January 19, 2022January 5, 2024

Is there a “cancel culture” in the church?

by in From The Desk of Pastor Gene
0

You’ve likely heard the term “cancel culture” over and over and probably tired of hearing it. I’m tired of the term and I’m tired of the associated behavior. What about you? With that said, is this just a response on social media, politics and traditional media or is there also a “cancel culture” in the church?
 
In case you’re not sure, “cancel culture” can be defined as the attempt to ignore, silence, punish and even remove someone you disagree with and/or offends you. It’s often an all or nothing reaction. It also usually includes one-sided gossip, finger pointing, accusing, threatening and blaming.
 
From my experience, there is plenty of evidence of the “cancel culture” in the church. In fact, it’s a cancer that destroys from within. If you’ve been generally involved in church life, for even a short period of time, you’ve probably heard injurious gossip that lacks context along with an emotional distortion of facts. You’ve also likely witnessed people taking sides on an issue based on an unverified complaint. What? In the church? But remember, not everyone that is among the church is a Christian or acts like a Christian.
 
Well, in contrast, there is good reason for accountability in the church. After all, church discipline is necessary for good order in the church. Please notice that accountability is distinctly different than “cancel culture.” However, any attempt of so-called accountability that lacks the end goal of reconciliation and a unity of faith and mission is, in fact, “cancel culture” and falls short of biblical standards. In addition, any attempt to “cancel” or “injure” someone without that person being afforded the grace described in Matthew 18 in dealing with settling offenses simply isn’t consistent with the Christian faith. For that matter, let’s not ignore the biblical standard of love that must be measured against our motive and behavior. Your behavior is either consistent with the love of Christ or it isn’t. So, is it accountability or “cancel culture?”

What do you think? Is there a “cancel culture” in the church? 

I’m sure you want to glorify God and build up the church so how can we be in-line with God’s will and word? Well, before you speak or take action against another person or group, make sure your motive is love and reconciliation in Christ. Be careful to check if you truely desire to build up instead of tear down. Ask yourself, am I acting according to the biblical guidelines of brotherly love and accountability or the societal practice of cancelling? Am I trying to get my way or am I fighting to give God his due glory?

John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

A Work in Progress,

Pastor Gene