There is nobody more opposed to “Gay Marriage” than me. I believe it tears at the very core of the Biblical and moral fabric upon which my Conservative Christian values and beliefs are based. I further believe that it tears apart the Biblical and moral values and beliefs our great nation was founded upon. I have fought it on every front I could. I have opposed it with whatever influence and means God placed at my disposal. I do not agree with or condone the Supreme Court’s decision to make it the law of the land. To me, it is a sad day in America. However, as much as I disagree with what has happened, the real test for Conservative Christianity lies ahead. As Conservative Christians we have often said, “Love the sinner but hate the sin.” Now, on a scale as never before imagined, we will get to flesh this out in our Conservative Christian world. And while my stand on this issue has not and will not change, for the first time in my sixty years of life, I have somewhat of an understanding of how it feels to be a member of a minority in America. Sadly, that minority is called: Conservative Christianity. When I posted this column to Facebook, I received a message from a friend. He wanted to know why I was differentiating between “Christianity” and “Conservative Christianity.” He asked, “Are they not the same?” Then he added, “If not, why?” His question was valid and well received. However, it points out a sad truth. There was a time in America when a person could comfortably stand under the “Banner of Christianity” with no need for further explanation. People knew the beliefs and principles that governed a Christian’s behavior. They knew that Christians believed the Bible to be the holy, inspired, infallible, and inerrant, Word of God. And while nobody is perfect, they knew Christians attempted to live their lives by Biblical morality. They evidenced this by attending church Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, and any other time the doors of the church house were open. They further evidenced it by refraining from, consuming alcohol as a beverage and from the use of mind-altering illegal drugs. It was also evidenced by a belief in the sanctity of life for all. This included the unborn, mentally and physically disadvantaged, and the elderly. Furthermore, Christians got married and stayed married. There was a stigma associated with divorce, couples living together in an adulterous relationship, and babies being born out of wedlock. There was a strong emphasis on the sanctity of the family unit, which consisted of a daddy, momma, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc… each with their specific place and role in the family. And discipline was used to teach children manners, respect for others, etc… and on & on I could go. Sadly, what I described above no longer fits into many folk’s definition and understanding of Christianity. Many people who identify themselves as Christians, no longer believe the Bible is the holy, infallible, inspired, and inerrant Word of God. They have little to no belief that the consumption of alcohol as a beverage, or the use of illegal, mind-altering drugs is wrong. They believe that, “A woman’s right to choose,” trumps the life of an unborn child in its mother’s womb and the elderly are sometimes a burden. Their church attendance is at best: optional. (Unless something changes, if I live a normal life span, I believe I will live to see Sunday night church services become a relic of the past!) To them, divorce is a way of life. Children run the home. Discipline is a joke. And they see no problem with Johnny and Susie living together. So, yes, I have to differentiate between “Christianity” and “Conservative Christianity.” And for the record, I didn’t leave the banner. The banner left me! So, as “dark” as this column has been, I close with the “Good News” that Jesus Christ is still Lord! He’s still on His throne. He’s still in control of this world. His love is still being extended to – “Whosoever will.” And He still loves sinners! Lost ones and saved ones – like me! I close with what I said earlier, “As Conservative Christians we have often said, ‘Love the sinner but hate the sin.’ Now, on a scale as never before imagined, we will get to flesh this out in our Conservative Christian world.” I’m thankful His love still reaches all. Let us be reminded that it is our Christian duty to extend His love to all. Most especially to those with whom we strongly disagree. Jesus did. Brother Aaron To schedule Brother Aaron to preach a Sunday service at your church, a revival meeting, or a special event, you may contact him at: 1-800-511-9536, 706-302.9162, or e-mail: freshfire@mindspring.com
