- Apr 30, 2013
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I have been thinking recently after talking to my pastor about the case of Masterpiece Cakes v.s Colorado, and the whole thing makes me thankful to be a Lutheran. And at the same time, I'm even more fearful and bewildered by the fact American Christianity as a whole does not have the moral clarity on this issue that we do. They have not clearly heard the Gospel of freedom.
I have learned more about Mr. Jack Philips and while he seems like a sincere man, I realize the error of his theology ultimately lies in seeking to "glorify" God in his work. Mr. Jack Philips, like many, is influenced by a quasi-Reformed understanding of what that means. It means being aggressive, even if passive-aggressive, against those who are seen in opposition to his beliefs. I'm sure this goes back to the days when the Reformed were started as an anti-Catholic movement, and felt the need to act in aggression against any perceived threat to the "true faith". But they have too often continued this behavior and intensified it, especially in America. And in America, this religious mentality dominates.
It also has its roots in the peculiar emphasis of the Reformed on glorifying God. Yet God does not need our glory. Its almost as if some of these "evangelical" folks think that it is a pious work that proves you are a Christian, to use glory like a badge of membership in the Christian "club".
No, God does not need our good works, but our neighbor does. "Piety" is not a substitute for real good works. It's so simple and clear in my mind. We should love the things God loves, and give our service indiscriminately, just as God causes the sun and rain to fall on the righteous and unrighteous. If a man asks you to go with him one mile, go with him two, and do not resist an evil man. What could be more clear than the words of our Lord himself?
It's times like these I am thankful I have a good pastor and that I am Lutheran. Lutheranism has set me free from the sort of scrupulous conscience that the baker in this case, Mr. Jack Philips, has. It saddens me so many other Christians do not understand this simple truth, that the Gospel has set us free.
I have learned more about Mr. Jack Philips and while he seems like a sincere man, I realize the error of his theology ultimately lies in seeking to "glorify" God in his work. Mr. Jack Philips, like many, is influenced by a quasi-Reformed understanding of what that means. It means being aggressive, even if passive-aggressive, against those who are seen in opposition to his beliefs. I'm sure this goes back to the days when the Reformed were started as an anti-Catholic movement, and felt the need to act in aggression against any perceived threat to the "true faith". But they have too often continued this behavior and intensified it, especially in America. And in America, this religious mentality dominates.
It also has its roots in the peculiar emphasis of the Reformed on glorifying God. Yet God does not need our glory. Its almost as if some of these "evangelical" folks think that it is a pious work that proves you are a Christian, to use glory like a badge of membership in the Christian "club".
No, God does not need our good works, but our neighbor does. "Piety" is not a substitute for real good works. It's so simple and clear in my mind. We should love the things God loves, and give our service indiscriminately, just as God causes the sun and rain to fall on the righteous and unrighteous. If a man asks you to go with him one mile, go with him two, and do not resist an evil man. What could be more clear than the words of our Lord himself?
It's times like these I am thankful I have a good pastor and that I am Lutheran. Lutheranism has set me free from the sort of scrupulous conscience that the baker in this case, Mr. Jack Philips, has. It saddens me so many other Christians do not understand this simple truth, that the Gospel has set us free.
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