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Gary discusses two recent writings: one a book by Andrew Klavan and the other an article in World Magazine. Both deal with the question often asked by Dr. Gary North: “What is the proper response?”
Some advocates of pluralism recognize that religious values have a role to play both socially and politically, just like religion has a role to play in every aspect of life. For them, however, Christianity cannot be the only standard. Under this view of pluralism all religious and non-religious views are considered equal in establishing social and political norms. There can be no sure word from God. “Unfortunately, Christians who have been seduced by pluralism no longer say, ‘Thus saith the Lord . . .’ or, ‘The Bible says. . . .’ Instead, we say, ‘It seems to me . . .’ or, ‘It’s not for me, but I’m glad it works for you.’ Yet the psalmist claims that the laws of God are right (Psalm 19:8). Scripture is clear that there is a right and wrong and that we will personally be held accountable.”
Pluralism seems attractive because it eliminates the need to do battle over religious first principles. The hope is to find common ethical principles that all people can agree on. This is the argument of David Rensberger, professor of New Testament at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He claims that groups like the ACLU would not object to having certain laws hanging on a courthouse wall so long as they are “tenets of a universal ethical code.” He argues that “all societies demand respect for elders and for marital unions, and forbid murder and theft—however they may define those concepts.” And that’s the problem! Cultures that believe in human sacrifice and cannibalism would not agree that they were violating the prohibition against murder found in the sixth commandment. Societies that still practice slavery would not agree that they were committing a crime or even a sin by stealing men and women (Ex. 21:16), a clear violation of the eighth commandment. What about abortion? Prior to 1973, abortion was considered a crime, a violation of the sixth commandment. This previous criminal procedure is now a constitutional right. Professor Rensberger has turned law into moral Silly Putty.
Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths
Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths takes a closer look at God's Word and applies it to erroneous misinterpretations of the Bible that have resulted in a virtual shut-down of the church's full-orbed mission in the world (Acts 20:27). Due to these mistaken interpretations and applications of popular Bible texts to contemporary issues, the Christian faith is being thrown out and trampled under foot by men (Matt. 5:13).
Buy NowGary discusses two recent writings: one a book by Andrew Klavan and the other an article in World Magazine. Both deal with the question often asked by Dr. Gary North: “What is the proper response?” The Bible has the answers to today’s moral dilemmas, but too often people believe that modern issues require modern solutions. The Bible deals with human life as it is, not in an idealized way. For this reason, its “ancient” answers are exactly what we need.