her capable, I can only think of what struggles she will have to overcome. Pierson is not only in charge of thousands of employees, but is also tasked with protection; keeping Americans safe at major events, protecting leaders, including the President and his family, and, the one that really surprised me, a leading role in securing the financial system.
The burdens that Pierson will have to face and overcome provide an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the American people. Publilius Syrus, a former slave in 1st century BC, said “Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.” The Secret Service has not exactly had a calm sea this past year!
This is a very applicable verse for Pierson and her new appointment “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4
I can only think that through this incredible opportunity to lead the third largest agency in the United States Satan will attack from all aspects leadership roles. I, for one, propose praying for Julia Pierson in these ways:
- For her leadership to be above reproach
- To lead with integrity and honor
- To protect her from people who will challenge in negative ways
- For the employees of the agency to respect Pierson’s leadership
- For her to balance the demands of the job with having a life outside of work
by Ryan Polk | Mar 27, 2013
It seems entirely fitting that on the very day our federal Supreme Court was listening to arguments that would redefine the institution of marriage, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention would announce the appointment of Russell Moore to become its next president. As the issues before the Supreme Court attest, our country is in the middle a moral identity crisis. I can think of no one better suited to lead the ERLC and speak to these complex moral issues for Southern Baptists as well as a larger evangelical constituency than Dr. Moore.
Dr. Moore is uniquely qualified for this position. He is an impressive theologian, capable administrator, and passionately concerned about the issues which affect Southern Baptists. He brings a rich experience and background to the position from his time serving one of our seminaries as well as working in the political realm. Equally important, Dr. Moore is a committed family man who has spoken and written often about God’s design and purposes for marriage. He has been one of the primary leaders over the last decade of putting Christian adoption on the map for many believers, a movement he has not only written and spoken on but has also participated in as an adoptive father.
Moore will be 42 years old when he will begin leading the ERLC following the retirement of Richard Land. This fact, coupled with his winsome and engaging personality, allows Dr. Moore to speak to and connect with a younger generation of Southern Baptists and evangelicals. Each generation faces and must answer different moral challenges to our faith. Dr. Moore will be a defender of the positions staked out by Southern Baptists in the past on important issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage as well as newer challenges that need theological and biblical answers such as the need for adoption, bio-ethical concerns, and human trafficking. Moore will be a fresh voice to a new generation of Southern Baptists looking to continue our tradition of engaging the culture.
As the world’s largest protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention needs a dynamic and effective Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, an organization that will represent Christ and His word faithfully for many Christians in winsome, loving, unwavering way. The ERLC needs to be committed to being the Christian voice on issues that God’s word has spoken. The ERLC also needs to be an equipping center helping churches and Christians engage the culture with truth and the gospel. Dr. Moore seems to be God’s man to lead this essential ministry.
Congratulations to Dr. Russell Moore on his appointment as President of the ERLC and kudos to the search committee for seeking and following God’s leadership.
by Bryan Pain | Mar 27, 2013
Had the phrase “marriage equality” been coined in the 1970s, it may have had reference to an equality of shared responsibilities in the home between a man and a woman. It would have been a phrase that could have given birth to the 1983 box office hit, Mr. Mom.
“Marriage equality,” however, is a more recent addition to the ever-changing vocabulary associated with the LGBT community. “Marriage equality” is the term that will be forever remembered as the rallying cry for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States, which by the way seems to be inevitable.
Proponents of “marriage equality” and LGBT rights have long argued that denying marriage and other rights to LGBT individuals is akin to the narrow-minded views that denied people of color rights and privileges in this nation for far too long. Those who have opposed positions the LGBT community have advanced have been labeled bigots, intolerant, narrow-minded, and hateful.
From a sociological/secular perspective, the issue of “marriage equality” on the face seems to be an open and shut case. If governments are willing to offer all of the rights and privileges of marriage to same-sex couples, why should they be denied the label of marriage? Should the fact that same-sex couples cannot procreate keep them from marriage (this seemed to be the main argument from Charles Cooper before the United States Supreme Court yesterday)? If that is the case, then infertile couples should not be afforded marriage. Perhaps fertility screening should be administered before marriage licenses are issued. If procreation is the only reason why the state has a vested interest in keeping marriage between opposite-sex couples, the reason seems to be removed when the state allows same-sex couples the right to adopt. Sociologically there seems to be no rationale for denying the label of marriage to one man and one woman. Marriage equality, as it has been termed, seems an eminent reality in the United States.
Marriage, however, means something more to me as a follower of Jesus Christ. I understand the secular reasoning for same-sex marriage, but I cannot equate same-sex marriage with what I know and believe marriage to be as a follower of Jesus Christ. As a pastor, I cannot even affirm that a majority of legalized heterosexual marriages in the United State are equal to what the Bible reveals marriage to be.
Biblical marriage is meant to be first and foremost a picture of Jesus and His Bride (the Church). It is a covenant between man and woman to love one another, reflecting the covenant of God’s love through Jesus Christ. Marriage is a union where husband and wife submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (see Ephesians 5:21). Marriage is designed by God to bring about a greater devotion to God in the life of both the husband and wife (see Ephesians 5:26-27). Marriage is designed to be a picture of grace and forgiveness as husbands and wives demonstrate the love of God to one another.
Needless to say, heterosexual couples have done much to undo the meaning of biblical marriage (no-fault divorce, faithlessness to one another, etc.). Marriage equality will only further distance state marriage from biblical marriage. The state, however, does not maintain nor practice biblical marriage; there is a separation of church and state in our nation. It is my sincere hope that the church will distance itself from state marriage in the future, and seek to maintain the purity of biblical marriage. I’m not certain of all the implications, but I am certain that the church has the duty and obligation to keep this covenant sacred.
For those who are followers of Jesus, and defenders of biblical marriage, this changing cultural tide should cause you to examine your beliefs and convictions of marriage. Does your marriage have a greater meaning than found in a certificate issued by the state? The United States is about to embark into what Justice Kennedy today called “uncharted waters,” and only genuine revival will bring the kind of change Christians desire.
by Chris Forbes | Mar 25, 2013
Some time in the early ‘90s, a couple of techies in Silicon Valley were hanging out at a park when they caught a glimpse of a weasel scurrying by with a slice of wrapped American cheese. They knew in an instant it must be the Cheese Weasel delivering a piece of cheese to some good little techie. After all, someone must be showing all the good techie boys and girls some appreciation.
And so began the story that morphed into the urban myth of the Cheese Weasel who brings cheese to the good little tech industry workers. Each April 3rd the Cheese Weasel leaves a piece of cheese under their mouse pads.
Since that time, the celebration of the Cheese Weasel has grown and become an Internet holiday tradition that celebrates the contributions of workers in the tech industry. Tech workers get a lot of grief from people and are often under-appreciated. Cheese Weasel Day is a fun way to say thank you to them.
Over the years people have made art, music, prose and poetry to support and celebrate the myth of the Cheese Weasel. It’s all for fun and just to be nice to people who do a lot of good things for us.
I like to think of CWD as the milk of human kindness, curdled. As we all know, kindness is a fondue-mental human need.
So, what is your contribution to the Cheese Weasel Day fun going to be this April 3rd?
Here are a few ideas from the Cheese Weasel Day website:
- Give your favorite tech person a Thank You shout out using #cheeseweaselday on Twitter and Facebook
- Send someone you know in the tech sector a Cheese Weasel Day Greeting card from the evangelism website MostImportantThing.org. Here are their Cheese Weasel Day E-cards.
- Arrange secretly for a slice of cheese to be placed under the mouse pad of a tech person you know. [Check back in a few days to make sure they found the cheese. Just to be sanitary. I mean, if they don’t know about it and leave it there indefinitely, it could start to smell like Limburger.]
- Go here and learn the Cheese Weasel Song
- Plan a Cheese Weasel Day party. It’s fun! A fondue party, make grilled cheese sandwiches, nachos, or Cheetos on the house!
So, what is your contribution to the Cheese Weasel Day fun going to be this April 3rd?
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
by Ryan Smith | Mar 15, 2013
(Editor’s note: Within Evangelical circles, there is great division as to how to respond to the election of Pope Francis I. In this analysis, Dr. R. Albert Mohler, offers thoughts on the papacy in light of this week’s development. Blogger Ryan Smith offers some reactions below. Feel at liberty to send your writings, opinions and comments on this or other topics to baptistmessenger@okbaptist.net, or make use of the comments section below. The views of contributing writers do not necessarily represent those of The Baptist Messengerof any its affiliated publications.)
Like most people, I spent last Tuesday and Wednesday going about my normal business of weight-lifting and charity work. However, for millions of Catholics across the globe, these two days not only were spent in anticipation and excitement, but in preparation for a possible new direction for one of the world’s largest religious denominations.
As a born-and-raised Southern Baptist, the papal conclave seems intriguing, yet wrapped in a bit of pomp and circumstance I would be fine without. The robes, secrecy, white smoke, it all seems somewhat extraneous. However, this is the method of a church that genuinely believes they are seeking God’s will in finding a leader in the line of St. Peter.
As Baptists, of course, we do not answer to the pope. Often times our biblical doctrine comes into conflict with the teachings of the Catholic Church. As Christ-followers, there are tremendous implications wrapped in the selection of Jorge Bergoglio as Pope Francis I. Here are a few reasons why this selection could have major ramifications not only for Catholics, but for the world at large:
1) SEXUAL MORALITY. In a move that may have more cultural implications than anything, the papal conclave chose not to cave to public trends or cultural waves in regard to sexuality, but chose a man who has been unwaveringly orthodox on sexual morality issues. He is outspoken against abortion, so-called same-sex marriage, and contraceptives. With over a billion Catholics worldwide, a pope taking such stands will likely keep sexual issues on the front lines of the cultural battle for years. For pro-life and sanctity of marriage advocates, this will be viewed as a huge win.
2) JORGE BERGOGLIO IS A JESUIT. While you may not know about the Jesuits or Ignatius of Loyola, their founder, Jesuits are a pretty imposing brood. Ignatius founded the Jesuits to be “Soldiers of God” in 1534. Known also as “God’s Marines,” this group takes a sincere vow of chastity, poverty, on-call mission, and strict obedience to the pope. If you are wondering why all the news outlets and media are so surprised by Bergoglio’s low-key and relatively bare lifestyle, this may be why.
3) THE PLIGHT OF THE POOR. As a Jesuit, Pope Francis reportedly will focus much of the Catholic Church’s attention on the poor and disadvantaged. Jorge Bergoglio himself is noted for going to a hospice center for AIDS patients in 2001, washing and kissing the ailing feet of twelve patients. He was also a key figure in the Argentine economic crisis. He noted in 2007, “The unjust distribution of goods persists, creating a situation of social sin that cries out to Heaven and limits the possibilities of a fuller life for so many of our brothers.”
4) MAN ON A MISSION. Jorge Bergoglio has been noted for his evangelistic efforts. He recently stated, “It’s true that when you get out into the street, as happens to every man and woman, there can be accidents. However, if the church remains closed in on itself, self-referential, it gets old. Between a church that suffers accidents in the street, and a church that’s sick because it’s self-referential, I have no doubts about preferring the former.” If you thought the Lou Holtz commercials about “Coming Home” were pushing the envelope, just wait.
While the ideals of Pope Francis are just that—ideals—his focus and direction will no doubt have impact on the 1 billion-plus Catholics across the globe. Despite the Catholic theology, methodology, or church polity, as those of us who are mission, it is important for us to know what this major religion teaches and the direction they are headed. This not only has implications for the Vatican, but for our neighbors, co-workers, family and friends.
Regardless of where we agree or disagree, we should pray for all those in a leadership role. Finally, it is important to learn our distinctions, and be ready to make a defense for the exclusivity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and biblical orthodoxy.