2211-web

& ReAspBonibsleictaol REASON & REVELATION CANCEL A Monthly Journal of Christian Evidences CULTURE November 2022•Vol. 42•No. 11 GIFTS & More

A Biblical Response liked by his students, and did his best to accommodate their to Cancel Culture needs and requests,”5 and “con- sistently accommodated the Eric Lyons, M.Min. [transgender] student by using the student’s preferred name Article In Brief... instead of the student’s given name” (avoiding the use of any Christians are often tempted to respond to cancel culture pronoun),6 Vlaming was ulti- with the impatience of an angry child or the tit-for-tat mately fired for “something he retaliation of a driver with road rage. Yet, regardless of couldn’t say.”7 ridicule, censorship, or termination, the Bible speaks • In January 2021, Twitter locked clearly and voluminously about how God’s people are the account of Daily Citizen, a expected to respond to a corrupt world that calls “evil magazine owned by Focus on good, and good evil.” Christians are called to a higher the Family. What was the mag- standard. “[B]e swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to azine’s violation? They posted: wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righ- “On Tuesday, President-elect teousness of God.” Joe Biden announced that he had chosen Dr. Rachel Levine C AMBRIDGE Dictionary logical sex (i.e., men are males and to serve as Assistant Secretary defines “cancel culture” as “a women are females). For not toeing for Health at the Department way of behaving in a society the more politically correct party of HHS. Dr. Levine is a trans- or group, especially on social media, line of transgender identity, Rowling gender woman, that is, a man in which it is common to completely was blistered on social media and who believes he is a woman.”8 reject or stop supporting someone suffered waves of harassment and Twitter proceeded to send Daily because they have said or done cancelations.3 Citizen an email pointing out something that offends you.”1 Last that “repeated violations may year, Joe Rogan, the world’s most In recent years, many Christians lead to a permanent suspension popular podcaster (with nearly 13 (and those associated with Christi- of your account.”9 million subscribers), was the target anity) in the U.S. have felt the sting • It seems more than acceptable of many in mainstream and social of cancel culture. to be pro-abortion in the cor- media for some of his comments porate world. However, when regarding COVID-19 and vacci- • On December 6, 2018 in West John Gibson, the CEO of Trip- nations.2 In 2020, many called for Point, Virginia, “the school wire Interactive (a video game the canceling of the world’s most board overseeing West Point developer), tweeted on Septem- popular author, J.K. Rowling. The High School voted unanimously ber 4, 2021, how proud he was author of the Harry Potter series, to terminate the employment of of the U.S. Supreme Court for who is no defender of biblical sexual French teacher Peter Vlaming” “affirming the Texas law ban- values, is a believer in, and occa- for refusing “to use a trans- ning abortion for babies with sional defender of, the reality of bio- gender student’s preferred pro- a heartbeat,” he was quickly noun, citing religious reasons.”4 canceled. Gibson’s tweet “drew Though Vlaming was “well- fire on social media,”10 and the CEO found himself without a job only two days later when Tripwire announced the com- pany was moving forward with a new interim CEO. We could go on and on with exam- ples such as these from just the past decade. The fact is, the U.S. has become increasingly more non- religious and immoral in the past R&

50 years11 and increasingly intoler- When Abraham’s great-grandson Ahab called the prophet Elijah ant of what the Bible teaches about Joseph died in Egypt, along with the “troubler of Israel” (1 Kings many things. Suffice it to say, being all of his generation, a new king 18:17)!] When Jezebel threatened a Bible-believing, Jesus-following, arose “who did not know Joseph” to end the life of Elijah, “he arose Gospel-teaching Christian in 21st- (Exodus 1:8). Shortly thereafter, and ran for his life” (1 Kings 19:2-3). century America (regardless of Pharaoh and the Egyptians began The faithful prophet Micaiah was how genuinely kind you might be) making the day-by-day lives of the insulted, struck, and imprisoned for may very well get you, your family, Israelites increasingly miserable. speaking God’s unpopular truth to church, Christian school, podcast, “[T]hey set taskmasters over them King Ahab (1 Kings 22:1-40). The Twitter account, etc. canceled one to afflict them with their burdens” prophet Jeremiah was threatened, way or another. (1:11). “[T]he Egyptians made the beaten, put in stocks, and cast into children of Israel serve with rigor. a cistern full of mud and left to die CANCEL CULTURE IS NOTHING And they made their lives bitter (prior to being rescued—Jeremiah with hard bondage” (1:13-14). The 20:1-2; 38:1-13). ANEW FOR GOD’S PEOPLE king of Egypt even went so far as M I saddened that America to cancel the ever-growing popula- Threatened by the arrival of the is not nearly as religious as tion of the Israelites by command- promised Messiah, the wicked King previous generations? Am ing the Hebrew midwives to kill all Herod the Great sought to kill baby I sickened by a society that has the newborn sons of the Israelites, Jesus and thus “sent forth and put become increasingly more like the sparing only the daughters (1:16). to death all the male children who one Isaiah saw in Jerusalem 2,700 When this plan failed, “Pharaoh were in Bethlehem and in all its dis- years ago—where people “call evil commanded all his people, saying, tricts, from two years old and under” good, and good evil; who put dark- ‘Every son who is born you shall cast (Matthew 2:16). Herod Antipas ness for light, and light for darkness; into the river’” (1:22). imprisoned John the baptizer “for who put bitter for sweet, and sweet the sake of Herodias, his brother for bitter” (Isaiah 5:20)? Most cer- Living as faithful spokesmen of Philip’s wife; for he had married her. tainly. Though America has always God has been quite trying through- Because John had said to Herod, ‘It been far from perfect, it seems that out most of world history. (It may is not lawful for you to have your sin has never been as publicly, preva- be that preachers have never had brother’s wife.’ Therefore Herodias lently, and perversely celebrated as it easier than in the United States held it against him and wanted to it is today. Still, Christians must over the past half-century.) The kill him” (Mark 6:17-19). She even- consider current events in light of prophet Samuel feared King Saul tually got her wish. The courageous history. We should be careful not would kill him for anointing prophet of God and forerunner of to get too “bent out of shape” about David as the next king of Israel (1 Christ was permanently canceled cancel culture in light of the fact Samuel 16:1-13). During the days by being beheaded. An executioner that cancel culture is nothing new of Queen Jezebel, she “massacred literally “brought his head on a plat- for God’s people. Acting as if “this the prophets of the Lord,” which ter” to the daughter of Herodias, is so unbelievable” is pretty naïve led Obadiah to hide 100 prophets who in turn “gave it to her mother” in light of all that the Bible teaches. in caves (1 Kings 18:4). [Yet, King (Mark 6:27-28). R&

During Jesus’ ministry, the hard- oppressed rather than the oppressor. RESIST THE CANCEL- hearted, hypocritical religious lead- Paul was persecuted from the time ers of His day continually sought he became a Christian (9:23-25) T CULTURE MENTALITY to cancel Him. As soon as the per- throughout the rest of his life. The HE temptation to react to fectly meek and sinless Son of God attempted canceling of Paul and his cancel culture with a simi- began to reveal Himself as the long- preaching by Jews and Gentiles is a lar canceling mentality is awaited Messiah in His hometown recurring theme in the book of Acts real. Like immature children, we of Nazareth, “all those in the syna- as well as in Paul’s epistles. To the are tempted to respond to ridicule gogue…were filled with wrath, and church at Corinth he wrote about with ridicule, to wrath with wrath, rose up and thrust Him out of the his “stripes above measure, in pris- and to censorship with censorship. city; and they led Him to the brow ons more frequently, in deaths often” However, God calls us to a much of the hill on which their city was (2 Corinthians 11:23). He said: higher standard. We can choose built, that they might throw Him “From the Jews five times I received to be like the angry cancel-culture down over the cliff” (Luke 4:16-30). forty stripes minus one. Three times mob in Acts 7—an incensed crowd Thankfully, Jesus escaped. I was beaten with rods; once I was who “shouted with loud voices, stoned” (2 Corinthians 11:24-25). and covered their ears and rushed” On another occasion, Jesus’ ene- at Stephen (Acts 7:57, NASB), and mies “took up stones to throw at If the early Church could hear “cast him out of the city and stoned Him” (John 8:59). After Jesus raised Christians in today’s America com- him” (7:58). Or, we can choose to Lazarus from the dead, the Jewish plain about cancel culture, I cannot follow the instructions of God and chief priests and Pharisees “plotted help but think they would tell us be “swift to hear, slow to speak, to put Him to death…from that to “toughen up.” Christians today slow to wrath; for the wrath of man day on” (John 11:53). Ultimately, in North Korea, China, or various does not produce the righteousness Jesus was arrested, mocked, beaten, Middle Eastern countries would of God” (James 1:19-20). We can scourged, and nailed to a cross. gladly exchange their cruel and choose to cancel unkind classmates repressive cancel culture for ours. and co-workers, or we can choose to Early Christianity was born into Could it be that our God above is be Christ-like and “turn the other a world of cancel culture. Jesus had looking down upon us wondering cheek” and “go the extra mile” (cf. prophesied that the apostles would why we are not endeavoring to have Matthew 5:39,41). Jesus taught: “[I]f “have tribulation” (John 16:33) and, a broader, more biblically and his- you love those who love you, what indeed, they did. In Acts 2, on the torically informed perspective on credit is that to you? For even sin- first Pentecost after the death and current events? ners love those who love them. And resurrection of Jesus, the apostles if you do good to those who do good were mocked as being drunk (Acts I’m not saying cancel culture is 2:13). Soon thereafter, the apostles not real. I’m not suggesting we be United States Postal Service STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, and CIRCULATION Required were arrested three times. They were unsympathetic toward anyone who by 39 USC 3685 1. REASON AND REVELATION. 2. 1542-0922. 3. 9/15/2022. 4. Monthly. 5. 12. threatened, imprisoned, and beaten has suffered the loss of a job, public 6. $14.00. 7. 230 Landmark Dr., Montgomery, AL, 36117. 8. 230 Landmark Dr., Montgomery, by their Jewish rulers (Acts 4-5). humiliation, relentless criticism, AL 36117. 9. Publisher, Apologetics Press, 230 Landmark Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117; Editor, Herod killed the apostle James and emotional stress, financial difficul- Dave Miller, 230 Landmark Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117; Managing Editor, Dave Miller, 230 then arrested Peter with the likely ties, etc.—especially for righteous- Landmark Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117. 10. Non-profit Apologetics Press, Inc., 230 Landmark Dr., intention of killing him, too (12:1- ness’ sake. I’m not advocating we Montgomery, AL 36117. 11. None. 12. No Change. 13: REASON AND REVELATION. 14. 9/15/2022. 4). Stephen was stoned to death for refrain from praying and voting 15.Religion/Apologetics(seechartbelow).16. ElectronicCopyCirculation(seechartbelow)17. preaching Bible Truth to a “stiff- for morally minded, potential U.S. November 2022. 18. Tommy Hatfield, General Manager, 9/15/2022. necked” people (7:51-60). Then “a leaders who might be able to help great persecution arose against the turn the tide of cancel culture on 15. Average ActCuuarlrCeonpties church which was at Jerusalem,” and local, state, and national levels. But they were “scattered throughout the I am imploring God’s people not to a 3133 3082 regions of Judea and Samaria” (8:1). act as if (1) we are the only ones to face cancel culture or (2) we have it b1 1835 1771 Shortly afterward, Saul, an that hard, comparatively speaking. oppressor of the Church, became b2 48 47 a follower of Christ—a member b3 0 0 of the very Church he previously sought to destroy (Acts 9:1-19). Not b4 817 836 surprisingly, Saul (whose name was changed to Paul—13:9) became the c 2700 2654 d1 0 0 d2 0 0 d3 50 50 d4 100 100 e 150 150 f 2850 2804 g 283 278 h 3133 3082 i 95% 95% 16. Average ActCuuarlrCeonpties a00 b 2700 2654 C 2850 2804 D 95% 95% R&

to you, what credit is that to you? laden, and I will give you rest” (Mat- RESPOND TO CANCEL CULTURE WITH… For even sinners do the same” (Luke thew 11:28). Ever since His crucifix- 6:32-33). “I say to you, love your ion and resurrection, His invitation O how should we engage a cul- enemies, bless those who curse you, for anyone to receive eternal life has ture that seems to be growing do good to those who hate you, and remained open: “And the Spirit and pray for those who spitefully use you the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him Sless religious and more intoler- and persecute you, that you may be who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him sons of your Father in heaven” (Mat- who thirsts come. Whoever desires, ant toward Christianity day by day? thew 5:44-45). let him take the water of life freely” What biblical principles and pre- (Revelation 22:17). cepts must we keep in the forefront Jesus knew before He ever came of our minds as we face increasing to Earth that most people would This same Jesus said, “Go into all amounts of intimidation and dis- either hate Him or care nothing the world [even to cancel-culture] crimination? for Him. He knew He was coming and preach the gospel to every crea- into a chaotic cancel culture, yet He ture” (Mark 16:15). Don’t withdraw Courageous Determination still came for the purpose of saving from cancel culture and allow your to Be Faithful souls. One thousand years before light to go dim. Rather, even in— Christ, David prophesied that the yes, especially in—a dark world, Regardless of all that is going on Messiah would be “scorned by every- “Let your light so shine before men around us and regardless of what one, despised by the people.” The that they may see your good works happens to us, God expects His people would “mock” Him and and glorify your Father in heaven” people to “not be afraid of what you “hurl insults, shaking their heads” (Matthew 5:16). As Peter said: are about to suffer” but “be faithful, (Psalm 22:6-7, NIV). They would “Always be ready to give a defense to even to the point of death” (Rev- “shoot out the lip” at the Lord everyone who asks you a reason for elation 2:10).12 If Noah could be (Psalm 22:7, NKJV). Isaiah proph- the hope that is in you, with meek- faithful and do “all that the Lord esied that Jesus would be “despised ness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). As commanded him” (Genesis 7:5), and rejected by men, a Man of sor- Paul wrote to the church at Colosse: even while living during a time rows and acquainted with grief ” “Conduct yourselves with wisdom when “the wickedness of man was (Isaiah 53:3). Sure enough, when toward outsiders, making the most great in the earth, and that every Jesus stepped out of heaven to heal of the opportunity” (Colossians 4:5, intent of the thoughts of his heart the sin-stained, broken souls of NASB). was only evil continually” (Gen- humanity, “He came to His own, esis 6:5), then so can we. If Job and His own did not receive Him” could trust God and “not sin nor (John 1:11). charge God with wrong” (Job 1:22; 13:15), even while his world caved in Jesus willfully came to reside in and engage a world full of the (cont. on p. 128) cancel-culture mentality. He came to a people who would go so far to Reason & Revelation is published monthly by Apologetics Press, Inc. Periodicals postage cancel Him that they brutally cru- paid at Montgomery, AL. Postmaster: Send address changes to Reason & Revelation, cified Him. Yet, Jesus responded with love, open arms, and a forgiv- 230 Landmark Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117; issn:[1542-0922] usps# 023415. ing spirit. Jesus communicated love from the cross to the very end. We Apologetics Press is a non-profit, tax-exempt work dedicated to the defense of New don’t hear Him saying, “I’m going to get you for this,” but “Father, forgive Testament Christianity. Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved. them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). He showed Editor: Orders: concern for others, including for the penitent thief dying next to Him. Dave Miller, M.A., M.Div., M.A.R., Ph.D.* Phone: (800) 234-8558 Fax: (800) 234-2882 Before Jesus’ crucifixion, His (*Communication, Southern Illinois University) invitation was open: “Come to Me, On-line Web store/catalog, subscription all you who labor and are heavy Associate Editor: order/renewal form, current issues, archives, and other information (all orders processed Jeff Miller, M.S., Ph.D.* on a secure server): (*Biomechanical Engineering, Auburn University) Annual Subscription Rates: $14.00 Domestic URL: w w w. A p o l o g e t i c s P r e s s .o r g $12.00 Domestic Bulk E-mail: [email protected] (5+ TO SAME ADDRESS) Discovery—Scripture & Science for Kids is a sister publication for children. For $14.00 Canada & Overseas more information, please contact our offices or visit the Discovery Web site at: (PLUS SHIPPING) URL: www.DiscoveryMagazine.org General inquiries, changes of address, or international callers: Phone: (334) 272-8558 Fax: (334) 270-2002 R&

ITALIAN DUOTONE NOW AVAILABLE IN BROWN DEFENDING THE FAITH STARTING AT BibleStudy $39.95 FOR MORE INFORMATION SCAN the QR code or visit Store.ApologeticsPress.org A.P.’S MOBILE APP CHRISTIAN EVIDENCES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Over 30 Newest AP Articles Over 100 Video Series Organized by Categories Audio Files Download AP’s FREE App

Taxes Apply in Alabama GIFGTrSeafotrGAifLtL NEW DEFENDERS SERIES Ideasstore.apologeticspress.org DEFENDING JESUS FLOODED BOOK 3 A Creation science book with accompanying website $19.95 BOOK 1 ONLY BOOK 2 DEFENDING GOD: DEFENDING HIS EXISTENCE $10.95 ea. THE BIBLE & CREATION LEARN HOW TO DEFEND THE TRUTH GET ALL Scientists Speak Out About God & Evolution $8.95 THREE Is Christianity Logical? Modern-Day Miracles? $5.95 $5.95 Homosexuality: Scripture, Society, Science, & Psychology $6.95 The Name “Christian” & Bible Inspiration $6.95 Baptism and the Greek Made Simple $8.95 Readers Series Learn to Read $2.00 ea. Early Readers $2.00 ea. Advanced Readers $2.00 ea. Always Be Ready $9.95 Creation Cards $9.95 Reasons to Believe $5.00 Animal Kingdom $9.95 Out with Doubt $8.95 God’s Creation Out with Doubt - DVD (2-disc set) $12.00 A Matter of Fact $8.95 THE ANVIL RINGS (VOL. 1-3) $11.95 ea. 3-Book Boxed Set $30.00 Dinosaurs Unleashed Wonders of God's Creation $19.95 $10.95 Truth Be Told How do You Know the Bible is from God? $19.95 $8.95 How do You Know God is Real? $8.95

around him, we, too, can be faith- (Romans 15:5). Peter wrote about calling with which you were called… ful even when the world seems to how “the Divine longsuffering with longsuffering, bearing with be caving in around us. If Moses waited in the days of Noah” (1 one another in love” (Ephesians could face Pharaoh’s wrath with the Peter 3:20)—seemingly for 120 4:1-2). So, rather than be quick-tem- courageous determination to follow years before judging the world with pered and jump at the opportunities the Lord, then so can we. If Joshua the Flood (Genesis 6:3).13 The Lord to try to cancel what we deem to and Caleb could face the giants of then waited some 400 years before be cancel culture, “let us not grow their day, if Daniel could face a lion’s judging the iniquity of the Amorites weary while doing good…. [A]s we den, and if Shadrach, Meshach, and and the rest of the wicked Canaan- have opportunity, let us do good to Abed-Nego could face a fiery fur- ite nations (Genesis 15:14-16). The all” (Galatians 6:9-10). nace, then we have no excuses. Bible is clear in its portrayal of God: He is “longsuffering…not willing Love Are things hard now? Perhaps. that any should perish but that all Will things be much more challeng- should come to repentance” (2 Peter Hateful things are often said ing in the future? Probably. Regard- 3:9). He “desires all men to be saved and done on social media. Hostil- less, “be strong and very courageous” and to come to the knowledge of the ity toward one group or another is (Joshua 1:7), “[f]or God has not truth” (1 Timothy 2:5). often highlighted and fomented by given us a spirit of fear, but of power various news outlets. Christians are and of love and of a sound mind” (2 With the perfect example of often accused of being hateful for Timothy 1:7). patience set before us in the very believing and teaching what the nature of the God we serve, how can Bible says about many things, includ- Though there are many “enemies Christians not strive to be patient ing God’s creation of two (and only of the cross of Christ: whose end and longsuffering toward the lost two) genders (Genesis 1:27; 2:7,18- is destruction, whose god is their world around us (as well as each 24), the sanctity of all human life belly, and whose glory is in their other)? “[T]he works of the flesh” (including the unborn),14 all forms shame—who set their mind on include many sinful characteristics of sexual immorality (Romans 1:26- earthly things,” God calls us to of cancel culture: “hatred, conten- 32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11), and the remember our heavenly citizenship tions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, narrow road to eternal life going (Philippians 3:18-20). With dogged selfish ambitions, dissensions, her- only through the Savior, Jesus determination, we are to be “reach- esies, envy…and the like” (Galatians Christ (John 14:6). The entirety of ing forward to those things which 5:19-21). On the other hand, “the God’s Word has never been popular are ahead” and “press[ing] toward fruit of the Spirit is…longsuffering” with the majority of humanity. The the goal for the prize of the upward (Galatians 5:22). Yes, God expects response sometimes (or oftentimes) call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philip- Christians to “walk worthy of the pians 3:13-14). SPEAKING SCHEDULES Patience Kyle Butt November 4-6 Knoxville, TN (865) 693-0801 Cancel culture nearly always November 13 Florence, AL (256) 764-8856 rushes to judgment. The main- November 30 Florence, AL (256) 764-6291 stream media tends to be quick to pounce on people, especially those Eric Lyons Tilton, NH (603) 286-7878 whom they dislike. Perhaps nowhere November 4-6 Conyers, GA (770) 922-8341 is quick-tempered impatience seen November 12-13 Montgomery, AL (334) 272-5820 more than on social media—where November 14 Queretaro, Mexico 524422076581 lashing, gnashing, and trashing are November 18-20 commonplace and where drama is stirred 24/7. Dave Miller November 1,2,8,10 Denver, CO (303) 986-5800 Christians desperately need November 20 Montgomery, AL (334) 264-2985 to take a deep breath, clear their minds daily, and cautiously navigate Jeff Miller the tumultuous world around us, November 1-12 AZ Flooded Course (334) 272-8558 including and especially on social November 26-27 Petersburg, KY (334) 272-8558 media. We need to meditate regu- larly upon the fact that Almighty God is “the God of patience” R&

is to accuse Christians of being hate- saying, “[Y]ou…outwardly appear speed. However, such microscopic ful. righteous to men, but inside you examination by the enemies of are full of hypocrisy and lawless- Christianity should be expected and However the world acts (or ness” (Matthew 23:28). Thus, the even welcomed. Sincere Christians, reacts); whatever is said about Jesus, Lord warns us “that unless your though imperfect, should have His Word, His Church, or individ- righteousness exceeds the righteous- nothing to hide. If we do, our prayer ual Christians; regardless of what ness of the scribes and Pharisees, you should be that our hypocrisy comes the world does, God’s instructions will by no means enter the kingdom to light as soon as possible in the are clear: “love the Lord” and “love of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). hopes of bringing about personal your neighbor as yourself ” (Mat- repentance and restoration so that thew 22:37-39). Never respond to Before Paul wrote to Timo- as little damage as possible is done hateful words or actions with a thy, instructing him to “preach to the Lord’s Church. mean spirit. Christians are com- the word” and “do the work of an manded to “detest what is evil” evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:2,5), he To restore any lost reputation, (Romans 12:9, NASB) while loving first highlighted the vital “genu- Christians should begin living the precious soul who sadly com- ine [unhypocritical]15 faith that is a simple, honest, sincere, loving, mits it. If “Christ Jesus came into in you” (2 Timothy 1:5). Further- humble, patient, and persistent life the world to save sinners” (1 Timo- more, years prior to Paul penning one day at a time. Trying to force thy 1:15), including murderers and 2 Timothy, he desired this young a restored reputation upon society persecutors of Christians (e.g., Saul), will appear (especially to cancel then are followers of Christ not to \"Do not fear their threats; do culture) as insincere and as though love sinners like Jesus did (John not be frightened. Always be you are trying to bully your way 3:16-17; Romans 5:6-8)? Certainly, prepared to give an answer to back into the good graces of oth- we are. everyone who asks you to give ers.16 Instead, let things come about the reason for the hope that you more naturally over time, as a con- As you interact with the unbe- have. But do this with gentleness sequence of a genuine daily walk lieving world on a regular basis, “Let and respect, keeping a clear with the Lord. In the long run, as your speech always be with grace, conscience, so that those who the old “Sheep Thief ” story goes seasoned, as it were, with salt, so speak maliciously against your (where sheep thieves were caught that you may know how you should good behavior in Christ may and branded with the letters ST respond to each person” (Colossians be ashamed of their slander.\" on their foreheads), a real peni- 4:6, NASB). tent person will eventually become I Peter 3:14-16 known as a sincere “saint” (and not Avoid foolish and ignorant dis- the “sheep thief” that he once was). putes, knowing that they generate servant of Christ to accompany him strife…. [A] servant of the Lord on his second missionary journey Reason must not quarrel but be gentle (into some hostile, pagan cancel- to all, able to teach, patient, in culture societies—Acts 16-17). Note Cancel culture is generally unrea- humility correcting those who carefully, however, that Paul only sonable. Canceling tactics often are in opposition, if God perhaps wanted this after coming to learn include shouting, bullying, threat- will grant them repentance, so that Timothy “was well spoken of by ening, slandering, discriminating, that they may know the truth the brethren” (Acts 16:2-3). That is, and trying to silence the opposition and that they may come to their those who knew him best were gen- in the public square (whether in senses and escape the snare of the uinely able to vouch for his sincere person or on social media). It seems devil, having been taken captive love for the Lord and His Church. rare for individuals and groups with by him to do his will (2 Timothy a cancel-culture mentality to want 2:23-26). Cancel culture can often sniff to reason together in a cool, calm, out a hypocrite (especially one with and rational manner. Sincerity whom they disagree) at lightning The prophet Isaiah responded Paul warned, “Let love be with- to the moral corruption of his out hypocrisy” (Romans 12:9). Peter day (especially under King Ahaz’s similarly wrote: “[L]ove one another reign—2 Chronicles 28:19) by call- fervently with a pure heart…laying ing his hearers to “[c]ome now, and aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18). envy, and all evil speaking” (1 Peter When the prophet Samuel addressed 1:22; 2:1). Jesus called out many of the religious leaders of His day, R&

the nation of Israel at King Saul’s cerned about money and tradition Continual Teaching coronation, he did not deliver than truth and reason (19:25). They an emotionally based speech but proceeded to be driven by angry Finally, though Christians living “reason[ed]” with them (1 Samuel emotions as “the whole city was within a cancel culture are to be 12:7). Consider also the stark con- filled with confusion, and rushed loving, patient, and humbly submis- trast between Elijah and the proph- into the theater with one accord…. sive to those in positions of author- ets of Baal. In hopes of getting the [M]ost of them did not even know ity (whoever they may be—1 Peter attention of the false god Baal, why they had come together.” Yet, 2:13-14,18; 5:5-6), we must never these emotionally charged, pretend for two hours, “all with one voice stop teaching the saving Gospel of prophets “leaped about the altar,” cried out...‘Great is Diana of the Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16). We “cried aloud,” and “cut themselves, Ephesians!’” (19:29,32,34). Imagine must never harass, badger, and be as was their custom, with knives that—repeatedly shouting the same unkind, but we must continue to and lances, until the blood gushed exact expression (“Megala a Artemis scatter “the seed…the word of God” out on them” (1 Kings 18:26,28)— Ephesion”) for 120 minutes. Such (Luke 8:11). We may not convince all for naught. Elijah, on the other mob-like tactics (1) seem somewhat many, or any at all but, like Noah, hand, had a rational faith that was characteristic of the cancel culture we will preach (2 Peter 2:5). grounded in the Word of God. He of our day and (2) are the very said to God, “I have done all these opposite of how New Testament Jesus responded to cancel culture things at Your Word” (1 Kings Christians are to conduct them- by becoming the greatest Teacher 18:36). His faith, as well as the mes- selves. the world has ever known. He sage of faith that He preached, were responded to the opposition’s “stop” rooted and grounded in the Heav- Do not miss the stark contrast with “go”—“Go into all the world enly revealed, rational Word of God. between the true Gospel of Jesus and preach the Gospel to every crea- Christ that Paul defended and the ture” (Mark 16:15). When threat- When Jesus healed a demon- repetitive, emotionally charged non- ened and commanded by Jewish possessed man, His enemies illogi- sense that Demetrius and the pagan authorities “not to speak at all nor cally charged Him with casting out Gentiles preached. Paul “persuaded teach in the name of Jesus,” Peter demons “by Beelzebub, the ruler of and turned away many people” from and John said, “[W]e cannot but the demons” (Matthew 12:24). Jesus idolatry to the true and living God speak the things which we have seen responded, not with hate speech, in Ephesus and “throughout almost and heard” (Acts 4:18-21). After but with a sensible argument: “Every all of Asia” (Acts 19:26). He did it the apostles’ third arrest and inter- kingdom divided against itself is without force or the threat of force. rogation, the Jewish council asked, brought to desolation, and every city He did it without reverting to dis- “Did we not strictly command you or house divided against itself will honest, foolish tactics. It was with not to teach in this [Jesus’] name?” not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, crystal-clear arguments that could Peter and the apostles replied: “We he is divided against himself. How withstand scrutiny and with genu- ought to obey God rather than men” then will his kingdom stand? And if ine love for the Lord and lost souls (Acts 5:28-29). After the apostles I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by that Paul sought to persuade open- were beaten and commanded once whom do your sons cast them out? minded, honest-hearted people to again “that they should not speak Therefore they shall be your judges” follow the Lord Jesus Christ. in the name of Jesus” (Acts 5:40), (Matthew 12:25-27). they were released. How did these In Ephesus, Paul had spent months in the local synagogue and years in the school of Tyran- nus “reasoning” about Christianity. Paul “coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel” (20:33). His message was true; his defense was logical; his intentions were honorable. The Ephesian idolaters, however, were the exact opposite. Whereas Paul reasoned that “they are not gods which are made with hands” (19:26), the pagan Ephesians were more con- R&

early disciples react to such intense ENDNOTES February 1, https://churchleaders.com/ cancel culture? They “rejoic[ed] that news/389324-twitter-locks-out-focus- they were counted worthy to suffer 1 “Cancel Culture” (2022), Cambridge on-the-family-magazine-for-calling-a- shame for His name. And daily in Dictionary, October 3, https://diction- transgender-woman-a-man.html. the temple, and in every house, they ary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/ 9 Ibid. did not cease teaching and preach- cancel-culture. 10 Khristopher J. Brooks (2021), “TripWire ing Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:41- Interactive CEO Steps Down After Sup- 42). 2 E.g., Scott Gleeson (2021), “Joe Rogan, porting Texas Abortion Law,” September Who Says He Was Almost Vacci- 7, CBS News, https://www.cbsnews.com/ People may accuse us of being nated, Tells Others ‘Get Vaccinated news/tripwire-texas-abortion-john-gib- unloving because we teach what and Then Get Sick,’” October 14, son-gaming-tweet/. Jesus taught—a message of repen- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/ 11 “How the U.S. Religious Composi- tance (Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3,5; nation/2021/10/14/joe-rogan-covid- tion Has Changed in Recent Decades” 24:47; Acts 2:38). Our peers may vaccine/8448921002/. (2022), Pew Research Center, Septem- hate us for teaching like our Lord— ber 13, https://www.pewresearch.org/ about heaven and hell (Matthew 3 J.K. Rowling (2020), “J.K. Rowling religion/2022/09/13/how-u-s-religious- 25:31-46; Mark 8:42-48; John Writes About Her Reasons for Speaking composition-has-changed-in-recent- 14:1-6). Still, with all the love we Out on Sex and Gender Issues,” June 10, decades/. can muster and with all the cour- https://www.jkrowling.com/opinions/j- 12 NIV. age that God will give us, we con- k-rowling-writes-about-her-reasons-for- 13 Cf. Eric Lyons (2017), “Noah, the Flood, tinually teach of the saving power speaking-out-on-sex-and-gender-issues/. and 120 Years,” Apologetics Press, https:// of Jesus Christ. As we go about our apologeticspress.org/noah-the-flood-and- daily lives, we do so “speaking the 4 Thomas Wheatley (2019), “A Virginia 120-years-5374/. truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Teacher Is Fighting for His Religious 14 Eric Lyons (2011), “The Ungodly Irratio- Freedom. Good for Him,” The Washing- nality Surrounding Unwanted Infants,” P CONCLUSION ton Post, October 9, https://www.wash- Apologetics Press, https://apologetics- ERHAPS no other words in ingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/10/09/ press.org/the-ungodly-irrationality-sur- Scripture better pertain to virginia-teacher-is-fighting-his-religious- rounding-unwanted-infants-3506/. Christians living, thriving, freedom-good-him/. 15 From the Greek anupokritos, which is and teaching in a cancel culture from hupokrites (from which we get our than 1 Peter 3:14-16. Peter, who 5 “Broad Support Filed at VA Supreme English word “hypocrite”). repeatedly experienced cancel cul- Court for High School Teacher Fired 16 Which, sadly, seems to be the case with ture’s threats, bullying, and abuse, Over Pronoun Policy” (2022), Alliance some hard-hearted “Christian” hypocrites. exhorted first-century saints who Defending Freedom, May 24, https:// 17 NIV. were about to face a “fiery trial” (1 adfmedia.org/case/vlaming-v-west-point- 18 It seems likely that this “day of visita- Peter 4:12), saying: school-board. tion” is a reference to the day that a non- Christian becomes a child of God—when Do not fear their threats; do 6 Vlaming v. West Point School Board the Lord would, in a sense, “visit me with not be frightened. Always be (2022), Alliance Defending Freedom, Your salvation” (Psalm 106:4). prepared to give an answer to July 25, https://adflegal.org/case/vlam- everyone who asks you to give ing-v-west-point-school-board. the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentle- 7 “Broad Support….” ness and respect, keeping a clear 8 Jesse T. Jackson (2021), “Twitter Locks conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your Out Focus on the Family Magazine for good behavior in Christ may be Calling a Transgender Woman a Man,” ashamed of their slander (1 Peter 3:14-16).17 Apologetics Press.org And who but God knows, if your conduct is “honorable among the Search... Apologetics Press Gentiles…when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your For more articles like these visit us online. good works which they observe, glo- rify God in the day of visitation” (1 2022 Year-to-Date Website Stats (as of Oct. 1) Peter 2:12)?18 Page Views: 1,623,215 Users: 797,658 Top 5 web articles in September: 1. Is Muhammad Mentioned in the Bible? 2. ¿Cuántos Animales de Cada Especie Metió Noé en el Arca? 3. How Long Were Adam and Eve in the Garden Before Sinning? 4. Did God Order the Killing of Babies? 5. ¿Qué Edad Tenía Isaac Cuando se le Pidió a Abraham que le Ofreciera? R&

APOLOGETICS PRESS • 230 LANDMARK DRIVE • MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 Periodicals Postage PAID The Ed itor New Study Bible Cover Color We are grateful that, with the Lord’s blessing, while building the confidence of Christians in their AP’s Defending the Faith Study Bible has been so ability to deflect attacks upon their faith from a well received and so helpful to a host of individu- society saturated with unbelief. als. In addition to the original hardback edition, the black This excellent resource is of leather cover, the charcoal great value to those who are gray Italian Duotone, and most likely to be confronted the maroon Italian Duo- with skeptical arguments: tone, we are delighted to young people, those incarcer- announce the release of a ated, future church leaders and brown Italian Duotone ministers, and those in increas- cover. ingly secular parts of the coun- try or the world. Since this study Bible is, specifically, an apologet- As are all of AP’s products, ics study Bible, it contains this outstanding tool is priced special sections that cover far below market prices. Please topics such as God’s exis- consider the people in your tence, the Inspiration of life that need this tremendous the Bible, Theistic Evolu- resource. This is the perfect tion, Science and the Bible, time of the year to consider God’s Justice and Hell, the giving AP products as gifts that Bible and Slavery, the Deity will nurture the human spirit of Christ, and so much more. in view of eternity. It is packed with beautiful, professional artwork, charts, Dave Miller and photographs that accentuate the biblical text and its message. This volume is designed to defend See Center Spread the Christian religion against skeptics and atheists, for More Details