Thoughts from Gary

The popular author of The Message Bible, Eugene Peterson has found himself in quite a mix up!   In an interview with Jonathan Merritt of Religion News Service he was questioned about homosexual “marriages”.  He said he “didn’t consider homosexuality wrong and would, if asked, officiate a same-sex “marriage.”  His reason; “I know a lot of people who are gay and lesbian,” Peterson said, “and they seem to have as good a spiritual life as I do.”  Immediately there was a reaction including that of a large book distributor who said that it would no longer sell Peterson’s books!  Instantly Peterson recanted;  “To clarify, I affirm the biblical view of marriage: one man to one woman.  I affirm a biblical view of everything.”  Hmmm?  Now people are wondering who the real Eugene Peterson is and why has he “wishy washed” so quickly!  Is he just mixed up and wants to stay popular by being a man-pleaser OR is it the loss of book sales? ...

Secular Humanism and Situational (or Situation) Ethics has been taught in public education for the last 50+ years.  Briefly, Secular Humanism believes man, not God, is the center of all things and has the solution to all things.  Situational Ethics teaches that you can do or say whatever YOU think will benefit the situation (or you) best.  It can be a lie; it can be immoral and unethical, as under the “old rules”, but now it is perfectly acceptable! Humanist Max Hocutt says that human beings “may, and do, make up their own rules… Morality is not discovered; it is made.”  This is in agreement with John Dewey’s statement (mentioned in Secular Humanism) for without God “….. immutable truth is dead and buried.” and should that be the case then humans will arbitrarily make up “whatever seems right in their own eyes.” Since the Secular Humanists do not believe in God they have no healthy “fear” of doing what is wrong and displeasing to Him.  So if God do...