This blog post explores the troubling trend of Christians supporting unbiblical positions, as discussed by Megan Basham, Alisa Childers, and Natasha Crane. They analyze the motivations behind this shift, the influence of secularism, and the importance of biblical literacy in the church. The conversation highlights the need for Christians to confront false teachings and engage with cultural issues while remaining rooted in biblical truth.
In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged within the Christian community: many individuals who identify as Christians are increasingly supporting positions that contradict biblical teachings. This phenomenon raises critical questions about the motivations behind such beliefs and the implications for the church. In a recent discussion featuring Megan Basham, Alisa Childers, and Natasha Crane, these issues were explored in depth, shedding light on the challenges facing contemporary Christianity.
Megan Basham opened the conversation by expressing frustration over the reluctance of some church leaders to engage with evidence that contradicts unbiblical ideologies. Many pastors and Christian educators avoid discussing these issues, fearing divisiveness or discomfort. This avoidance allows unbiblical teachings to infiltrate the church without challenge, leading to a growing disconnect between professed beliefs and biblical truth.
The discussion highlighted how secular ideologies have permeated Christian thought. Basham pointed to specific examples, such as Baylor University, which accepted grants to promote LGBTQ ideologies within its social work program. This incident illustrates how institutions that are perceived as Christian can adopt secular values, leading to confusion among congregants about what constitutes biblical truth.
Another example discussed was the J29 Coalition, a faith initiative funded by a pro-atheist group. This coalition aims to reshape evangelical political thinking, demonstrating how external influences can manipulate church teachings. The panelists emphasized the importance of recognizing these influences and understanding their origins to protect the integrity of the church.
Alisa Childers pointed out that the Apostle Paul, in Romans 16, identifies those who introduce heretical teachings as the true source of division within the church. This perspective challenges the common narrative that those who call out false teachings are the divisive ones. Instead, it is essential to confront and correct heretical ideas to maintain doctrinal purity.
Childers referenced the controversy surrounding Chip and Joanna Gaines, who faced backlash for not featuring same-sex couples on their show, "Fixer Upper." Their eventual decision to include such couples sparked debate among Christians about the implications of their choices. Childers argued that the response from Gaines, which included blaming Christians for being judgmental, reflects a broader cultural trend of avoiding accountability for unbiblical positions.
Natasha Crane introduced the four core beliefs of secularism that have infiltrated the church:
These beliefs challenge the foundation of Christianity, which emphasizes objective truth and accountability to God’s standards.
The panelists unanimously agreed on the necessity of biblical literacy within the church. Natasha Crane highlighted alarming statistics indicating that only a small percentage of self-identified Christians possess a biblical worldview. This lack of understanding contributes to the acceptance of unbiblical positions and the inability to confront false teachings effectively.
To combat this trend, the church must prioritize teaching biblical truths and apologetics. By equipping believers, especially the younger generation, with a solid understanding of scripture, they can better navigate cultural challenges and defend their faith against secular ideologies.
Megan Basham emphasized the importance of being specific when addressing false teachings. She argued that failing to identify and confront these issues allows them to fester within the church. By naming names and discussing specific teachings, Christians can hold each other accountable and protect the integrity of their faith communities.
Alisa Childers added that Christians often struggle to categorize teachings correctly. There is a tendency to either label individuals as false teachers or give them a free pass without discernment. A balanced approach is necessary, where believers can engage in discussions about theological differences without resorting to extremes.
The conversation among Megan Basham, Alisa Childers, and Natasha Crane underscores the urgent need for Christians to confront unbiblical positions within the church. By fostering biblical literacy, encouraging open dialogue about theological issues, and holding each other accountable, the church can navigate the complexities of modern culture while remaining rooted in truth. As believers, it is essential to remember that our ultimate goal is to know God and make Him known, rather than simply pursuing personal happiness or societal acceptance.
