The Rev. Michael Shuenemeyer, Executive for health & wholeness advocacy in the National offices of the United Church of Christ says that the church should be "nonjudmental" when it comes to HIV/AIDS. [CNSNews.com Nov. 26, 2008] He says Jesus sent His disciples out to heal the sick, not criticize them. Other Religious leaders and AIDS activists want Christians to stop labeling sex outside marriage as sinful or having multiple partners as immoral because these terms are "biased" and society has "moved beyond" this.
Question: What is the message of The Church in the world? It has only one Message: Jesus Saves! Aside from babies being born with HIV, due to mothers who are infected, and medical accidents, is it possible to contract this disease without engaging in an immoral act? Is immorality a sin?
The effort to stop Christians from being "judgmental" is designed to eliminate the idea of immorality from the public discourse. If that happens, what's the point in having a Church in the world? If there is no sin there is no need of a Savior. If there is no need of a Savior the message of The Church is moot!
A common teaching in churches across this land and around the world is that Jesus came, in large part, to bring healing to afflicted people. According to this teaching, sin is the cause of human sickness and salvation brings physical healing. But the clear message of Scripture is that The Great Physician came to heal our sin-sickness, not diabetes or epilepsy. Can He heal our body? Yes. Will He heal our body? If it serves His purpose -- which is always to get glory and praise to Himself.
If the result of immoral activity is a deadly disease, and Christians stop being critical of that behavior, the Enemy wins! So what is Rev. Schuenemeyer's point? According to him it's being real: "Creating a safe place for people to ask questions and share their views, experiences and ideas. To provide them with value-based, medically accurate information, along with the tools for making healthy and responsible decisions."
This all sounds sweet, generous, and understanding. It's everything BUT facing sin and repenting, apparently.
2 comments:
Speaking the truth as always Pastor Sprouse. How loving can we be as Christians to let people continue in their sin without speaking the truth in love to them? Are we to let them continue on a path that leads to destruction? It may be tolerant but is it loving? You make a wonderful point, if all the Christians stay quiet and do not do what they are supposed to, what is the point of the church? How can we be salt and light to the world in silence? God Bless.
You make a good point Pastor. How loving are we as Christians if we let people continue in their sin and say nothing even though they are on a path to destruction. We are not useable to God if we are always silent even when the Spirit is leading us to speak. How can we be salt and light to the world if we are silent? God Bless
Post a Comment