Would you go to a gay friend’s wedding and bring presents? Or would you snub the gay wedding?
Comment by Wayne Besen — August 6, 2008 @ 3:12 pm
Wayne,
I would go to a close friend’s gay wedding and yup, I’d bring a gift. I know that all of my close friends know what I believe about sexual ethics and would not assume my beliefs had changed but that my attendance was a sign of my love and friendship. I’m sure I would get some serious flack for this decision - but at the end of the day, I believe loving people is what God asks of me.
Comment by wendy — August 6, 2008 @ 8:39 pm
Ms. Wendy Gritter, M. Div. is the National Director of New Direction - Creating a safe place for same-gender-attracted people to journey towards wholeness in Christ.
It should be noted, New Direction's Mission, Vision, and Core Values Statement makes several references to what Jesus would want, several Truth claims, and yet ZERO scriptural references.
It is not my intention to be-little this group's desire to help folks, but it is my intention to place a sharper focus on a troubling trend that seems to permeate certain kinds of ministries - making Christ (God's word) more like a new and improved reflection of the world (culture). See 1 John 2:15 -17.
It should be no surprise to Ms. Gritter that the world is ruled by the prince of lies - Satan.
If the message proclaimed is tailored to meet the world's demands and definitions for justice, love, and reconciliation - it remains of the world. Dealing with sin does not require a speciality ministry, nor does it require a message that "seek[s] to promote the use of language that builds bridges rather than barriers and commit to rigorously reviewing our language usage on a regular basis." In essence that's double talk for - let the world (culture) define which words are appropriate and let us re-evaluate these words regularly - God's word is not necessary and could perhaps be offensive to some folks; after all, the language (words) like - abomination, sin, vomit, repentance, hell, fool, and death, certainly aren't "bridge builders" nor are they very "seeker" friendly by the world's standards. See Hebrews 12:6 and 1 John 2:15-17.
When one becomes more interested in using language to build bridges of false Truths to the world, a worldly bridge is all you have - that is to marry Christ to the world, it has nothing to do with God's eternal Truth. In essence it is making an idol - making Christ, the word of God - the Truth, dependent on a worldly wisdom or desire. Perhaps it was not an over sight that ZERO scriptural references were missing in this ministries' mission statement - and all the while making Truth claims about what Jesus would want. If healing and reconciliation is important, we may want to re-evaluate our motives when we seek the Truth - God's will.
My point - if we continue down the path that views the world (human sin and our fallen condition) from a purely natural (worldly) perspective, we make ourselves and our own perspectives the center. In essence we corrupt God's Truths and replace His wisdom for our own. We become very susceptible to the world and its subtle pull away from God's Truth. Indeed Wayne Besen's question was well worded - he confronted Ms. Gritter where he knew she would waiver - her feelings. Why? because he operates from a purely natural worldview and knows as well as any believer, that is where we battle - flesh vs. spirit; Truth vs. lie, God's Truths vs. man's wisdom.
Is it any wonder why we see so much Christan faith marketing? Are we not hitching our faith that has been delivered to us and sealed in the blood of Christ, on the culture (world) once again? I submit to you - what is at stake is nothing less than God's eternal Truths.
Answer is: No, Mr. Bensen - I will not attend a public event mocking Christ - I will stay at home and pray my friend stops living in rebellion to the Truth - my gift. A gift I give freely because Christ loved me before I loved Him - a gift I accepted. That's another Truth claim in case you missed it.
HT: GCMW