There is no doubt there are many movements taking place within Christianity that we should disagree with. Issues range from strange practices to sloppy theology. Do not get this article wrong, there is a need to correct, and often that correction needs to be public as the issue is public - considering modern technology. We need to attack and attack sharply - but there are times we need to address other issues as well. All Christians, regardless of their denominational affiliation, profess (or at least they should profess) the authority and accuracy of Holy Scripture. Those who believe and fight off those who do not teach soundly are actually biblical (2 Tim 4:3-4). Believers understand there is a need to test the spirits (1 John 4:1) and to expose the false teachers (2 Peter 2:1). However, we all also know, we do not all have it one hundred percent in regards to our theological positions. We all make mistakes and do not see the full picture because we are finite creatures, learning and attempting to understand an infinite God. I say all of this to express that we can most certainly disagree with someone sharply, in their positions and in action - without questioning their salvation. We can boldly and sometimes very harshly challenge an opponent in their positions, but doing so does not mean we think their profession of faith is nonexisting. (See footnote).
Putting this aside, let's look at one of those "other issues."I see a disturbing trend across the country regarding the silence from Pastors regarding what is still happening in this country. Even some of the pastors who went through many trials over the COVID nonsense of the last few years still remain silent over more charges of pastors being arrested and fined. I am sure many are praying quietly or even at their local assemblies - but there is a need to do more. Recently, Pastor Derek Reimer went to a drag queen story-sharing event to protest against it. Right or wrong regarding how he went about it - some things were simply fishy. I will admit I disagree with Reimer and how he chose to go about his concerns, but my opinion is not what matters here. What matters is what went down and the clear opposition to Christian principles.
Police are responsible for ensuring, under their mandate, that the event is not to be harassed. Reimer did barge in there as opposed to being outside. However, it is also a public event and a public library - so he had every right to be there. The police were to simultaneously protect the event and Reimer. This means they have a duty to lay assault charges on the event organizers. They took matters into their own hands instead of waiting on authorities, which they did not do. The courts were set to release Reimer, but the conditions of his release directly violated his rights and convictions as a believer.
Thirty days later, after his release, Pastor Reimer was issued a thirty-day trespass notice by Calgary City hall security, accompanied by Calgary City police, for holding a prayer vigil.
Again, regardless of the motives of Reimer and regardless if he did it the right way according to our personal opinions or standards, the issue is the city of Calgary waging war on Christians once again. How? Well, their police service, for one. Remember, this is the same service that arrested Tim Stephens and Artur Pawlowski (See Footnote). This is the same city that did not protect the rights of the protestor (Reimer) who was unlawfully assaulted by event organizers and is the same city creating bylaws to keep protestors away even though Federal law grants the right to protest and assemble.
It seems the city of Calgary makes exemptions for some groups (Like that of the lgbtqia2s+) but not Christians. Back to the main issue and main question. Where are all the pastoral voices raising concerns? Well, there are not many.
I read some social media accounts and other blogs, and it seems pastors are busy showing off their intellectual reasoning on why John MacArthur is too highly esteemed, or other blog articles showing off exhaustive reasoning for their moves during COVID. Why are pastors not speaking up? They were silent when COVID hit, when pastors were being arrested, they were silent when churches were being locked down, they were silent when churches were being burned, they were silent when schools were demanding parental rights be removed for gender reassignment, they are silent when laws are being passed attacking the Christian faith (Bill C4 and to some degree C-11 and maybe C-18), and they are silent now. Sure, many will hide behind pacifism, or use some fancy footwork in the Scriptures to justify cowardice, but their silence is deafening.
We do not have to agree with everything these men do or say. We do not have to agree with their theology, and trust me, I do not agree with some of the more well-known men these days (See footnote), but when we see clergy being arrested for exercising their convictions under Scripture, this should be sending alarm bells. I am thankful that women like Sheila Gun Reid and news outlets like Rebel covering these stories, but I scratch my head. We need more men to act like this woman - she shows more concern and cares over what is going down than many of the so-called brothers in the pulpit. How much more of this will one endure before one speaks up? It is not looking too promising right now.
Regardless of our opinions and positions, we should at least agree on one thing. Hebrews 13:3 “Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.” Pray, yes - but write those letters. Use your platforms to address what is going on. Make some noise, preach the Gospel, and encourage those who are in prison and ill-treated. Your silence is deafening and shows where you stand more than your words.
Appreciate your time reading the ramble of a frustrated pastor,
Steve
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If you are unfamiliar with my writing or position, please review them before commenting that I endorse false teachers or think certain positions are OK. I have written extensively on these issues.
I do not endorse or claim what Tim Stephens went through, or what took place with Artur are the same. Maybe at first with church attendance, but their accountability, demeanour and ministries are very different. Though I cannot support or endorse Artur, it is in my opinion if you live in the Calgary area, you attend Stephens' church, as I fully trust and endorse his ministry.
From day one, I have called out cults like Henry Hilderbrant and cautioned about other apostates or heretics. There is an issue between religious freedom and religious persecution that needs to be dealt with. Read more articles in the archives on this issue.
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