There is no surprise that the CBC is a state-funded media outlet. In fact, Reuters reported that the CBC received $1.24 billion dollars in government funding in 2022. Elon Musk had it right, labelling the CBC as a state-funded broadcaster, and, sadly, the Twitter label was removed. Any Canadian, religious or not, can see the CBC as a propaganda tool for Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party of Canada he currently leads. What is surprising is the lowball hit piece journalist Jonathan Montpetit of the CBC did on aspects of the Christian faith in his article, Inside the Fundamentalist Christian Movement that Wants to Remake Canadian Politics.
As the article opens up, the reporter first takes his aim at pastor Jacob Reaume of Trinity Bible Chapel in Waterloo. Claiming Reaume used a "slur" to refer to those living a sexually immoral lifestyle failed actually to address what was said. First, I personally know Pastor Reaume and heard him preach on many occasions. The language he uses both in the pulpit and out of the pulpit is that from Holy Scripture. It is consistent and proper and spoken in grace. Again, terms such as homosexual, sodomite, and effeminate are not slurs but the actual language used in Scripture and Christian history. I am confident that this government-funded broadcaster would not go after those of the Islamic faith for what is in the Qu'ran but has no issue attacking the Christians for their use of the Holy Scriptures. Furthermore, every time I have heard Pastor Reaume speak (sermons, podcasts and privately), he offers the message of grace, love, forgiveness and God's mercy to all without distinction. If the article was truly about remaking Canadian politics, this is nothing more than a below-the-belt hit to gain reader attraction in the month the government has deemed Pride. The words Pastor Reaume spoke, which were quoted in the article, are true and correctly stated. They are Biblical, historical and faithful pastors speak the same terms.
This hit piece's second area of concern is that of Liberty Coalition Canada. The article, already attempting to show Christians as the bad guy, attempts to raise concern that the LCC is attempting to raise $1.3 million to recruit Christian faith believers into politics. I would like to ask Jonathan, "Why do you take issue with this?" Seeing members of the homosexual community are raising funds, and supporting candidates who are gay to run for office, as are those in the Islamic faith. Where is the issue for them? Clearly, the issue is not ideology or religious people running for office; Christians running for office hold different positions than what the government deems acceptable is the problem. Gay politicians "YES!" Christian politicians "STOP THEM!"
Third, I would like to see some unbiased journalism regarding what is Christian Nationalism from this reporter. Is he aware that Canada was founded upon Christian convictions of both Roman Catholicism and Protestant Christianity? Is he aware of the original lyrics to the national anthem? What about the motto of Canada taken from Psalm 72:8? What about how the educational system was formed? Perhaps Jonathan can show me his degrees in Christian studies, Christian doctrine, or Christian history. I would like Jonathan to sit down and have a dialogue over the 1689 2nd London Baptist Confession of Faith states. A confession that predates Canadian Confederation and explain to me how the document is to be interpreted. In regards to John Stackhouse's comments about "some Christians in Canada over the last 10 years have begun to push back," may I say, this is not pushing back - Canada is finally seeing Christian ministers who actually believe and live out the Bible.
Fourth in this hit piece, the reporter paints an almost negative overtone (disapproval) of over 300+ who signed the Niagara Declaration. It was tied to pastors who defied pandemic rules (which I am one) as a concern. [Trust me, many may have signed it, but only a small handful took a stand for Christ]. Again I ask Jonathan, "What do you know about Christianity, Christian history or practices of the Christian faith?" Seeing the mention of the Niagara Declaration (which I signed), it appears Jonathan believes he is an expert on the Christian faith. Why did some pastors stay open? What were the Bible references? Ironically the entire hit piece seems to be nothing more than once again state interference and a mouthpiece for Trudeau to attack those of the Christian faith. Jonathan can take it or leave it but guess what? His opinion means nothing, and the church will continue to be obedient to Christ first. I find it ironic that the reporter can [grossly misrepresent Biblical views); report Christian convictions and practise, but he feels those with Christian convictions cannot be afforded the same right. Many call this hypocrisy.
Last, I cannot respond to everything, but I want to address the "Controversial branch of Christianity quickly" section. Claiming that people such as the men in the article and others as "right-wing of Calvinism or Reformed Christianity" shows the ignorance of this reporter and his sources. This is a serious charge. Further, I encourage Jonathan to contact me to set the record straight. These words show the biased motivation for this hit piece. Trudeau and his funded media always use the term right wing. They also use fundamentalist and radicalized to paint anyone who disagrees with them as the enemy. In Trudeau's mind, and the state-funded broadcasters apparently, having far left-wing ideologies of sexualized opinions are acceptable. It is right to push down people's throats in areas they deem acceptable, but if anyone says otherwise, they are right-winged or extremist. I call horse malarky. So much so that the very article grossly minimized candidates' success in the election. Jonathan failed to report mayoral candidate David Shaw of Mississauga, who came second place to Bonnie Crombie. The numbers may not have been through the roof, but a successful run nonetheless.
In closing, the CBC concludes the article about LGBTQ groups feeling vulnerable. Really? Are they serious? LGBTQ individuals can have parades, read in libraries, promote genitalia mutilation, run for politics, promote values in public schools, covert people to their agendas, advertise on billboards, advertising on T.V, have people arrested and charged and destroy careers by making accusations of hate, even in those accusations are unfounded, and they feel vulnerable? No, it is the Christians who are vulnerable. Christians are the ones who face a gauntlet of ridicule, such as this article. Jesus is mocked in schools by drag queens. Christians have to endure constant verbal assaults and sometimes physical. Christians are losing their jobs all because of who they are. Christians are hated by the Prime Minister of Canada and by elected officials; they cannot pray in public schools (though Muslims can), they cannot advertise as freely, and when they actually believe the Bible and strive to live it out - hit pieces like this claptrap from the CBC are released.
I have only met a few men who have demonstrated the love of Christ and walked in meak boldness for the sake of the Gospel. Some of those men were targeted in this disgusting article. Rev. Jacob Reaume, Rev. Dr. Mike Thiessen, Rev. Dr. Joe Boot, and Rev. Dr. Aaron Rock are men that the Evangelical church should be supporting and praying for. Perhaps if proper journalism took place and the reporters reached out to more people, such a truth would be evident. Or, everything would be taken out of context.
[edit]All this said, what Canada is seeing is Reformation. Everything I stated above is shallow compared to the Spirit's move across the nation. Churches that were long asleep have woken up. Pastors who whispered are now shouting. Reports like this, and the many more to come, only testify to what is taking place. More so, the report shows and exposes faithful men being used by a mighty God. In addition, the article reveals a glorious truth that faithful Christianity is set apart by nominal evangelicalism. True faith does not bow to cultural or societal demands but remains faithful to King Jesus.
One last word to the CBC and Jonathan Montpetit, Jesus Christ is King. He reigns and has dominion from sea to sea. Every square inch of this planet, including Canada, is His; your approval means nothing. Christ has given the church a mandate, and HIS Holy Spirit gives men unction. Buckle up; you haven't seen anything yet.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12 NASB)
Rev. Steve Bainbridge
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