Should Churches Follow Public Opinion or the Bible?
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…” -Paul the Apostle (II Timothy 4:3a, KJV)
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If I had a dollar for every criticism that’s leveled against Christianity (especially moderate-to-conservative Christianity that strives to stay somewhat close to the Bible), I would never have to work again.
That may sound like a cliche saying (and it is), but it’s true. In fact, if I had a dollar just for every Medium article that directs such criticism against Christianity, my retirement would probably be taken care of!
The premise underlying much of this criticism stems from one or more of these lines of thought:
- The church is on the wrong side of history.
- The church is on the wrong side of public opinion.
- The church is excluding people.
- The church doesn’t respect the “dignity” and “value” of this group or that group.
- And so forth.
Okay… I’ll be the first to admit that professing Christians can say and do terrible things. And that many churches, over the years, have done more work for the devil than for the Lord.
Historically and at present, many people (understandably) see the church as a source of pain. And that’s a reprehensible tragedy.
I believe Christians everywhere (including yours truly) need to look in the mirror and be a lot more gracious, humble, and kind than many Christians today have a reputation for being.
I believe Christians should be humble, loving, kind, compassionate, tender-hearted, and gracious. And I believe we need to hold one another accountable so that we truly do represent the One we claim to serve.
And I’ve said this publicly many times, including in this article…
At the same time…
