A storm is brewing, and to many, it’s not just a storm in a teacup. Paul’s warning to the Ephesian elders that “from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:30) appears to have come true.
In recent days, controversies about a new gay church and at least one other church with “deviant” doctrines have been given coverage in the press. Christian leaders are naturally concerned, especially when arguments in support of unbiblical positions seem to be articulated convincingly and are gaining ground among the flock.
The most immediate and common reaction is to consider calling for a ban. After all, Christians are called to be “salt and light” and it falls upon us to preserve public morality. In the past, Christians have stood up for what is right and successfully influenced laws on morality in many areas.
But at the same time, the issue is larger than just morality. It’s about religious freedom too. Freedom of religion cannot be limited to freedom to choose one of the major religions, but also to choose the specific branch of a religion. Malaysian Christians are a minority in a multiracial and multireligious country. In the face of Islamization and Islamic domination, we have been calling for freedom of religion. Demanding a ban on churches we don’t approve of may have future repercussions as the precedent may turn against us. The same principle may be used to ban some of our Christian activities especially those of independent churches. Do we want this to happen?
Perhaps the best way to resolve this tension is to recognize the different avenues of approach. A national Christian body dealing direct with the federal government may need to maintain her focus on religious liberty because this issue, in the context of present-day Malaysia, is the most wide-ranging and precedent-setting. Churches and individual Christians may, however, in their own spheres of influence call for necessary action to be taken in the cause of morality. (The action must be appropriate and sensitive, not provocative or antagonistic.) In fact, grassroot action is sometimes the most effective because they are more personal.
It is important, however, to remember that morality cannot be legislated. The best way to protect the flock is through discipleship and sound biblical teaching. This way to convince non-believers of our position is through convincing testimony. People, however much they may seem to want their own ways, actually want to live in ways that work. God’s moral laws have outlined the best ways and it is up to the Christians to live this out and prove it. The most effective approach then is to live a righteous life, articulate our stand with sensitivity and show grace to those who fall or disagree with us.
The Church has weathered many storms but we know that God is the captain of His ship (sheep?). He is in control. Let us look to Him to find peace in the eye of the storm that we may calmly and effectively negotiate our way in the swirling tempest. |
