Over the past several decades there has been a gradual erosion of Biblical truth from the pulpits of evangelical churches and the theology of its members. I strongly believe that one of the reasons for this erosion is due to the subtle and dangerous effects political correctness (PC) is having on the church. According to WordNet, political correctness is defined as the "avoidance of expressions or actions that can be perceived to exclude or marginalize or insult people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against." My running definition of political correctness is the social pressure to influence the thinking, words and actions of a person or group by convincing them that historical, cultural norms are insensitive, intolerant and divisive.
Many have written and spoken out on the effects of PC in our Western culture and in other parts of the world. However, there has not been nearly as much outcry regarding PC in the church. This lack of outcry is evidence that PC has had influence. A politically correct church is a silent church. A politically correct church is a church with a muted message. It is preoccupied with the idea that the worst thing it can do is to offend the churched, the unchurched and all those in between.
The Bible is offensive and intolerant. It does not pass the PC smell test. The writers of Scripture make no apology for its claims. Paul concluded that the message of the Cross was offensive to many. He knew that if he excluded the Cross from his preaching, the offense would cease. (Gal. 5:11) In fact, Jesus is called a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense! (Rom. 9:33; I Pet. 2:8)
Over the next few weeks, I want to focus on four effects of PC on the thinking, words and actions of the church.
These four effects are:
The Moving Target of Absolute Truth - A Convenient Oxymoron
The Blurred Line of Gender Roles in the Church
The New Tolerance of Sexual Orientations
The Drifting Away from an Exclusive to an Inclusive Gospel
