by Aaron Edwards, That Good Fight
Christian Morality and the Consequences of Normativity
[While this article is nearly two years old, we make no apology for posting it as that time of year has come round again! Ed]
Every time Pride Month comes around, it becomes evermore significant that even if some believe the tide is turning on public LGBT+ solidarity, it still remains very much “in power”, and is arguably still the most significant front-line issue both within and beyond the Church, at least for now.
For Christians, this sheds further light on the wider significance of our convictions. It also offers a very live and pressing context in which to recover the importance of a more combative Christian approach to challenging ideologies which directly oppose Christian convictions, especially those which carry deeper implications. For a long time we have not wanted to look like ungracious Pharisees, and so we have almost acted as though it is societally immaterial whether or not somebody embraces LGBT+ ideology because, either way, we all rely upon the grace of God. Whilst this is definitely the case, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23) this does not mean the toleration of all sins and all lifestyles is irrelevant, not least in its consequent effects upon wider society.
I have spoken before of why it is especially important to challenge LGBT+ ideology within the Church rather than in society. This remains the priority for Christians. However, sometimes ideologies need to be challenged in society because our toleration of them there leads to their toleration within the Church too. There is also the case of our basic love of neighbour, and how willing we are to support ideas which will ultimately have negative effects on a great many people.