In a recent interview with the National Post, Michael Coren talks about Christianity being "the most thoroughly and purposely marginalized belief system in the world." I think a lot of this has to do with the core truths that the bible lays out. These core truths directly offends and challenges different lifestyles, personal behaviors, and individual autonomy.
How do we see this in Canada? Well...
An article made its circulation over the weekend about a high school student in Nova Scotia who was suspended for wearing a pro-Jesus t-shirt. The article can be read here. There are differing opinions as to what the right decision was. My opinion? The student should have stopped wearing the shirt. But here's why:
The student had been warned about the shirt. Someone (another student) was offended and confided in the school authority, who requested him to stop wearing it. Now 1 Peter 2:13 comes to mind: "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish." As Christians we are to submit to authority, and therefore he should have respected the leadership at the request.
I do empathize with the student, as the article subtly mentioned that his faith has been attacked in the past. To that I would gently remind him of Romans 12:14 and John 15:20 that speak of persecution.
When we share the good news to others, the truth is sure to offend. Sin will be exposed and identified and affiliated with shame. Now this is the pickle. Are we to be known as people who offend?
I started this post with the intent of dissecting that while the Gospel offends (true), Christians should not be offensive. After all, when a person is offended by what a Christian says, it is not the individual but the gospel message that offends them. Right?
No comments:
Post a Comment