Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
I support religious freedom laws because I support the free expression of religion. The free expression of the Christian faith requires that I “show hospitality to strangers.”
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2).
Continue reading “A Christian Response to Gay Charges of Bigotry”
The state of Indiana recently passed religious freedom legislation that seeks to protect Christians from being forced to participate in activity that violates their religious conscience. The law has been met with loud protest. The homosexual lobby insists that the law legalizes discrimination against them. Many states, including Georgia, have passed, or are in the process of writing, similar legislation. In fairness, it seems that objections have more to do with perceptions than realities (see here and here).
Continue reading “Reflecting on Religious Freedom Laws”
Recently, the mayor of Houston, Texas – the Honorable Annise Parker – directed her attorneys to subpoena the sermons, messages, speeches, etc. of selected pastors and religious leaders in the Houston area. At issue is a legal challenge to the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO). Frankly, I don’t object to the straightforward reading of the ordinance. Christians should demonstrate the love and grace of Christ to all humans – saints and sinners – and support basic human rights. I do have major concerns about the legalization of same-sex marriage or the legal redefinition of marriage. As a Christian pastor I will continue to preach and teach the sexual ethics of the New Testament, including the prohibition of pre-marital sex, adultery, and homosexuality.
Continue reading “The Suppression of Religious Speech”
The following resolution was submitted for consideration at the Church of God International Assembly in Orlando. However, due to the press of business and the limited time it was not presented for discussion.
Whereas, the Church of God is firmly committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation on the earth (Matthew 28:19); and
Continue reading “Resolution on Religious Freedom”
In Iraq ISIS warriors have marked Christian homes with the Arabic letter ن (n), which signifies Christians, or “Nazarenes.” Christians in social media have adopted #WeAreN to signify solidarity with Iraqi Christians.
Continue reading “#WeAreN – Praying for Iraqi Christians”
I do not believe in Christian nationalism. In other words, I am uncomfortable with the concept of the United States as a “Christian nation.” Why?
Continue reading “Not Christian Nationalism, But Christian Mission”
Religious freedom is an inalienable human right granted by God in creation (Genesis 2). Religious freedom is an expression of free will. In the Garden of Eden, God granted to the first humans the freedom of choice – the choice to believe, the choice to be obedient, and the choice to rebel. The Apostle Paul affirmed that all humans, Jew and Gentile, have a religious conscience that prompts an intuitive search for God (Romans 2:15; Acts 17:24-28). Because religious freedom is granted by God, this is a freedom that is not derived from the state and should not be suppressed by the state. In fact, government derives it authority from God and exists to promote the flourishing of human civilization. Therefore, the proper role of government should be to protect the free expression of religion throughout its domain (Romans 13:1ff). The temptation for government is to deify itself, thereby suppressing religious freedoms (but that is a topic for a future blog).
Continue reading “Religious Freedom is Essential to the Mission of Christ”