THE CHRISTIAN AND CONTROVERSY

     We live in a world full of controversy. The War on Terrorism, Abortion, Homosexuality & Marriage, Gun Control, Taxation, Government Policy, are just a few of the topics that give rise to very strong opinions on either side of the particular issue. Some of the people on both sides of a controversial issue have such strong opinions that it often gives rise to anger, hatred and in some cases even leads to violence against property and persons. I am certain that you have seen such instances in your own lives.
     As you know I am a practicing christian. I say "practicing" because I have yet to get it exactly right. I mean, I still am not perfect...not even close. Just ask anyone who knows me well. As you also know I am not afraid to express my opinions on a variety of subjects. I have sometimes offended people by what I have said, written or done. Sometimes it bothers me when I cause such offense because the offense is unintentional, other times not so much!
     As christians we have been given a "commission" by the Lord Jesus Christ. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you;" (Matthew 28:19,29) That is our only "commission" from God. No where are christians commanded to, given the authority to, or permission to engage in violence in carrying out our commission.
     Should christians express their opinions on controversial subjects? Should christians be involved in the political process? Should christians participate in efforts advocating one side or the other of a controversial issue?
      In my humble view, the answer is "Yes!" As citizens of this great nation it is the duty of all eligible citizens, including christians, to become educated about the candidates and the relevant issues of the day and vote.  All citizens, including christians, should read and understand the U.S. Constitution so that they understand how our republic is organized and what powers , and the limitations thereto, are vested in each of the three branches of our government.
     Also, in my humble view, it is the duty of christians, in fulfilling the aforementioned commission, to speak out on controversial issues. 
     Let me hasten to add that when a christian does chose to speak out on any issue they should do so lovingly, respectfully, calmly, intelligently, without anger or rancor and without fear. They should also speak out with the purpose of gently persuading people AND pointing them towards God in a manner consistent with out God-given commission.
     The Bible tells us that God is love and desires to have a relationship with all human beings. The Bible also makes it clear that each one of us gets to freely make the choice of whether or not we want a relationship with God and that God will respect that choice. Christians should respect that choice as well, even though some christians clearly do not.
     Anyone desiring to know more about how to have that relationship, there is a host of christians, including yours truly, who would be delighted to speak with you. Should you be an autodidact, find a copy of the Bible and begin reading the Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John and the Acts of the Apostles to start. After you have done so and you want to speak with someone about what you have read or if you have any questions, there is a host of christians, including yours truly, who would be delighted to speak with you. 
     In conclusion, Christians enjoy the same civil rights as non-christians and ought to participate fully in the blessings of liberty, the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, and speaking out on the issues of the day just as freely as non-christians. The difference should be as to how they do so.


     Thanks for reading this post. God bless you all and God bless America!