I write in response to the Religious Herald’s article entitled “Razor thin margin” in the March 25 issue. It is absolutely appalling to see how far we have slipped as Christians and Baptists. To place church autonomy above allegiance to the clear teachings and mandates of God’s Holy Word is both non-Christian and certainly, given our history as Baptists, non-Baptist.
The issue is clear: either we will remain true to God, his Holy Word and the example he has given us through his Living Word, Jesus Christ, or we won’t. This, therefore, is not a matter of church autonomy as claimed. Rather, the core issue here is declaring and affirming where our true allegiance as Christians and Baptists belongs and should remain.
Thus, Ginter Park Baptist Church and Grace Baptist Church can choose to ordain or employ a person affirming and/or practicing sodomy/same-sex attraction and behavior, as they’ve chosen to do. Their choice, however, must be met with the removal of good standing and fellowship with sister Christians and Baptists who desire to remain true to God, his Holy Word and the example of His Living Word. Choosing to do otherwise makes a mockery of our stance as Christians and Baptists and, therefore, removes us from the firm theological and moral ground required to boldly and effectively declare the truths of God’s Holy Word and the gospel message to a lost and dying world.
Hence, in matters such as these there is no room for compromise. We must heed God’s clarion call to be his holy people — in the culture but not of it. Rather than adding to the confusion existing in this sinful, fallen world, then, let us remain God’s salt and light.
Daniel McKay, Newport News, Va.