Why Won't Christians Defend the Word of God

 

Why Won’t Christians Defend the Word of God?

 

Within two days, the Washington Post ran two stories on their front page that prompted this post.  On Saturday, August 5, 2023, the lead story, accompanied by a large family photo, was titled: “An abortion ban made them teen parents. What came next?” The next day, Sunday, August 6, 2023, that same newspaper ran two articles on their front page related to the on-going troubles of the former President…but I will focus on the one titled: “Nation falls deeper into division after indictment”.

Regarding the headline for that Saturday three-page story, there was a time in the not so distant past when that one-time, award-winning newspaper would have used more accurate language. Even as there continues to be a debate about what should be taught in public schools about sexuality, most (and we hope all) of the pre-teens and teenagers already know that “an abortion ban” will not result in their becoming “teen parents”.  Hopefully they have been taught the factual cause of a pregnancy before it can become a reality.

Then, why the inaccuracy of the headline? We assume that the editors knew better. Was it because it was more provocative than the truth, and it might result in higher readership? Or perhaps the primary agenda was to attack the ban on abortion services. Regardless of the motive, it is an example of the increasing reluctance / failure of the established media (both print and visual media) to address issues of morality, except to sensationalize them as “news”. The topic of “abortion” has been provocative for many years, and has divided even Christians. For Christians, the answer should be found in our Bible…not what someone thinks should be there.  Why won’t Christians turn to the Scripture to document their views?  The media won’t. Why won’t we? [As an aside, my earliest posts on this blog attempted to document my views on this same subject.]

Now, regarding the second / Sunday headline, I raise the same question as stated in the title. That primary headline has a secondary headline that says: “Without a trusted voice of authority, Americans turn to partisan rhetoric”. This article and the other one I alluded to on the same front page were addressing the fall-out from the actions of the former President over the past years. The writer of the article has offered a definitive alternative to the deepening divisions between those who would or already have dismissed the former President’s behavior, versus those who believe the results of the various investigations prove his criminal guilt. Do we as Christians know “a trusted voice of authority”? Further, are we willing to stand up for and defend the word of God? Would Christians do that even against someone who has a considerable following?

In the secular world, Edmund Burke is credited by many with the saying: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” That remains true. However, from the perspective of the Bible, the relative number of Christians who have participated in the legal processes involving the former President have been relatively few.  

Our Bible gave us two messages regarding judging others.  During His Earthly Ministry our Lord Jesus cautioned His disciples not to judge others, lest their own faults become even more manifest. (Matthew 7: 1-5) They had not yet received the insight and guidance of the Holy Spirit. But now, as believers in our Lord’s crucifixion, death, burial, and Resurrection, (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4) it tells us that because we have received the guidance of the Holy Spirit, “he that is spiritual judgeth all things…(1 Corinthians 2: 12-16)  As Christians and “ambassadors for Christ” in this fallen world (2 Corinthians 5: 20), we are expected to exercise discernment in being able to know the differences between what is “evil” and what is “good”. (Romans 12: 9, 21)  We are not being asked or guided to confront those who commit evil deeds, but we should point out the nature of the offensive behavior. (Proverbs 28: 5)  Again, why won’t Christians defend the word of God, especially since the Holy Spirit has enabled us to discern evil from good? 

It might be helpful to review the words of doctrine from Romans 16: 17-18:

“¹⁷ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

¹⁸ For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”

While individual Christians might be unable to accomplish change in this area, hopefully the umbrella organizations to which they belong should be able to accept this challenge…to face the media and others whose search for truth might still be on-going.

Dr. W. A. (Bill) Robinson