J. Gresham Machen’s “Christianity and Liberalism”–Continued Relevance for a Continued Liberalism

June 21, 2014June 21, 2014Kirk E. Miller 2 Comments

As contemporary Christian continues its debate over homosexuality and (so-called) same sex marriage, my mind keeps drifting back to one of my favorite books of all time, Christianity and Liberalism (originally published in 1923) by J. Gresham Machen, one of my favorite authors of all time. (See my review of this book here.) This ‘Christian’ position in support of same-sex marriage as Christian is merely one manifestation of an ever present liberalism to which Machen’s words are as relevant as the day he originally wrote them.

If you haven’t yet read this book, please do yourself a favor and do so immediately. But in the meantime, allow me to share with you some snippets that I think exemplify this current relevance.

On standing for and proclaiming the truth.

The type of religion which … shrinks from “controversial” matters, will never stand amid the shocks of life. In the sphere of religion, as in other spheres, the things which men are agreed are apt to be the things that are least worth holding; the really important things are the things about which men will fight. (1-2)

The things that are sometimes thought to be hardest to defend are also the things that are most worth defending. (8)

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The Christian’s Proper Response to the Homosexuality Movement–Part 4

June 29, 2012January 5, 2015Kirk E. Miller 7 Comments

Vote Against “Gay Marriage”

In America, we have the amazing privilege of actually being a small portion of our government. But with this privilege comes the question of what we will do with the political movement that seeks to make homosexual marriage legal. Most conservative Christians would probably impulsively respond to this question by voting against laws to pass “gay marriage.” But let’s think through this, considering it is no light matter.

If homosexuality isn’t primarily a political issue but a spiritual one (see next point below), why should we be concerned with homosexuality on a political level at all? Isn’t it irrelevant whether homosexual marriage passes? If homosexuals already have the political right to practice homosexuality and live together with their homosexual partner, why should we disallow them from being seen as married in the government’s eyes? Are the said “government’s eyes” that important to us? There are several Christian moral standards that are not regulated by law for which Christians are not trying to push legislation (i.e., sex outside of marriage, lust, greed, using the Lord’s name as a curse word, homosexual practice, etc.) Is it the Christian’s duty to try to impose Christian ethics on others through the political realm? And if so, how do we determine which of our views we should seek to put into law as legal requirements? All of these questions are extremely good reasons not to immediately assume that we should vote against “gay marriage.”

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The Christian’s Proper Response to the Homosexuality Movement–Part 3

June 28, 2012January 5, 2015Kirk E. Miller 5 Comments

Be Tasteful

We must be extremely, purposefully, and intentionally sensitive, cautious, loving, and merciful as we deal with homosexuality. But we must also speak the truth without reservation. Although Paul was speaking directly to believers, I believe his instruction in Ephesians 4:15 is invaluable in this situation—”speak the truth in love.” Speak the truth—yes. But do so tastefully; don’t be cruel, rude, or a jerk about it. And more so, genuinely love the individual; seek their repentance and let that desire affect the way you converse with them.

This point is so important in our culture and at this point in our nation’s history. Eventually, once “gay rights” legislation passes and the history books are being written, they will write about the “gay rights movement.” And my personal belief is that these sections in our future textbooks will look a lot like the sections currently written on the civil rights movement. What’s my point? What I’m saying is that “homosexual intolerance” will be viewed at par with racism. But more so, I believe many people already view “homosexual intolerance” as equivalent to a sexual orientation version of racism. In other words, this matter demands absolute care and precision in our choice of words and actions.

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The Christian’s Proper Response to the Homosexuality Movement–Part 2

June 27, 2012January 5, 2015Kirk E. Miller 2 Comments

Expect Sinners to Sin

Straight up Christian, you shouldn’t be shocked by the fact that gay marriage is becoming legal. What grounds do you have to for being puzzled by this “spectacle”? Here’s a little secret–sinners sin. Therefore, don’t be blown away by the fact that the unregenerate/unsaved/ungodly world around us is living up to it’s name. Now, I’m certainly not saying that we excuse homosexuality. But my point is that if we would wake up from our amazed stupor, instead of spending our energy being stunned, we could be better able to actually deal with the issue, and deal with it Biblically.

Remember that Homosexuality Isn’t the Only Sin

Is homosexuality a sin? Yes. But is it the only sin? Certainly not. It’s not even the only sexual sin. Sex outside of marriage, looking at porn, and even lusting after someone else are all sexual sins right alongside homosexuality.

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The Christian’s Proper Response to the Homosexuality Movement–Part 1

June 26, 2012January 5, 2015Kirk E. Miller 25 Comments

Affirm Homosexuality as Sin

God’s Word is clear that homosexuality is wrong (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10) and so we too should without compromise be clear that homosexuality is a blatant violation of God’s standards. Homosexuality (like every other sin) is inexcusable, and therefore, we ought not to excuse it.

With the Biblical understanding that the unrepentant practice of homosexuality excludes one from inheriting the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10), to endorse homosexual practice, or even be silent on its sinfulness, is entirely unloving and contrary to an evangelistic effort.

And more so, we cannot, I repeat, cannot be ashamed of declaring that homosexuality is sin. All sin (i.e., homosexuality) is contrary to the character of God, and so when we compromise the sinfulness of sin, we compromise our ascription and declaration of God’s character.