Last week I tried something new for Sunday blogging: propose a dilemma and discuss what the appropriate response is for Christians. I think it went well, so I’m doing it again.
The ground rules:
- This is specifically aimed at Christians as Christians. How does a Christian respond to X situation based on biblical teaching. I would be thrilled if atheists, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, etc read my blog, but I’m thinking a “family discussion.” Not that non-believers aren’t welcome to comment, but I want to focus on how a Christian should respond.
- I want this to be a discussion where we actually discuss the topic based on logic, reasoning, and facts. The Bible is the supreme authority, but other sources can and should be used. Logic is also very welcome. The “I feel because I feel” argument will be mocked. (Yeah, not the most Christian response. I’m not as sanctified as you are. Go be smug. And mocked.)
- This is a discussion of the topic presented, not the topic you wish were presented. For example, say I present the case of how a church should respond an elder who paid for an abortion. I am assuming abortion is sin. If you disagree with that assumption, hold a debate on your own blog or join in the discussion on another post. Off-topic comments will be deleted.
- Finally, this isn’t a discussion of the legality of something. Laws vary from place to place and change over time. We are specifically looking at the Christian response.
- Exception to deleting an off-topic post: If you want to suggest an idea for future questions, leave them in the comments.
Sheesh, I’m wordy. Okay. This weeks question is inspired by this article on gay marriage and churches and Christians in the wedding business. (Note, this is NOT about gay marriage, see rule 3.)
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Let’s assume that we agree Christians have a right not to participate in activity they hold to be sin. Do Christians have a duty to refuse to participate in activity they hold to be sin. How far does this go?
A few examples to prove my point:
A Christian may refuse to participate in the wedding of an adulterous couple, because Duh, adultery. Is he required to refuse to participate? Does it matter what the role is? (Minister, florist, caterer, printer?)
A person who believes all consumption of alcohol is a sin. Would it be wrong for her to work in a store that sold alcohol? Would it be different if she was, say, working in the bakery of a grocery store vs. being a checker (i.e. actually selling the alcohol)?
Do you get the drift? Good! Let’s fight it out in the comments!
2 responses to “Christian Duty”
I don’t think a Christian should be required to do anything beyond what his conscience tells him he should or should not do. And his conscience should be guided by religious canon. It should go as far as his conscience tells him. It is that simple. If you believe something is wrong or sinful, you simply should not participate, engage, or be party to the sin. One must, however, know what he believes in in order to be clearly guided by conscience.
Ok, but take the issue of gay marriage. If say, a florist is a Christian who believes gay marriage is a sin. Is she required to refuse to participate in a gay marriage? If someone is convinced certain activity is sin, how far should they go to distance themselves from it?