Christians, Boycott!

How can Christians bring about change in our world? Should we try to bring about change? Well, to that second one, I say yes, we should. For too long Christians have sat back and allowed institutions like education, the entertainment industry, and the media be dominated by non-Christians who perpetuate non-Christian values and mores. We have the ability to make change in this world and it is our obligation to exercise that ability.

However, we must do it within the bounds of the laws of our country. Those who blow up abortion clinics are not only violating civic law, but they are also going against God.

Romans 13:1-2 says, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”

In this country, one of the best ways to bring about change is to vote with our pocketbooks.

75% of all Americans claim to be Christians. If only half of those, 37.5% of all Americans, boycotted a product because they wanted something changed, you can bet the company would change.

Okay, so who should Christians boycott? Well, for starters, I think Christians should boycott Hardees and PepsiCo.

Why Hardees? For several years now, Hardees has run advertisements that are blatantly sexually explicit and advertisements that demean, demoralize, and denigrate women. I’m sure you’ve seen the latest one. Sure, the target market is adult men. But, the ads are watched by children, teenagers, and young adults. What message is Hardees sending to these demographics? If their hamburgers are so good, do they really need such filthy ads to push them? Actually, I’m surprised some of the liberals haven’t raised more of a cry on this one. I would think the feminists would be having fits. I guess it just shows their hypocrisy as well.

PepsiCo is a harder one. This means no more Pepsi soda products, no more Pizza Hut (Ouch! That one hurts.) and no more Taco Bell, among other things. I’m struggling with this myself to the point where I forget. Last night I purchased a Cherry Pepsi from a vending machine without even thinking.

So, why PepsiCo? They give large amounts of money to homosexual advocacy groups. And Christian groups have repeatedly lobbied them to stop and instead they’ve increased their support. Therefore, when you purchase something from PepsiCo, you are indirectly supporting homosexuality, something that God detests.

By now you’re probably wondering what the Scriptural support for this is.

Let’s start with Romans 12:2 - Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

And move onto 1John 2:15 – 17 - Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

In the passages above and the one below, “the world” means the world’s system. Things of man, not of God.

James 4:4 says “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”

Here are some more verses directly referencing immorality.

1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.

Ephesians 5:3 - But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.

And here is God’s command regarding sexual immorality and impurity: Colossians 3:5 - Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

If you think sexual immorality only applies to adultery, fornication or physical sexual sin, think about these words from Jesus: Matthew 5:27 - You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Jesus never said living the Christian life would be easy. Everyday we have to make a choice. Do I live for myself or do I live for God? As best as I can, I’m going to try and live for God. What about you?

By the way, don't just boycott, but send them a letter telling them why.

Conversation on Tolerance

Below is a conversation I recently had with someone that was spurred by my blog on tolerance. I repeat it because I think it was a great conversation and allowed both of us to bring up many points and two different viewpoints. My friend is a Christian. No commentary on my part, just what we said to each other. Please comment or react as you see fit.

My friend said,

"This is what I believe the Christian definition of tolerance is:

Romans 12:18 - If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

I agree with your definition. I agree that Christian churches should not accept homosexual marriage. If Christians wish to live at peace with everyone without having to accept everyone's beliefs as valid, churches should refuse to give out marriage licenses to homosexuals; however, they shouldn't give the State authority to define marriage. If Christians attempt to give the state the authority to regulate marriage, they delegitimize the church's own licensing authority.

Brian said,

Good points. I agree with your conclusion, though the state already regulates marriage. Many people are married outside the church and without any church involvement. All that is needed is a justice of the peace and a witness. I agree, though, that the church should refuse to marry homosexual couples.

My friend said,

Then, I think that gay marriage is a matter of tolerance. For moral purposes, isn't any marriage license that the state gives out illegitimate whether it is for a straight or gay couple? If Christians wish to live at peace with homosexuals, they should promote equality under the law. There is no moral reason to oppose state marriage equality because it has nothing to do with religious marriage.

Brian said,

I agree. But, as Christians, we still can, under the limits of the law, make our opinions known. Homosexuality is a moral offense to God. Therefore, we should avoid participating in it (no duh!) and we can, under the constitution of this country, campaign for laws against it. Personally, I like the Dr. Dobbs approach, and that is trying to lead gays to Jesus. Then let the Holy Spirit do His work. But, we have a civic duty to vote. Therefore, if gay marriage laws are proposed, we're within our rights and obligations to vote against them. Does that make sense? I just don't believe in publicly bashing gays or anyone else who lives an immoral lifestyle.

My friend said,

I don't see how it's tolerant (as you have defined) to campaign for laws that oppress a group of people. I see no reason no moral reason to oppose state marriage equality because it has nothing to do with religious marriage.

Brian said,

If one believes that whatever one thinks is right, thus everyone is right, it's called relativism, and denies absolute truth. This denies that there is a right and a wrong. However, I believe in absolute truth. There is a right and a wrong, and that right and wrong is defined by God. If a "group" of people, as you say is doing wrong, to institute controls (laws) to restrict that activity is not oppression. Oppression is denying a group of people who are that way due to no fault of their own the same rights as other groups of people are given. For example, denying education to blacks or denying equal job opportunities to women. Gays are the way they are by choice. It is a lifestyle they have selected. To extend your argument, one would have to include pedophiles, serial killers, bank robbers, drug addicts, and neo-Nazis. These are all "groups" of people. What you're saying is that any law or rule restricting these groups from doing what they feel is okay is oppression. Again, this is relativism. And it denies God's truth, not to mention makes civilized society impossible.

My friend said,

I don't depend on moral relativism to support my views on marriage equality. I depend on the principle of equality under the law. Homosexuals should be treated the same as heterosexuals under the law. The government should not promote homosexuality, I agree; but they should certainly not promote heterosexuality either. The government needs to stay out of the social arena just as it needs to stay out of the economic arena. If there is reason to be restrictive in one, there is reason to be equally restrictive in the other. If Christians support interference into the social arena to restrict what other people can do on their own property, it is certainly not an attempt to "live at peace with everyone."

Brian said,

I would agree with you at the Federal level, as that is the way our Constitution is constructed. However, I don't agree at the local or state level. The people of the state / local community have a right to fashion their laws as they see fit as long as they are not unconstitutional at the federal level. Also, remember, much of our civil law is based on Biblical law. That is the foundation, especially for "moral" laws, though I would argue that most laws are moral. There's a good book you might want to pick up. They argue this much better than I ever could. It's called Legislating Morality.

My friend said,

I'm not saying that people don't have a "right to fashion their laws as they see fit as long as they are not unconstitutional at the federal level." I'm saying that Christians can't support restrictive marriage laws and claim that they are following the Bible's lead, since legislating such restrictions is the opposite of an attempt to "live at peace with everyone."

Brian said,

We support and fashion the laws so that we can live at peace with everyone. Pro gay marriage laws support something that God condemns. How can we be living at peace with people if we're allowing something that God condemns?

My friend said,

Just because you're allowing an individual to make a decision that is bad for themselves doesn't mean that you're supporting that decision. If you wish to help individuals, it is more efficient to persuade them that their decisions are harmful to themselves rather than forcing them to live by your position. Telling others that you know what is best for them, and using the state as your means to enforce that, certainly doesn't lead to a conservative-oriented government. Giving the state the power to restrict that which the majority thinks is immoral is liberalism. And Liberalism is certainly not an attempt to live at peace with everyone.

Brian said,

Not sure what you're using as your definition of liberalism and conservatism. The philosophy of state's rights is conservative. Liberals want a strong and big Federal government and want the government to run our lives. Conservatives believe we as a people should be able to determine our own laws, within the bounds of the constitution.

Let me back up a minute. First of all, the verse live at peace with everyone is a command to the individual and should be taken that way. We as Christians should live at peace with other individuals, as well as we can, no matter what they believe or how they live. Of course, this is within reason and not to the danger of others. So, if someone is a serial killer (extreme example) and we know it, we should turn them into the police.

Homosexuality is both a danger to an individual and to a society. It led to the downfall of both Rome and Greece in their heyday. The average life expectancy of a gay man is in his 30's (see Legislating Morality). 99% of all Aids cases are in homosexuals or spread from homosexuals. It is irresponsible of us to turn the other way and allow the homosexual agenda to continue - AS A SOCIETY. Again, let me stress, if you know a homosexual, you should treat them with respect just like you would anyone else. But, as a society, we need to protect individuals and society from evil, when possible.

And actually, complacency is acceptance. Let's use another example. If you allow an alcoholic to keep on drinking and do nothing to help, you are supporting that person's alcoholism. By doing nothing, you are "accepting" alcoholism as being okay. Actions show what we really believe and accept more than words. You may say you don't accept alcoholism, but if you do nothing to help out your friend, you're accepting it by doing nothing about it.

Instituting laws that the majority of people support is not liberalism, it is democracy. Trusting the government to determine what is best for people is liberalism, especially when that goes against the wishes of the majority.

My friend said,

I'm not advocating that you do nothing to help homosexuals, as you suggest in your example. I'm suggesting that you do everything within your power except use force. Do you think that it would be appropriate to lock your alcoholic friend in your basement and take care of him without his consent? I think that it would be much more compassionate to persistently attempt to persuade an alcoholic that his lifestyle is detrimental to himself.

Brian said,

There are times when the alcoholic friend may need to be put in detox or a rehab center against his will.

My friend said,

I don't see force as peaceful. Forcing your friend into rehab against his will, in my opinion, isn't an attempt to live at peace with everyone.

And what do you say?

 

Tolerance

Tolerance. This is a common word today. I believe it’s also a misunderstood concept. What is the definition of “tolerance”? According to Dictionary.com, citing the 2009 Random House Dictionary, the definition is:

“a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.”

This definition bothered me. So, I looked up the word in my Random House Dictionary from 1975. And here is the definition back in 1975:

“a fair and objective attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.”

Notice the difference? The word “permissive” is not part of the 1975 definition. And this makes all the difference in the world.

The concept of tolerance has been co-opted by relativists, those that don’t want rules, who reject morality, and who want all beliefs and practices validated.

But consider what the postmodern definition is saying. We’re to have a permissive attitude toward all practices? Where does the line get drawn, then?

So, what is the definition of tolerance a Christian should follow?

The word “tolerance” shows up only once in the Bible, in the NIV translation:

Romans 2:1-4 - You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?

The original Greek word translated in the NIV as “tolerance” is “anoche” and actually translates to the word “forbearance” which is defined as “a holding back, a delay of punishment. It represents a suspense of wrath which must eventually be exercised unless the sinner accepts God’s conditions” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary).

There’s nothing permissive about this word at all.

This is what I believe the Christian definition of tolerance is:

Romans 12:18 - If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

One thing that tolerance does NOT mean, is acceptance.

What does it mean for a Christian to show tolerance? We are to respect the right of others to have different beliefs and opinions from our own. We are to respect people as people. We are not allowed to discriminate, judge, nor show any contempt toward someone who has different beliefs and opinions, even practices than us. However, it does not mean we have to accept their beliefs, practices, or opinions as valid.

For example, if someone is a homosexual, we must respect that person, and as the verse above says, do all we can to live at peace with them. And like my previous blog stated, love them and share the Gospel with them. However, we do NOT have to acknowledge that homosexuality is okay. We can lovingly tell them we disagree with their lifestyle.

If someone is a Muslim, we must respect that person, love that person, not discriminate against that person, but we do NOT have to acknowledge that Islam is valid or correct. We are obligated to share the truth with them and that means telling them that Jesus Christ is THE way, THE truth, and THE life and no one comes to God but through Christ.

Tolerance is not abandoning our own beliefs.

And the ironic thing is, any devout Muslim would agree.

Watch out for relativism. As you can see by the new Random House Dictionary definition of tolerance, it is pervasive.

We are to respect and love everyone, but we do not have to accept or acknowledge as valid every belief and practice.

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2Timothy 4:2).

And it bears repeating:

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18).

Christians and Homosexuals

Yesterday the Iowa state supreme court ruled that a law to ban homosexual marriage was unconstitutional.

I could write a long spiel about how the judicial branch once again overstepped its authority. I could write about how Christians should write our congressmen long scathing letters about the immorality of homosexuality. Or I could write my own long scathing blog about how we should condemn homosexuals and their lifestyle and how we should boycott Pepsi because of their support of the gay lobby, blah, blah, blah.

You’re welcome to do any of these things yourself, but as for me, I’m not so sure this is how Jesus would handle the situation. And since my goal, though I’m far from it, is to be as much like Christ as I can, I’m going to write about how I believe we should treat homosexuals and those that support homosexuality.

First, here are some versus from the Bible about homosexuality.

Leviticus 18:22 - Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.

Leviticus 20:13 - If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.

Romans 1:26-27 - Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

The first two verses are commands from God and are in the same chapters that condemn adultery, incest, and bestiality. These are all sexual sins. One thing to note, though, is that these commands are given to God’s people.

All of these sexual sins are all lifestyle choices. Let’s get one thing straight, people are not born homosexuals. It is their choice to become one. Yes, there may be social circumstances that push someone toward that lifestyle, but like adultery, bestiality, and incest, homosexuality is a choice.

So, what should our response be to homosexuals and those that support homosexuality?

Here are a couple verses that should give us serious pause. Paul, in 1Corinthians 6:9-10 says, “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

In case you’re unclear, “inherit the kingdom of God” means go to heaven when they die. Therefore, our response to homosexuals and people who support homosexuality or any other sexual sin should be to tell them the Gospel of Christ. We should not condemn them for their lifestyle or for their beliefs. We should not put them down, judge them, or argue with them. We should love them, show them kindness, and tell them what Jesus has done in our life. Then, let God change their hearts and their lifestyles.

1John 3:9 says, “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.”

While we cannot judge the heart, and only God truly knows if someone is saved, if someone persists in a sin, it’s likely they do not have a relationship with Christ. And even if they do, they’ve wandered far from that relationship. So, loving them either to or back to Christ is what we should do. And telling someone the Gospel is never wasted breath.

Isaiah 55:11 - so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

We cannot tell unbelievers how to live.

Paul, in 1Corinthians 5, verses 12 and 13 is addressing sexual immorality within the church. He says, “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked man from among you.”

This is clear. We are not to judge those who are not believers. Only God can do that. We need to clean up our own house, live our own lives for Christ, and tell others about Christ.

Remember Jesus’ example.

Matthew 9:10 - While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.

Jesus hung out with the “sinners”. He didn’t condemn them, put them down, or argue with them. He loved them and showed them the kingdom of heaven. We’re to do the same.

2Timothy 2:23 - Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

There’s a whole blog in the above passage, but for now, just read it and apply it to those who are unbelievers living a type of life you don’t agree with.

Finally, for those of you clinging to your judgmental attitudes, adultery, like homosexuality is a sexual sin. And what did Jesus say when the men dragged the adulterous woman out to Him saying they should stone her to death as the religious law said to do?

When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:5).

Jesus’ response to the woman was then this:
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:10-11).

So, I’ll say the same to you regarding homosexuality. Those of you who want to condemn them, if any one of you is without sin, go ahead and cast the first stone.

But if you’re not willing to cast that stone, maybe you could invite a homosexual couple over to dinner and show them the joy of knowing Christ.