Posted on 02/24/2020 6:54:56 AM PST by Kaslin
According to a new Lifeway Research survey, while 47 percent of “mainline” pastors now support same-sex “marriage,” only 8 percent of evangelical pastors do. More specifically, “Presbyterian or Reformed (49%), Methodist (47%), Lutheran (35%) and Christian/Church of Christ pastors (20%) are more likely to see nothing wrong with same-sex marriage than Baptist (3%) or Pentecostal pastors (1%).”
None of this is surprising in the least.
First, as noted by Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research, “The movement we see among pastors’ views of same-sex marriage has less to do with their denominational tradition than their view of the Bible.”
Accordingly, those who hold most faithfully to the authority of Scripture will be the least inclined to change their views on homosexuality. Put another way, those who believe the Bible to be God’s inspired, unchanging Word will be the least likely to compromise their convictions based on societal changes.
“An evangelical distinctive,” McConnell continued, “is the ultimate authority the Bible has over one’s beliefs despite changing cultural perspectives. It is not surprising then that evangelical pastors across different denominations continue to view same-sex marriage as wrong through this lens.”
That’s because the Bible is unambiguous in its condemnation of homosexual unions. Under all circumstances, regardless of how much love or commitment is involved, they are sinful in God’s sight and contrary to His established order.
At the same time, mercy and forgiveness are offered for all, including practicing homosexuals. The Word is equally clear on this (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
That’s why, when I had a mini-debate with “gay Christian” poster boy Matthew Vines, he could not offer a single Scripture verse in support of his position. (For a graphic illustration of the scriptural bankruptcy of the “gay Christian” argument, see here.)
When it comes to “mainline” pastors, which these days primarily refers to “progressive” or “liberal” pastors, they are more inclined to interpret Scripture through the lens of contemporary culture than to evaluate contemporary culture through the lens of Scripture.
As a result, they are more likely to disbelieve fundamental, biblical truths, including: the Bible as God’s infallible Word; salvation coming only through Jesus; the virgin birth and the resurrection; eternal reward and eternal punishment.
That’s why it’s no surprise that these same pastors, who have waffled on the most foundational issues, will waffle on things like gay “marriage” too. What else could we expect?
Ironically, it is the Pentecostals, who are often derided for their belief that the Spirit continues to speak today, who are the most conservative of all, with only 1 percent of their pastors affirming same-sex “marriage.”
But that, too, should come as no surprise. That’s because the reason Pentecostals believe that prophecy and tongues are for today is because they believe that the Word of God means what it says. That’s also why they reject same-sex “marriage.”
Pentecostals also emphasize the importance of the new birth and life in the Spirit. This means that the vast majority of their adherents will have a greater devotion to the Lord and His Word than those of “mainline” churches, which often downplay the concept of personal relationship with God.
All this would be in keeping with a 10-country religious survey published in 2006, titled, “Spirit and Power – A Ten Country Survey of Pentecostals.”
The survey indicated that, “In addition to their distinctive religious experiences, renewalists also stand out for the intensity of their belief in traditional Christian doctrines and practices. For instance, in eight of the 10 countries surveyed (all except the U.S. and Chile), majorities of nonrenewalist Christians believe that the Bible is the word of God and is to be taken literally, word for word; but this view is even more common among pentecostals than among non-renewalist Christians. Similarly, large majorities of all Christians, renewalists and nonrenewalists alike, believe that miracles still occur today as in ancient times. But this belief tends to be even more intense among pentecostals and, to a lesser extent, charismatics than among nonrenewalist Christians.”
It is true that, according to the recent Lifeway Research survey, the more educated the pastor, the more likely he (or she) was to accept same-sex “marriage.” Specifically, “Those with a doctorate (27%) or a master’s degree (32%) are more likely to support same-sex marriage than pastors with a bachelor’s degree (9%) or no college degree (6%).”
But, once again, it is also more likely that many of those who pursued more advanced degrees view the Bible through a more modernist lens than those who chose not to pursue such degrees. Education, in and of itself, does not guarantee orthodoxy. This is especially so when the seminaries attended are themselves liberal.
Interestingly, “Pastors of churches with fewer than 50 in attendance are more likely to see nothing wrong with two people of the same gender getting married (33%) than those at churches with 100 or more in attendance (19%).”
This would confirm what I have written about numerous times, namely, that “progressive Christianity” is doomed to fail.
That’s why, while 47 percent of “mainline” pastors now affirm same-sex relations, they represent an increasingly small minority of American pastors as a whole as their congregations are dwindling. In stark contrast, Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity is exploding around the globe.
One group adheres more faithfully to the Word and relies on the Spirit’s power. The other does not.
The results are as expected.
ARGLEBLARGLEFARGLESCIENTOLOGY.
You’re welcome.
it depends on where and when. It is a faith for many. It is a religion for many - just as SBC is in Alabama
And let’s see
Hellary - Methodist
Bill - Baptist
Barack - Baptist,
Jim Carter = Baptist
There are lots of scum in various religious handles
Instead of leaving Kaslin be, why troll her?
And the LCMS from “Lutherans”
The problem is that the Missouri Synod (and the Wisconsin Synod and several others) adhere to the unaltered Ausburg Confession, the foundation confession of Lutheranism; the ELCA doesn’t, but claims to be Lutheran because it lends a sort of legitimacy to their apostasy.
Nothing says women cannot lead a bible study. They cannot be pastors however. God made us differently with different roles to play. Modern feminism has tried to deny that difference with disastrous results. I am more than happy to stick with the role God has ordained for me.
Because not one here was asserting that they would never convert to another but will die in the particular church they were baptized in, thereby elevating that particular church and thus making it an issue. If someone said the same about the United Methodist then they would warrant a like reproof. However, elevating a particular church denomination above all else (as uniquely being the one true church) is a Catholic practice, as is complaining when their presumption is challenged.
So she said she would die in the Christian Church. And that was a reason to attack her? She never criticized (and never criticizes) your beliefs, but the trigger for someone who loves Christ in the Catholic Church was too much?
To: Pollster1 No way. I was baptized in the Catholic church when I was a week old, and I die as a Catholic. My husband is a Baptist (Northern, he has never been baptized. I say he’s a heathen. (not really as he believes in God. 21 posted on 2/24/2020, 10:47:17 AM by Kaslin
So she said she would die in the Christian Church. And that was a reason to attack her?
Wrong and why are you resorting to sophistry? She distinctly named the Catholic church and rejected any other as being possible for her to convert to, and this not-too subtly put down and elevation of Catholicism warranted a challenge of reproof.
Wow, old thread.
Looks like someone was trying to earn an indulgence?
Subtle but still wrong.
Good catch, dan.
old indeed
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