Love or expose

What do we say on social media?  Why do we say what we say?  Do we think about the people we mention?  Do our words become gossip?  Do they give rise to malice?

Personally, I felt challenged while studying Luke 11:17 with some friends.  We were considering Jesus' words "every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls", when our study guide asked how that applies to our home and our fellowship.  I thought about that more broadly, and some of the things that Christians have been discussing on internet social media.

Things like Joel Osteen's beliefs about homosexuality.  Like Rick Warren assimilating Islamic doctrine with the Christian faith.  Like Brian Houston's income and tax-fringe benefits.  (I am guilty for having discussed this last one on my blog.)

Why do we talk about these things so openly?  Are we jealous of these celebrities?  We shouldn't be.  Are we exposing something sinful publicly?  (If so, then we shouldn't.  We should confront the person privately first, then bring it before the elders of the church, but not to the world-wide public.)

Is it because these guys are false teachers and the Church needs to be warned about them?

Is it because we do not realise the potential damage we cause in the public discussions that we have?  Maybe somebody outside the Church started on a topic, and Christians continued it by forwarding, liking it or sharing it.

Maybe we might have been more sensitive if the issues were brought up at church, or if the contact had been more personal, but we have not been as careful on internet social media.

Or maybe, because these guys are such big celebrities, and we are so used to every media trashing celebrities that we joined in.

Maybe the ethics of the issue were worth bringing to public light and discussing that we have been doing so - without realising the harm we heap on those people and on the Lord.

Or might it be some other reason?

What do you think?

Should sin be brought to light?  Or hidden to protect the sinner?  How much of each should we do?  What is the right balance, if there needs to be a balance?  How do we handle these, and other similar issues well, as people who wish to honour God?

Does it hurt God and the Church's credibility to discuss such things in public?  Does it hurt more if we didn't?  How does love play into these issues?

Permissable conversation

The headlines in the Sunday Telegraph today talked about sportsmen who had converted to Islam.  Apparently, these failing athletes were looking for hope in religion after certain failures.  One of their Muslim buddies convinced them to try Islam.  They are giving it a go, to the extent of praying barefoot in the mosque.

So, it is permissible to talk about Islam to fellow sports stars, and to bring them to the mosque.  It even makes news front-page headlines!

Do Christians have similar freedom?

I learned last year that a certain Christian aid organisation in Australia does not allow one to talk about one's faith, unless the client starts the conversation.  Tonight, I learned that an independant Christian health organisation also has a similar policy.  This takes me by surprise, since Australia previously has a reputation of being a "Christian" country.  One would imagine that staff in known Christian organisations in a developed country with relatively good freedom of speech and religion would be allowed to tell others about Jesus.  No?

Is it fair that Muslims may have converts and make headlines that way, while Christians may not?

Or maybe I am understanding the picture wrong?

Perhaps it was headlines because the Muslims were sports stars?  Perhaps Christian organisations are just forbidden to push their faith, but may share what they believe more gently?

How would you feel if people tried to force you to convert?  Against your will?  Or just by telling you true facts in a convincing way?  Would you argue against the truth?

What if we were all doomed for hell and judgement unless somebody gave us the opportunity to receive salvation from a reliable source?  Would you pass up the opportunity to learn about that reliable source?

Or, if you knew that your best friends and family were doomed for hell and judgement unless you told them how they may receive salvation?  Would you with-hold yourself from telling them what would save them?

Why is it that we can talk about sex, death, aging, politics and most things under the sun, but talking about Jesus is taboo in so many countries?

What do you think?  Is it because Christians are weak and afraid to be laughed at?  Or just unloving?  Or is it because they have a message that the world wishes to shut out?

Why?