Since that time, I've encountered compelling theological & historical arguments that challenge or complicate traditional approaches to this issue. (Esp among my Dutch profs who'd endured Nazi occupation.) My own strand of Reformed thinking comes w/ a deep respect for pluralism & rejection of Christian nationalism. This wasn't because I was currying favor with progressives. As far back as I can remember, though, I never believed that a theological view on this matter should dictate government policy in a way that abridges fundamental civil rights. I grew up holding the "traditional" view, that same-sex sexual relationships were sinful. I'm participating, but as a historian, not a theologian. Here's an excerpt:ĭo I personally affirm "the church's teaching that homosexuality is sinful?" Which church? My own church (local & denomination) is actively reexamining this issue in light of tradition, interpretation, history, & science. Well, Du Mez wrote a longish response that never actually answers the question. Pretty straightforward question, right? Shouldn't take long to answer. Others have told me you personally affirm the church's teaching that homosexuality is sinful. When I read your book, I thought you treated evangelical opposition to gay rights as a negative thing. But when people call me a wolf, publicly represent my work, accuse me of false teaching, of undermining the gospel, sometimes I find it worth responding. 26, 2021 Denny BurkįWIW, I'm also very busy. She and Burk, who is a white conservative Evangelical, had been arguing.īetween Kristin Du Mez - Nov. Du Mez is the author of the bestseller Jesus And John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted A Faith And Fractured A Nation. My friend Denny Burk, who teaches at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, posed a question to Kristin Kobes Du Mez, the rock star Evangelical historian who teaches at Calvin University. That's why it is so important for Evangelicals to watch out for the wolves in sheep's clothing among them, trying to smuggle in the poison pill of theological progressivism. It is not generally the case that being theologically and morally conservative causes a church to grow, but it is true that standing counterculturally within Christian tradition at least stanches the bleeding.
As regular readers of my blog know, Christianity in the West is in trouble all over, but the liberal churches are declining the fastest.