As we wrap up the message series “Got Questions” I am reviewing all the submissions. I am taken with how many speak to social concerns, particularly on very sensitive issues, including gender identification and sexual preferences. The volume of questions on this topic seems to be evidence that it is not only a concern, but that as individuals, we are getting asked our “Christian position” on these social questions. Also, there is a sense that we are not positioned well to answer these questions. Why is that, and how do we respond well? How can we respond Biblically?
Social media has changed the nature of relationships.
Let the statement above sink in. It is critical to our discussion. Our entire culture has changed in a just a couple decades as our means of communication has totally changed. If we are old enough to remember a time before social media, tweets, and texting, we observed this technological change… So we need to consider how this has repositioned us in our relationships.
There are a number of observable outcomes to this change, some may be positive, some are certainly negative. One aspect is the polarization of positions on any given subject. I heard a comedian relate: “When the pandemic was announced, I thought; ‘Hey, this will really bring people together.’ That lasted about a week… [then sarcastically added] …until we learned the virus was a Democrat.” It was a joke, but it conveyed what we see on so many levels, people in this country divide on nearly every topic.
How then do we answer those who ask us about “the Christian position” on polarizing topics, without polarizing them against Christianity? We feel concern that we might risk “closing a door” on the potential to win someone for Christ. It is challenging to “speak the truth in love” when what you say may be considered “hate speech.”
Jesus dealt with a very divided people.
Scriptures indicate Jesus’ ministry took place in a very difficult and divided time in Israel’s history. Roman occupation saw the rise of the Zealots, a group that violently opposed Roman rule. Evidence of cooperation is seen among the Sadducees and certainly with the presence of Jewish tax collectors. Pharisees who generally opposed Roman rule, used this “judgment of God” to press people to comply with their religious standards. In this context, Jesus was challenged to take a side.
Some believe, in light of the political, Jesus remained neutral. This may be true, but I doubt that is how He was perceived at the time. For the Zealots, His lack of position was likely as seen as capitulation. They were after all zealous (with us or against us) and would have wanted to use Jesus’ popularity and influence to move their cause forward. Conversely, we might also see Jesus strong adherence to a fundamental (correct) understanding of Scripture, received as a condemnation for those who had compromised faith, as they were to be a “holy (separate) people.”
Jesus would not have been popular among those who were politically polarized and politically motivated. And still, what we see is that He did not try to appeal to anyone on that level. Neither did He allow Himself to be backed into a corner on related issues. It stunned those who hoped to entrap Jesus when He responded; “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s.”
Jesus did not compromise, neither did He use the political issues of the day to appeal to people. Rather, He focused on His ministry and mission. He brought a different message, one of a loving Father in Heaven, repentance and redemption. Of Jesus’ words – absent are explanations, justifications, or accommodations for those with a different agenda.
The one place we see Jesus take a side was when He defended the intentions of His Father and the meaning of Scriptures. His critical statements were reserved for the Pharisees who distorted both. Jesus called out religious hypocrisy and made enemies.
How does Jesus’ life and ministry provide a model for us? First and foremost, our lives, values, actions… evidence the truth of what we believe before we say a word in response. Who we are says as much, maybe more, than how we will respond. But when we respond – what is our agenda? Are we looking to defend what we believe? Jesus’ mission was to reveal the truth of Scripture – the truth of God’s love – a Gospel of salvation and restoration. I do not believe we need to defend Scripture to unbelievers – rather we are to press-home the thing they need to hear.
I appreciate the work of apologists in defense of the Bible. I think their work is most important to Believers who struggle with the questions detractors pose. They help to build up faith in those who have it. But we shouldn’t think we can argue anyone into repentance.
If there is a fight to be had, it is with those who claim faith and teach heresy. These need to hear the truth in love – but in perpetuating a public lie, they need public correction. We need to guard the Church against the compromise and distortion of Scripture. But even this starts with ourselves, if there is a “plank in our eye” that must be first removed.
So then… when you are asked about the Christian view on gay marriage or transgenderism – whether sincere or a provocation – I suggest a (very truthful) response, like this: “I can tell you what is said in the Bible, but it needs to be understood in the context of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – so let’s start with that…” It is not a trick to set up a Gospel presentation. God’s love and redemptive plan for people IS the context in which all these other matters must be understood.
About the Author
Jeff Morgan
Jeff’s vision is to see the Family of God embrace and live out its Scriptural calling, especially seeing the saints equipped for service in the Body of Christ. With over 40 years in ministry, Jeff has been privileged to serve as pastor, teacher, ministry developer, and musician. Jeff and his wife Cheryl enjoy spending time with their six children and nine young grandchildren.