December 9, 2009 A Christian Country?

You may have been following the story in the news of the Christian couple who were recently on trial under the Free Speech law, for an alleged argument with a Muslim lady in their hotel. Thankfully, the case was dismissed because of inconsistent evidence.

I am concerned about the now increasing erosion of free speech. Are we really heading towards a society where I am not legally allowed to say in public that God exists, Jesus is his son, eternal life is available exclusively through him? Church services are public places, if a Muslim came to one and heard me preach and took offence, will I end up in court? In the same measure, if I went into a mosque and took offence will the Imam be tried? Christians, Muslims, atheists (and even anti-theists) all should be able to express their views in appropriate and respectful ways without risk of prosecution for doing so. Although this case was dismissed, it does mark a shift in the erosion of free speech. Perhaps one day the house once a long way from the edge of the cliff top will begin to disappear under the disappearing ground beneath it.

In my mind, the two adjectives I used above are important: ‘appropriate’ and ‘respectful’. People from all faiths (or otherwise) and both sexualities should be allowed to dialogue, but it should be done appropriately – in the right forum and in the right way – and, above all, respectfully. Standing outside a Mosque, for example, with a banner proclaiming damnation upon Muslims, would be disrespectful. Discussing the differences over coffee with a Muslim work colleague who was happy to dialogue has more potential to be respectful.

Furthermore, lots of Christians take a hard line against homosexuals. Should, though, Christian hotel owners (not referring here to the ones in the news at the moment) refuse two men a double room for the night? Is that respectful? Is it appropriate? Or should a Christian photographer refuse to photograph a civil ceremony between two ladies? Such militancy is fraught with problems and inconsistencies. The gay couple will just go to another hotel, the lesbians will find another photographer. And to be consistent, the Christian hotel owners will have to refuse every non-married couple a room.

I disagree theologically with homosexuality and cohabitation. But I also happen to disagree theologically with stealing, lying and all other manner of sinful activity. Not being a hotel owner or a wedding photographer means I avoid the potential problems mentioned earlier, but am I going to check whether the person who owns the local coffee shop has a criminal record for theft before drinking one of their coffees?

I am increasingly coming to the opinion that militancy does not have a place within the Christian community. It is possible to hold unswervingly to the teachings of the Bible, without needing to treat other people in any way that is devoid of love. Rather than batter people into acceptance (which won’t work anyway) why not show people the way of life in the Christian community and let them see for themselves if it is better or not? Because it should be – if the Bible is true.

Perhaps the root of the problem is that too many Christians actually regard England as a ‘Christian Country’ when it clearly is not. The majority of citizens do not have an active Christian faith, we are in the minority and must accept that. Our task is simple, take the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ into the world through our lives. Love people for Jesus’ sake. And if they don’t want to know, or they don’t want to change their lifestyle/beliefs, then we respect that and continue to show them love for Jesus’ sake.

To return to the case where we started. I don’t think the Christian couple were militant in their actions and I think that the effort spent to clear their names in court was well worth it and for that the Christian Institute are to be commended. But – I disagree with the view expressed of the country being regarded as Christian. In the interview below their representative says that “the reason this case is so important is that the freedom to share the gospel in a Christian country needs to be paramount…”

What do you think? I’d be interested in your views on any of the following questions:

1) Do you regard this to be a Christian country? If so, why?

2) How should Christians respond to a) Islam and b) homosexuality in society?

3) From an atheist perspective, how important is free speech to you?

Please keep comments focussed and if you want an argument about my theological disagreement with homosexuality, that’s not on offer here and any attempts to steer a discussion towards that will be moderated.

(watch from 2:30 for about 15 seconds).

Tags: Christian, free speech, islam, muslim, Vogelenzang

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