Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:12-17, NIV)Read the Telegraph story here.
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A salient point John.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved this article in the Times earlier this month, which echoes your point in a humourous way:
Persecute me I’m after the Brownie points – We Christians thrive as a minority. A bit of strict us-and-them keeps up the quality.
I simply think its a question of behaving professionally at work. It is not reasonable that people should be allowed to opt out of things which are an integral part of their job, or discriminate against someone in the public sphere. Like it or not, gay and lesbian people are equal citizens and thus have a right not to be discriminated against. If some find their conscience cannot allow them to treat others equally, they must leave their job and work in a field where their discriminatory views will not matter.
ReplyDeleteOf course, there are many Christians who will continue to do their jobs properly and professionally without having to adopt the victim mentality
"Like it or not, gay and lesbian people are equal citizens and thus have a right not to be discriminated against."
ReplyDeleteThe notion of "human rights" is meaningless without a transcendent Source in God. Empirically speaking, human beings are NOT equal. Without God, politics is just rhetorical power play.
It's very strange to be accused of adopting a 'victim mentality' when every other pressure group in society (especially the gay and lesbian lobby) has done exactly that, and profited as a result. When Christians start to use the same political tactics as everyone else has done, somehow it's not fair play. Why not?
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly why I think that Christians need to stop focusing on trying to win political battles and focus on evangelism and discipling with the fullness of the faith. England used to be a bastion of Christianity and now it is lost.
ReplyDeleteIssues like abortion, homosexual unions, and etc role out of the fact that most people in the US are unchurched. Seek political solutions and you get neither political victories or disciples; seek disciples and you get political victory along with them.