Scripture’s teaching on sexuality seems implausible in today’s culture. We must respond to immediate issues, and also work to demonstrate that the Christian view of sex is both plausible and beautiful.
Over the last months we have had a front-row seat watching the western assumption of safety and control crumble under the threat of a pandemic: People climbing over each other for everyday commodities like toilet paper and hoarding essentials with no regard for their neighbour Entire industries shut down leaving millions not knowing when or if they will receive their next paycheque Restrictions on gatherings (and the ensuing confusion as to the application of the declared rules concerning them) The creation of the term “social distancing” and the encouragement of a “snitch” culture Our fears and anxieties are only heightened...
Image: Regent College / Youtube. I met J.I. Packer in the early 1990’s, and I worked with him (off and on) since 1994. Before I share several things about him, I first want to share a story about someone else that I believe probably captures what he would say about what I am about to write. Story I used to do a monthly service at a Senior’s residence. The main organizer of the service was a resident I will call Sue. She always insisted that I stay for lunch after the service so that we could chat. She was elderly...
During the past months, many religious leaders had been calling on the Ontario government to ease its total ban on corporate worship services. In June, the Ford government amended an executive order, permitting religious ceremonies, including weddings and funerals, at 30% building capacity. In our current context, this is a good decision not only because the Charter of Rights demands this response, but also because churches unify diverse people and can trace contacts well. Charter of Rights The Supreme Court of Canada has repeatedly stated that there is no hierarchy of rights. The right to peacefully assemble in order to...
On Sunday June 14th Pastor Justin Joplin from Lorne Park Baptist Church in Mississauga preached a sermon on “The Pearl of Great Price” in which he announced that he was coming out as a transgender woman. The climax of the sermon contained these words, which came as a surprise to most of the people in the congregation, “Hi, friends. Hi, family. My name is Junia. You can call me June. I am a transgender woman, and my pronouns are she and her.” You can watch the sermon here. You can see the CBC article celebrating the sermon here. For many observers...
