Upside Down... ~ The Effects Of Political Correctness On The Church ~

   The previous article in this series introduced the subject of political correctness (PC) and how that movement is contributing to the collapse of our culture.  As noted, certain words and expressions, used for many decades with little objection, are now deemed to be offensive by a very vocal minority.  Language now has to be politically correct.  There are also politically correct positions on a number of issues.  The PC movement has gained such influence that to violate the politically correct position on anything is to risk a diatribe of criticism.  As a result, that position is enforced, either directly or implicitly, even to the extent, in many cases, of contradicting facts.  People are so intimidated that they simply go along.  Frankly, political correctness has become rather insane…

   The PC movement has extended its arm of influence into the realm of Christianity, and the effect has been equally devastating.  Doctrine is being tailored to reflect a politically correct view.  Much of what the Bible teaches to be sinful is now regarded as narrow minded and bigoted, maybe even hateful.  But Isaiah warned, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;…” (Isa. 5:20).
   Many ministers, church leaders and their churches have gone the way of political correctness.  They’ve watered down the gospel and stretched the scriptures out of shape to the extent of teaching what people want to hear rather than what they need to hear.  They’ve reinterpreted the Bible to reflect people’s feelings rather than God’s will.  They’ve pretty much fallen into the mold of what the apostle Paul warned against; instead of upholding the truth of God’s word with authority, they’re scratching “itching ears” (2 Tim. 4:1-4).
   Many churches have transformed their image to reflect that of political correctness rather than that of Christ.  The idea of the Bible being the final, authoritative, very word of God is too narrow minded for them.  Calling something “sin” is too harsh.  God being a God of judgment is too chilling.  An eternal Hell for the unrighteous is too mean.
   The scriptures are straightforward in teaching.  The apostle Paul stated, “There is one body” (the church Eph. 1:22-23), “one Spirit,” “one hope,” “one Lord,” “one faith,” “one baptism,” and “one God.” (Eph. 4:4-6).  Basically, Paul was saying that there is only one true way to follow God.  That’s God speaking through His word, but it’s just not politically correct.  It’s too dogmatic, too inflexible, too narrow.  Some might even call it dictatorial.
   But truth is not determined by personal desire or popular opinion.  Truth is narrow.  Jesus spoke of the “narrow” path that leads to Heaven (Matt. 7:13-14).  He said that He is the only way to God (Jn. 14:6).    He stated that anyone who does not believe in Him will die in their sins (Jn. 8:24).  He said we will be judged by His words, whether we believe them or not (Jn. 12:48). 
   The PC crowd just cannot tolerate such absoluteness.  Many are even hesitant to affirm publicly that there is only one God, much less to accept that there can only be one way to come to Him.  That those outside the realm of Christianity are lost is unacceptable.  What about all of the good people in non-Christian religions?  But Jesus said, “No one is good but One, that is, God.” (Matt. 19:17).
   God, the Bible, salvation, the church, Christianity are all being remolded into the PC model, and the truth is being turned upside down!  We’ll continue to look at effects of the PC movement on the church in our next article…