There are certain moments in history when it’s obvious how much the cultural ground has shifted. Cultural norms that worked before to foster social cohesion no longer suffice. Certain ideas and shared ways of thinking can no longer be taken for granted. At these “hinge points,” Christians are forced to remember who we are and to rethink our place in the overarching story of redemption. This is one of those hinge points.
More than sixteen thousand Southern Baptists will begin their annual convention today in Nashville, Tennessee. At the annual meeting, leaders will address Critical Race Theory, women’s roles, how to handle sexual abuse and serious allegations regarding racism and misogyny on the part of denominational leaders.
We must embrace church discipline over the fear of what people might think. We must not shy away from the truth, but face it head-on knowing that God is the author of truth and that there is nothing hidden that will not be brought to light.
The root problem with critical theory is not how the American story is told, but in pre-empting any critique or debate. That sort of thinking cannot be successfully countered by emulating it. The only way to fight bad ideas is with better ones.
Promoting God’s version of sexual morality is not the puritanical imposition of outdated legalism—it is showing people how to live their best lives. Imagine for a moment the difference in our culture if every person followed God’s plan for sex. Consider the difference this would make for divorce and broken homes, children born outside of marriage, and babies lost to abortion.
As we learn to love in a culture against our faith, it is important that we remain true to who we are in Christ. We need to live by the Spirit and not our flesh. We need to represent our Savior well because others are always watching.
Last July, Nielsen's Streaming Meter data found that "Americans age two and older spent more than 123 billion minutes streaming video content the week of July 20, 2020." This addiction to the screen starts far too young. As I've previously noted, various medical associations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, strongly recommend children refrain from all TV viewing until they reach age two, and then only an hour per day until at least age five. These professionals are concerned that the tube has a negative impact on early childhood development.
Recently, after giving a talk on the effects of this technological age, I was asked what visions we might offer to counter the false public personas, portrayals and projections shared on social media. One suggestion I gave is to focus on the joys of everyday, ordinary life to counter the romantic notion that in order to serve God well we must “do big things” and “change the world.” The truth is that we serve God best when we love our neighbors and each other faithfully and well in whatever ways God calls us.
This year's Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting will be a watershed moment for the SBC. Messengers will choose a new SBC President and will have the opportunity to decide whether the Convention will address the concerns of sexual abuse survivors.
I have tremendous empathy for young people who live in confusion in a chaotic, messy culture. I believe that if I was young today being called “sir,” I might wonder if I was supposed to be a boy. I have empathy for these kinds of teenagers and young adults.
