The Inauguration, Louie Giglio, and the New Normal

With President Obama's Inaugural Committee rescinding Evangelical Pastor, Louie Giglio's invitation from praying at the Inauguration, we have entered a new chapter in what is expected from all who will participate in the reformulating of American society along the lines of homosexuality. Apparently, the direction that we are heading states that if you affirm homosexuality as a good and normal way of life, then you are accepted. If you state that you believe that homosexuality is a sin according to your religious beliefs as derived from the Bible, then you will not have a role to play in the public square. That is as simple as I can see it. Whether or not we get to that point remains to be seen, but that seems to be the direction that some would like to take us. The New York Times article linked above says,

Officials at Mr. Obama’s Presidential Inaugural Committee, which operates separately from the White House, announced the decision — less than 24 hours after news of Mr. Giglio’s sermon surfaced — and took responsibility for failing to properly vet him.

“We were not aware of Pastor Giglio’s past comments at the time of his selection, and they don’t reflect our desire to celebrate the strength and diversity of our country at this inaugural,” said Addie Whisenant, the spokeswoman for the committee. “Pastor Giglio was asked to deliver the benediction in large part for his leadership in combating human trafficking around the world. As we now work to select someone to deliver the benediction, we will ensure their beliefs reflect this administration’s vision of inclusion and acceptance for all Americans.”

So, in the New Normal, no amount of good work, compassion, justice, or charitable initiatives will be able to remove the "stain" in the eyes of society that is upon you from declaring that you believe that homosexuality is a sin and that people can change through the power of Jesus. Unless you "repent" of your "sin" and find "atonement," and "forgiveness," then you are not allowed to take part in the New Normal of liberated. You are relegated to the corner where you can worship as you please, but you just can't say anything that disagrees with the status quo. Of course, your crime will be that you affirmed the Bible's teaching on sin and righteousness and why we need salvation and where it can be found.

Yes, this is where we are headed and I have been predicting it for years now. What we are seeing is the emergence of a new religion/faith system that will be just as firm and strong as any we have seen before. Christian thought will only be accepted if it bends on this issue. 

How will we respond?  Primarily, we respond by placing our faith in God instead of our culture or government or our place in society. We cling to the truth of the Gospel and do not compromise it to be accepted. I applaud Louie Giglio in this. We also recognize that we are all sinners and that we are all in need of a Savior. The issue is not homosexuality for the Christian. That sin is no different than any other sin that we all have dealt with in our lives. The issue is whether or not we will continue to call it sin and continue to call people to faith in Jesus as their Savior. We must be loving and accepting of all people, but we must not compromise the claims of the Gospel in the process.

Persecution is coming. We need to prepare for it. But, we do that by clinging to Christ more than anything else in this world. We are seeing that happen right now with Hobby Lobby and Louie Giglio's example. How will you respond when you are asked if you believe that homosexuality is a sin?  Will you say that all that matters is if people are happy?  Or will you say what the Bible says, that it is a sin, and that it is just one more reason why we all need a Savior because we all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God?

I hope that you will give a gospel answer.   

Comments

[Jeff Palomino]

Alan - Thanks for posting so many thoughtful articles on this topic. You'ver really stimulated my thinking. I agree 100% with you. One thing, however, that needs to be clarified just a touch is your statement that Christians believe "people can change through the power of Jesus." I believe this as should every Christian. I've also experienced it as has every Christian. What I want believers to be clear about, though, is what we mean by "change" when it comes to homosexuality. "Change" can mean two things. First, it can mean change in a person's heart (i.e., sanctification). This changes is done by the power of the holy spirit after we've become Christ followers and as we walk with him, seeking him daily, and living in his kingdom. Anyone can experience this change - heterosexual or homosexual. The other kind of "change", though, that many Christians want to put on homosexuals is much harder - this is that homosexuals can change their orientation. Let me say this - I firmly believe many homosexuals choose to be gay. In addition, many who are not gay, are raised in an environment or with painful external factors that make them turn out gay. However, and this is where we need to be clear when we really try to love homosexuals - while many choose the lifestyle and others are brought into it, some do not choose it at all are simply are oriented that way. This is kind of provocative to say because many evangelicals think homosexuals choose to be gay. One won't go far in loving them if you have that as the going in position because some do not choose that orientation; they choose the lifestyle, but not the orientation. Now, that doesn't mean they should engage in a homosexual lifestyle (i.e., sexual immorality). That's the sin. It also doesn't mean that Jesus can't change them (both sanctify them as well as miraculously change their orientation). What we need to understand, though, in walking with someone who is gay, but trying to live for Jesus is - like all of us - not a simple behavioral switch to turn off/on. This is a deep, deep sincere struggle for some people. I know when you referred to change you meant changed by Jesus in every way the gospel can change people. However, some think very narrowly and say for a homosexual to come to Christ it comes with a condition that they change a trait about themselves, which, sadly, sometimes they feel they cannot. Again, the final focus must be on the gospel. I just want Christians to have credibility and compassion in this, which I know you certainly do. Just not sure if others always do. Appreciate you mucho, brother!