A couple of weeks ago, two events took place as part of our church mission week: for Baby Boomers, an address about Xenophobia and the changing face of the Shire; for XYs, a discussion of 'hot' topics identified as issues that prevent people believing the Christian message. These covered science and the irrelevance of religion, the reliability of the Bible, Christians and homosexuality, and how a good God can allow suffering.
Two things struck me as I reflected on the evening.
First, these issues really matter to our non-Christian friends, and to society at large. The four hot topics were not chosen at random, but were identified by responses on Facebook. The contents page of any book on New Atheism shows that these topics are of universal concern. As Christians, when we bring the gospel to bear in the lives of our friends, we ought to have something to say about the hope we have and why it speaks truth into these important life questions.
Second, these issues matter to us as Christians. Over 100 people were onsite to take part in these two events, and debate was vigorous. The discussion about the church's stance towards homosexuality was particularly heated. I wasn't surprised that many responses from the floor reflected the values and ethics of equality promoted in the media, rather than a well-thought out Biblical perspective on the uniqueness of marriage in light of creation, Christ and the church. I also wasn't surprised that some doubted the legitimacy of speaking Christian ethics into the secular sphere.
What do you say when these topics arise in conversation? What do you think? What do you believe?
As we read and re-read the New Testament, the teaching of Jesus enlarges our 'moral imagination', as Dr Andrew Cameron describes it. In Jesus we see a new way of imagining the world, where each of the above issues is re-envisaged through the lens of sacrificial love, true community and a new future filled with hope. Jesus teaches us a better story about life today and in the age to come.
It is our job as Christians to believe this better story (which is sometimes the hardest part in a difficult world), and then to share this story with our non-Christian friends and society at large.
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1Pe 3:15-16)
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