Pastor and author Alistair Begg has sparked a social media debate within the faith community after advising a Christian grandmother to attend her grandchild's wedding to a transgender man.
Begg is senior pastor of Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio, and is heard daily on his radio show. truth for life.
His advice to his grandmother included several caveats.
“We always respond to questions like, 'My grandson is getting married to a transgender person and I don't know what to do, so I called to ask for help.' That's a big responsibility.
“And in one such conversation just a few days ago, people may not like this answer, but I asked my grandma, 'Do your grandchildren understand your faith in Jesus? 'Yes.' 'Does your grandchild understand that because you believe in Jesus, you cannot positively acknowledge the choices Jesus made in his life?' ” 'yes. '
“I said, 'Okay, okay. As long as he knows about it, I'd definitely recommend that he attend the ceremony. And I'd recommend that you buy them a present.' ” “Oh,” she said, “What?” She was caught off guard.
“I said, 'Well, here's the thing: Your love for them may catch them off guard, but your absence may make them realize that these are the people I always thought they were. It only emphasizes the fact that you are critical, judgmental, and not ready to face anything. ”
Referring to his advice, Mr Begg added: ”
begg's book Christian declaration Examining Jesus' Sermon in Luke chapter 6, this is sometimes called “Plain Sermon.” According to a summary on Begg's website, the book “navigates us through Jesus' challenging teachings about forgiveness, faithfulness, obedience, and blessing that upends our values.”
Photo provided by: ©Getty Images/Nito100
Michael Faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His story was published in Baptist Press. Christianity Today, Christian Poecent, of leaf chronicle, of toronto star and of knoxville news sentinel.
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