Evangelicals are facing a divisive challenge.  Evangelicals are still settling questions of their identity.  They used to be a movement in mainline, Protestant churches calling for Biblical authority and faithfulness, Christ-centered theology and devotion, conversion, and moral and missional activism.  Over the past 50 years, they have been becoming institutions that have separated from unorthodox, mainline denominations.  Various questions have had to be addressed in these changes, including one of the major questions of Western culture leading to orthodox churches distinguishing themselves from mainline denominations that have become unorthodox: the question of homosexuality and gender theory. One of the specific issues now in focus for Evangelicals is whether same sex attracted individuals who are celibate may be considered for ordination.  A good overview of where things stand for several denominations has been offered by ‘Ready to Harvest’. [1]   This very particular question r

  The word ‘unity’ is bandied about so much that one might imagine it needs no definition.   It is held up as a primary value that sums up a whole system of values, most notably, for some, the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.   Understood through this triad of values, unity is communal and dispenses with unity around doctrine and ethics.   In fact, doctrine is not highly valued, and traditional ethical convictions are even considered an obstruction to unity. Communal unity is a value in Scripture.   One pertinent text is Philippians 2.1-11.   In this letter, Paul is concerned that two women, Euodia and Syntyche, agree with one another in the Lord (4.2).   ‘Agreement’ and ‘in the Lord’ point to the value of unity.   Thus, the earlier passage has contextual application in this church.   In Philippians 2.2, Paul says, ‘… complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.’   This ‘one mind’ sort of unity is not doctrinal or e

  Introduction The three monotheistic religions of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity have different emphases that lead to very different understandings of freedom.  This essay briefly examines how the emphases of devotion, submission, and witness relate to notions of freedom.  It then contrasts these with the emergent Secularism of Post-Christian, Western society.  The goal of the essay is to point out that these different belief systems lead to different understandings of freedom.  The essay covers these topics in broad strokes to identify emphases in the different perspectives and thereby provide some understanding of the conflicts between various groups.  It also challenges any generic use of the value of ‘freedom’ without further definition. Judaism Judaism is a religion of singular devotion to God by His chosen people .  Israel’s narrative in the Old Testament moves from God’s calling and promise to Abraham and his offspring to God’s liberating Israel from Egyptian slavery t

 One issue facing Evangelicals today is that of the ordination of same sex attracted, non-practicing individuals.  Gender theory has rattled the Church in many ways, and for Evangelicals, this is perhaps now the primary issue that needs to be resolved.  A denomination will not be able to maintain its unity by not addressing such a matter.  In fact, the issue is about to be brought up next week at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church's General Assembly in the United States.  Evangelicals remaining in the Church of England are allowing same sex attracted yet non-practicing ministers in their ranks. As this matter faces churches, denominations, and Evangelical groups of various sorts, I would like to bring two of my previous essays to readers' attention: 'Platonists, Stoics, and Paul on Gender Fluidity, "Side B Christians", and "Conversion Therapy"' (see here ) 'The Character of Ministers in the Pastoral Epistles' (see  here ) At stake are fundam