A newly formed group of United Methodists is organizing to facilitate marriage services for LGBTQ couples. Performing same-sex marriages is banned for ministers credentialed by the denomination, which last spring strengthened its enforcement measures for doing so.

Under the new rules, which went into effect in January, a credentialed minister could face suspension for presiding over a same-sex marriage. A minister who performs a second such marriage could lose their United Methodist clergy credentials.

The new group, Marriage Rites, defines its ministry as two-pronged.

It’s “a ministry of presence” to LGBTQ couples, its website says. “Standing together before God, we embrace all who, as disciples of Jesus Christ, are devoted to love of God and neighbor and wish to enter into holy matrimony.” The group is enlisting ministers willing to volunteer their services to Christian couples who have prepared for marriage through prayerful consideration of their vows and participation in pre-marital counseling.

And secondly, it’s “a ministry of resistance, standing in faithful defiance against the unjust and hurtful discriminatory bans on marriages of LGBTQ couples,” as well as “against discriminatory policies,” and pledging “in convicted humility to conscientiously challenge unjust and unloving practices and choose a better way.”

The group is associated with Resist Harm, a campaign opposed to the denomination’s LGBTQ rules.

According to a report by United Methodist News, more than 500 United Methodist clergy have volunteered to officiate at weddings of LGBTQ couples, despite faced with the denomination’s ban and the stronger enforcement rules.

Source: Christian Headlines

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The city of Boston does not have to raise a Christian flag at City Hall Plaza, a federal judge ruled this week.

According to the Christian Post, the decision comes even after the City Hall Plaza has raised flags for other groups, including an LGBT support flag.

In 2018, Harold Shurtleff sued the city after the city government refused his 2017 request to fly a Christian flag outside City Hall.

Shurtleff heads Camp Constitution, an organization that intends to “enhance understanding of our Judeo-Christian moral heritage.” The organization has previously hosted Constitution Day and Citizenship Day events at City Hall.

Shurtleff had requested that the city fly a Christian flag on Constitution Day on Sept. 17, 2017. The city denied the request under its policy that the city has the discretion to decide which flags may be flown outside City Hall.

Liberty Counsel, the group representing Shurtleff, says the city has never rejected any flag from flying until Shurtleff’s 2017 request.

Court documents show that the city of Boston raised nearly 300 flags between 2005 and 2017 from different organizations.

Source: Christian Headlines

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Jim Denison is the founder and CEO of the Denison Forum, a nonprofit Christian media organization that comments on current issues through a biblical lens. The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily represent those of BCNN1.

Mitt Romney voted yesterday to convict President Trump of abusing his power. (He voted to acquit the president on the charge of obstructing Congress.) While the president was acquitted on both charges, Romney became the first senator in US history to vote to convict a president from the same party in an impeachment trial.

In 1999, no Democratic senator voted to convict President Bill Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. In 1868, no Democrat voted to convict President Andrew Johnson.

My purpose today is not to respond personally or politically to the senator’s decision. Rather, it is to think biblically about the reaction to his action.

Many Republicans are voicing their displeasure at a decision they consider a betrayal of the senator’s party. Democrats are praising his courage in opposing a sitting president from his own party.

If the Republicans are right, Sen. Romney was wrong. If the Democrats are right, the Republicans are wrong.

None of this should surprise us.

The rancor on display during the president’s State of the Union address is still making news. Commentators have noted that President Trump did not shake Speaker Pelosi’s hand before the speech (he did not shake Vice President Pence’s hand, either). Speaker Pelosi’s ripping up of his speech afterwards has become a meme trending on social media.

A Washington Post columnist noted that the exterior of the House end of the Capitol was covered in plastic tarp and scaffolding for repairs, which seems symbolic of our times.

Divisions in Washington reflect deep divisions in our nation. Whether the subject is abortion, same-sex marriage, religious liberty, or a host of other issues, evangelical Christians hold very different positions from religiously unaffiliated Americans.

In this post-Christian culture, it is vital to remember that unity is not uniformity. God’s people have historically spoken boldly and courageously for biblical principles. Think of Moses demanding that Pharaoh release his people from slavery, or Nathan exposing David’s sin (2 Samuel 12:1-15), or Daniel warning Belshazzar of pending judgment (Daniel 5:17-23), or Peter and the apostles refusing the Sanhedrin’s demand that they cease preaching the gospel (Acts 5:27-32).

Their proclamation is our commitment: “We must serve God rather than men” (v. 29).

At the same time, we are required to speak graciously rather than abrasively, redemptively rather than defensively. When you and I “make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you,” we are to do so “with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame” (1 Peter 3:15-16, my emphasis).

Behaving “with gentleness and respect” does not exempt us from opposition. Rather, it describes how we are to respond to it.

James Koester of the Society of St. John the Evangelist noted: “God’s gift of love to us in Jesus does not separate us from those who are different. It unites us, in one loving embrace. We forget that when we believe we are God’s favorite, to the detriment of all others.”

“Speaking the truth in love” must always be our commitment and example (Ephesians 4:15).

Source: Christian Headlines

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Southern Baptist ethicist Russell Moore has commended Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s multi-faceted proposal to protect unborn children.

Lee reiterated during his State of the State address Feb. 3 his intention to present legislation to the Tennessee legislature that would prohibit an abortion when a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which can be as early as six weeks. The legislative package, which the governor initially announced Jan. 23, also includes provisions to:

— Ban abortion when the doctor knows the request for the procedure is driven by the race, sex or health/disability diagnosis of a child;

— Require an ultrasound test before a woman undergoes an abortion.

Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, said of Lee’s proposed legislation, “Protecting vulnerable human beings from violence is the most basic responsibility of the state.”

Lee “recognizes this and is leading Tennessee toward justice for these vulnerable among us, including the unborn,” Moore said in written comments for Baptist Press. “Indeed, he has stood for life and human dignity all of his life, long before serving in government. I support those efforts and pray that other states will see such courage and vision as a model to emulate.”

In his State of the State speech at the Capitol in Nashville, the governor said, “For me, one of the most important things we can do to be pro-family is to protect the rights of the most vulnerable in our state, and there is none more vulnerable than the unborn.”

Lee offered a personal account “that has strengthened my resolve in this very important subject,” he said. His son’s wife gave birth to identical twin girls months before their due date, the governor recalled.

“When I walked into the neonatal intensive care unit, I stared in wonder at a one-pound, five-ounce baby girl — with tubes and cords and monitors — fighting for her life,” Lee told state legislators and others. “As I watched little Annie, I was reminded once again that every life is precious.

“[W]e will support pro-life policy in this state because everything precious is worth protecting.”

The governor’s fetal heartbeat proposal will include what is known as a “ladder” provision, according to his office. Patterned after a 2019 Missouri law, the section would include prohibitions at two-week intervals further into the pregnancy — along with severability clauses at each step — in an effort to assure approval at some point in the court system.

The legislative text of the governor’s proposed package has yet to be filed.

Source: Baptist Press

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At President’s Convocation Feb. 6, Jeff Iorg said Christians must approach the tumultuous political landscape with humility, patience and prayer as they sort through the complicated decision of whom to vote for in the 2020 election.

Iorg warned attendees at Gateway’s opening chapel service of the confusion and stress many evangelicals feel as they face a dilemma in a particularly vitriolic political landscape. He said the division is caused by two conflicting perspectives. “First, many evangelicals are distrustful of Democratic candidates which seem beholden to the radical wing of their party. Second, many evangelicals have deep-seated concerns about supporting President Trump,” he said. Some evangelicals have embraced Trump despite his personal shortcomings. Others have called for his removal from office, concerned association with him undermines their Gospel witness he said.

“Should we support President Trump because of his policies and despite his flaws? Or, should we reject his leadership and choose someone with character and demeanor more in line with our expectations for leaders? My message today will provide a framework to help you answer those questions.”

Iorg proposed three questions to bring clarity into the issues surrounding the upcoming presidential election: 1. Does character matter for leaders? 2. Which is more important for political leaders — policy or personality? 3. What are the most important policies when deciding which candidate to support?

Iorg said the answer to the first question is a resounding yes. However, ministry leaders and political leaders are held to different standards. Iorg described the serious character flaws of David, whose moral failures did not cost him his leadership role though they did diminish his effectiveness.

“Some Christians erroneously apply David’s example to ministerial leadership and are willing to excuse immoral and unethical behavior among ministers. That’s an exegetical leap too far,” Iorg said. David’s failings cannot be used to excuse heinous behavior by ministry leaders because of the different standards to which political and ministry leaders are held.

Iorg built on this conclusion and explained why he prioritizes policy outcomes over personality in his assessment of political leaders. “My heartfelt desire would be for a president to have sound policy positions and a leadership style reflecting my values, while demonstrating high character and a winsome personality,” he said. “But, if that person is not available, the decision of which candidate to support must be determined by the policy positions he or she will likely enact (and leave behind with the force of law) — not their character or personality or leadership style.”

Iorg warned attendees at Gateway’s opening chapel service of the confusion and stress many evangelicals feel as they face a dilemma in a particularly vitriolic political landscape. He said the division is caused by two conflicting perspectives. “First, many evangelicals are distrustful of Democratic candidates which seem beholden to the radical wing of their party. Second, many evangelicals have deep-seated concerns about supporting President Trump,” he said. Some evangelicals have embraced Trump despite his personal shortcomings. Others have called for his removal from office, concerned association with him undermines their Gospel witness he said.

“Should we support President Trump because of his policies and despite his flaws? Or, should we reject his leadership and choose someone with character and demeanor more in line with our expectations for leaders? My message today will provide a framework to help you answer those questions.”

Iorg proposed three questions to bring clarity into the issues surrounding the upcoming presidential election: 1. Does character matter for leaders? 2. Which is more important for political leaders — policy or personality? 3. What are the most important policies when deciding which candidate to support?

Iorg said the answer to the first question is a resounding yes. However, ministry leaders and political leaders are held to different standards. Iorg described the serious character flaws of David, whose moral failures did not cost him his leadership role though they did diminish his effectiveness.

“Some Christians erroneously apply David’s example to ministerial leadership and are willing to excuse immoral and unethical behavior among ministers. That’s an exegetical leap too far,” Iorg said. David’s failings cannot be used to excuse heinous behavior by ministry leaders because of the different standards to which political and ministry leaders are held.

Iorg built on this conclusion and explained why he prioritizes policy outcomes over personality in his assessment of political leaders. “My heartfelt desire would be for a president to have sound policy positions and a leadership style reflecting my values, while demonstrating high character and a winsome personality,” he said. “But, if that person is not available, the decision of which candidate to support must be determined by the policy positions he or she will likely enact (and leave behind with the force of law) — not their character or personality or leadership style.”

Source: Baptist Press

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Numerous tributes and expressions of grief appeared on social media yesterday as we awoke to the news that Baptist theologian James Leo Garrett Jr. had passed away in the night.

Students and colleagues mourned and reminisced about the unique and impactful character and work of this beloved scholar and churchman. Malcolm Yarnell, Research Professor of Systematic Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, referred to Dr. Garrett yesterday as “the last of the gentlemen theologians,” a phrase he has used many times to describe him.

Paul Basden also used that interesting term of Dr. Garrett in Baptist Theologians, stating, “I predict that future generations will regard him as a ‘gentleman theologian.’” While many may see this phrase as generalized reference to Dr. Garrett’s irenic spirit, it is actually more of a technical term.

The idea of “the gentlemen theologians” was proposed in 1978 by historian E. Brooks Holifield who used the term to refer to southern theologians in the late-18th to mid-19th century who, unlike the common stereotype of southern ministers and theologians of this time, eschewed mere emotionalism and playing to the ecclesial gallery and, instead, were marked by both gentility and rationality.

In other words, the “gentlemen theologians” were committed churchmen of deep faith who exhibited great scholarly care in their approach to the theological task and offered strong but irenic defenses of orthodox theology and belief. They were respected and their ministries and scholarship were robust and marked by integrity.

In light of this, it is difficult indeed to deny the title “gentleman theologian” to James Leo Garrett Jr. He was Distinguished Professor of Theology, Emeritus, at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, until his death two night ago.

He was a graduate of Baylor University (BA in English, 1945), Southwestern Seminary (BD, 1948, and ThD, 1954), Princeton Theological Seminary (ThM, 1949), and Harvard University (PhD, 1966). Dr. Garrett is beloved and revered by countless students and faculty members at the institutions at which he taught—Southwestern Seminary (1949–59, 1979–97), Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1959–73), and Baylor University (1973–79)—as well as by many others who benefited from his scholarship and Christian devotion.

Dr. Garrett was a fascinating mixture of Southern Baptist loyalty and ecumenical fervor.

While perhaps few theologians and churchmen have thought, written, and engaged so carefully with the inner-workings and trajectory of the Southern Baptist Convention, Dr. Garrett was equally active in his engagements with the wider Christian world.

He was very involved in the Baptist World Alliance, for instance, and was, from 1968–1975 part of the Study Commission on Cooperative Christianity, a commission for which he served as chair. He also contributed substantial pieces to BWA publications.

In 1965, Dr. Garrett attended the final session of the Second Vatican Council in Rome as a guest of the Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity. Furthermore, he engaged Christians of other traditions in substantial ways, as when, for instance, he presented papers before the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Instanbul, Turkey, in 1994 and 1996.

His voluminous writings include his two-volume Systematic Theology (originally published by Eerdmans and currently published by Wipf & Stock), his monumental Baptist Theology: A Four-Century Study (Mercer University Press), and numerous other authored or edited books and articles.

Source: Christianity Today

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Jennifer Clark has lived in three countries and is a voracious moviegoer. She holds together her family of four and works for an anti-trafficking ministry. The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily represent those of BCNN1.

My husband and I moved to our current city almost five years ago, and I remember experiencing sticker shock. Everything cost more than we imagined. And unfortunately, we moved as a single-income couple and then became a family of three. We were transplants with no real support system, living life at the bottom of our otherwise affluent suburb.

We spent our first three years living in a half-underground condo. Just above my view of our stairs leading up to the courtyard, I could see mansions across the street. I gawked at them, wondering what kind of people lived there and if we’d ever live in a house of our own. Deep down I knew that those houses, and those lives, would always be beyond my reach.

Imagine my surprise when Parasite opened with a family that also lives half-underground. The Kim family—made up of father Ki-Taek, mother Chung-sook, and a grown son and daughter, Ki-woo and Ki-jeong—are on the fringe of South Korean society. They struggle to put food on the table, working temporary, low-paying jobs and living one disaster away from total destitution. The family is not only poor but forgotten, left to slowly work toward upward mobility or die trying.

However, the family’s fortunes quickly improve after Ki-woo takes over his friend’s cushy private tutoring job for the wealthy Park family. In short succession, the whole Kim family is hired without letting on that they’re related to one another—the daughter faking her credentials as an art therapist, the father taking over from a wrongfully implicated chauffeur, and the mother becoming the new housekeeper after they conspire to remove her predecessor.

The Kims are surprisingly competent in each of their roles. They are not people looking for a handout so much as an opportunity. At one point, Mr. Park, the hands-off patriarch, compliments Mr. Kim by telling him that he “doesn’t ever cross the line.” The line being, we presume, the employee speaking to his employer as if they’re equals and not members of very different classes. Through idyllic scenes of contented employees and well-cared for family, we as viewers are lulled into a sense of security.

But one day the Parks leave for a camping trip, and Mrs. Kim invites her family over to live it up in their employers’ massive and well-stocked home. They take shelter from the night’s downpour and muse over what makes the Parks so nice. Mrs. Kim scoffs, “They are nice because they are rich.” It’s as simple as that. Money makes life easier and kinder to live, even for the sake of others. And if they could just have more of it, virtue would follow. But an unexpected visitor puts those theories to the test.

Without revealing spoilers, the Kims quickly realize how fragile their security is and how little it takes to lose it all. They become calloused in their pursuit of social mobility, hardened toward people they find have it even worse than they do. And while Parasite has won critical acclaim worldwide, seeming to strike a chord with audiences for its raw class commentary, the movie’s message is not clear cut. It’s a dark comedy, but by the end you’re not sure if the joke is on you after all. Are the Kims villains or heroes for trying to engineer their own success? And what happens when a steady job and pay still fall far short of what you need?

Source: Christianity Today

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Mike Glenn is Senior Pastor at Brentwood Baptist Church. The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily represent those of BCNN1.

Yesterday, I got an email from Scot McKnight asking me to send in my blog on Tuesday instead of Thursday. Because he’ll be traveling this week, he said, he’d need it earlier to make sure it got posted.

As I thought about it, it occurred to me that I’m not sure I’ve ever had anything due on a Tuesday before. I’ve had things due on Monday or Friday. Working in a church means I’ve had a lot of things due on Wednesday, but I haven’t had much of anything due on Tuesday.

Tuesday is a lost day of the week. Monday means the week is getting started. Wednesday means you’ve made halfway through the week and let’s face it; Thursday night starts the weekend now. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the weekend, and then, we’re back to the Monday. Nobody celebrates Tuesday.

Several years ago, I was asked to perform the wedding ceremony for my son and daughter in law. I’ve done too many weddings to count, but as you can imagine, this was different. I felt a different kind of pressure this time. I lost count of the pages I ripped out of my notebook after having scratched through another failed attempt to get my remarks just right.

For some reason, I looked at my notebook and saw that sometime earlier I had written “Tuesday” at the top of my notebook. I have no idea why I had written that word there. I had forgotten what I was trying to remember by writing “Tuesday” on the top of my notepad. Yet, as I saw the word there, I knew what I supposed to say to the newlyweds.

I was to tell them about “Tuesday.”

When we fall in love, we believe our lives will be filled with roses and fireworks. When we’re dating, every moment is special. We’re going out to eat and to the movies. We’re going out to events and seeing friends. Nothing is boring. We’re in love and everything is magic.

Then, you get married and life turns into a lot of Tuesdays. Laundry must be done, and meals have to be cooked. The lawn must be mowed, and cars have to have their oil changed. Life requires a lot of work and most of this work is boring.

Fireworks don’t go off when you pick up your children’s toys. There’s no magic in picking up the dry-cleaning. This is when life is done. Marriages are built, and lives find meaning and purpose in those moments where nothing special seems to be happening. The success of your marriage, the success of your life, depends on how well you do on Tuesdays.

For years, my sons thought I was a strange man. There are lots of reasons for this, but the one they tormented me most about was my wish for them to be little boys again so they would sit in my lap and I could smell their hair. They thought the act of smelling hair was a little strange. It probably is, but it’s one of the things I miss most since my boys have become men. Thirty-five-year-olds men don’t let you smell their hair.

These are the kinds of things that happen on Tuesdays. The little things that make life worth it. Taping a child’s crayon scribbled “art” to the front of the refrigerator. Reading the Bible and grasping a new truth and learning to apply that truth to your living…that happens on Tuesday.

Source: Christianity Today

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