the7ones.comGay bishop will be careful not to be especially Christian
In a few days, the United States will witness the inauguration of a new president and the beginning of a new era in American politics. Along with it, however, will come an increased presence of religious pluralism.
Although many are just now awakening to the concept, postmodern thought and religious pluralism is running rampant in our nation and world. For a primer on these concepts, please read my article, “How religious pluralism distorts biblical salvation.”
Religious pluralism is the idea that all religions, even those that contradict one another, are valid and able to save. This idea, of course, is in direct contradiction to the words of Jesus Christ in John 14:6.
Another “shot heard ’round the world” for religious pluralism will take place during the week of inaugural festivities as religious leaders from different Christian denominations deliver prayers before God and the American people. What is notable about this occasion is that president-elect Barack Obama has invited openly gay Episcopalian bishop V. Gene Robinson to deliver one of the inaugural prayers.
As if this were not enough of a problem, Robinson declared in a Washington Times news report that he will not be referring to the Bible in his prayer:
“While that is a holy and sacred text to me, it is not for many Americans,” he said. “I will be careful not to be especially Christian in my prayer. This is a prayer for the whole nation.”
Aside from the boldness of openly living a sinful life of homosexual practice, Robinson also demonstrated the wishy-washy nature of modern “evangelical Christianity.” Long gone are the days of boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ! Instead, the best denominations have to offer is a wimpy declaration that all religions are valid, and “we don’t want to offend anyone.”
The most conservative religious leader invited to pray, Rick Warren, has even been the subject of controversy. He is unsure, or at least hush-hush, about whether he will even offer a prayer in the name of Jesus Christ.
Where are the men like Paul who would restrained themselves from sin so that he might save others (1 Cor. 9:27)?
Where are the men like Peter who would boldly proclaim, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29)?
Where are those willing to boldly carry forth the gospel message, remembering and proclaiming that Jesus alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that no man comes to the Father except by Him (John 14:6)?
They have been replaced with men like Rick Warren, who praises Obama for inviting Robinson to speak. What ever happened to having nothing to do with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them (Eph. 5:11)?
They have been replaced with men like Robinson, who live in sin and try to tell others how to live their lives, which is hypocrisy (Rom. 2:21)?
They have even been replaced by women in some denominations, while the Bible teaches women are not to have authority over Christian men in the church (1 Tim. 2:12).
Religious leaders who claim to follow Christ, ask yourself this question:
Would Paul refrain from using the Bible at an opportunity like this?
Would Peter avoid the Word of God in such a public venue?
Would Jesus?
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