Book Review: Identity and the Worship of Self
The situation has gotten more serious in that many Christians have bought into the idea that Pride is an identity—that what are rightly behaviors are considered to be identities. This is an assumption that may flow naturally from a Pelagian understanding of humanity, but not an orthodox, biblical one. Turning to the deep riches of historic Protestant doctrine, Roberts shows that sinful desire is itself sinful.
Identity is everywhere. We can hardly read an article in the news or watch a show on TV without encountering it. Identity defines our relationship to the world around us, to the other members of our society, and even to our own bodies. “This rapid rise in identity-thinking has caused a somewhat tense interaction with the Christian church,” says Matthew Roberts. “From the secular perspective, it has reinforced the assumption that Christians are just an irrelevance swept aside by the inrush of these new insights, featuring (if at all) as just one identity-group, and one for whom not much sympathy is spared. From Christians, it has been greeted with a combination of alarm at the outlandish new doctrines identity politics presents (gender fluidity in particular) and an assumption that there is a lot of new thinking for us to do to make sure that people of different identities are equally offered the gospel and (to a varying extent) included in the church.”
So what are Christians to do? How are we to think about modern notions of identity? That is the subject of Roberts’ new book Pride: Identity and the Worship of Self. “The conviction that underlies this book,” he explains, “is that, rather than being a new challenge to the Christian faith, the identity issue is, in fact, a very old one. Men have always identified themselves by their idols, and so the issue of identity is fundamentally one of idolatry.”
Key to understanding the book is his use of the word “Pride.” He does not use that word to communicate the opposite of humility, but as an umbrella term for the various identities more typically conveyed in the ever-changing acronym that begins with L and ends in +.
In the book’s first part, he explains that human beings are defined by worship—by what or who we worship. Created by God in the image of God to worship God, we fell into a state of sinfulness in which we will worship anything or everything in place of God. Yet our most basic and essential identity is defined by who we were made to worship. “Being images, our true identity is found in the God whose image we are, and whom we are made to love with all our heart and soul and strength. And so those who worship false gods, giving them the love due to the true God, cannot help but define themselves by those gods instead.” Not only that, but “individuals and peoples come to reflect the character of the (fictional) gods they worship. And integral to this is that individuals and peoples come to identify themselves by the gods they worship.”
This causes endless problems since “for all fallen human beings, there is a basic identity-conflict in play. We are one thing; we believe ourselves to be something else. We have a true identity, though we deny it and seek to suppress it; and we have a false identity, centred around our idols, which we cling to fiercely even though it diminishes our humanity.”
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Colorado Supreme Court Dismisses Lawsuit Harassing Cake Artist Jack Phillips
Just last year, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in 303 Creative v. Elenis, which upheld free speech for creative professionals like Phillips. ADF attorneys asked the Colorado high court to apply that ruling and similarly affirm Phillips’ free-speech rights in this case. Though the Colorado Supreme Court did not decide that issue in this case, 303 Creative provides enduring free-speech protection for Phillips.
Tuesday, Oct 8, 2024
DENVER—The Colorado Supreme Court ruled Tuesday to dismiss a lawsuit brought by an attorney who’s been harassing cake artist Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, for more than 12 years.
Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys have been defending Phillips since 2012, when he was first sued for declining to create a custom cake celebrating a same-sex wedding because it violated his religious beliefs. Around that same time, the attorney who filed the most recent lawsuit against Phillips first contacted him, calling him a hypocrite and bigot. For more than 12 years now, Phillips has been relentlessly pursued and mocked by government officials and activists who disagree with his views.
“Enough is enough. Jack has been dragged through courts for over a decade. It’s time to leave him alone,” said ADF Senior Counsel Jake Warner. “Free speech is for everyone. As the U.S. Supreme Court held in 303 Creative, the government cannot force artists to express messages they don’t believe. In this case, an attorney demanded that Jack create a custom cake that would celebrate and symbolize a transition from male to female. Because that cake admittedly expresses a message, and because Jack cannot express that message for anyone, the government cannot punish Jack for declining to express it. The First Amendment protects that decision.”
Phillips won his first case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018, when the court found that Colorado officials who punished Phillips acted with hostility toward his faith. That ruling did not address Phillips’s free-speech rights to decline to create custom cakes expressing messages that violate his faith. Now, the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling has ended the most recent lawsuit against Phillips, dismissing the case because the attorney who filed it did not follow the right process. Like the prior win, this ruling does not address Phillips’ free-speech rights.
Just last year, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in 303 Creative v. Elenis, which upheld free speech for creative professionals like Phillips. ADF attorneys asked the Colorado high court to apply that ruling and similarly affirm Phillips’ free-speech rights in this case. Though the Colorado Supreme Court did not decide that issue in this case, 303 Creative provides enduring free-speech protection for Phillips.
“We granted review to determine, among other issues, whether [the attorney] properly filed [this] case,” the Colorado Supreme Court wrote in its opinion in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Scardina. “We conclude that [the attorney] did not.”
On the same day the U.S. Supreme Court announced it would hear Phillips’ first case—in which he prevailed in 2018 after Colorado tried to force him to create a custom cake celebrating a same-sex wedding—an attorney called Masterpiece Cakeshop requesting that Phillips create a custom cake that would symbolize and celebrate a gender transition. The attorney then called again to request another custom cake, one depicting Satan smoking marijuana, to “correct the errors of [Phillips’] thinking.”
Phillips politely declined both requests because the cakes express messages that violate his core beliefs. The attorney then filed the most recent lawsuit, threatening to continue harassing Phillips until he is punished. Phillips serves people from all backgrounds. Like many artists, he decides to create custom cakes based on what they will express, not who requests them.
Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.
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Isolationism: A Historic and Christian Take
Written by David T. Crum |
Thursday, April 25, 2024
The Scriptures are clear that governments act per the will of God (Romans 13:1, Colossians 1:16). The U.S. prides itself on democracy, independence, and freedom for all. America is not perfect; it fought its own battle with slavery and civil rights. However, the founding ideals and principles have maintained prominence in American culture and have become the standard for many people worldwide. It is not a coincidence that people seek to migrate to America from all over the globe.Foreign policy positions have always divided Americans. Division exists even within the Democratic and Republican parties.
Isolationism is the belief that a country should avoid involvement in other nations’ military, economic, and political policies.
Studying the early history of the United States, it is safe to say that “isolationism” was the preferred foreign policy of the Founding Fathers. Times were different, and the colonists strongly opposed monarchies and empires. The Founders shared the belief that the government should focus on freedom and independence from Europe and European affairs. The colonists wanted to be completely independent and free.
The Founders opposed imperialism, but some past presidents, such as Thomas Jefferson, wanted to expand America’s land. The Louisiana Purchase was a significant achievement for Jefferson, as he acquired much of present-day America from the French.
President James Polk secured several western U.S. states from Mexico as a result of the victory in the Mexican-American War. A short time later, the U.S. Civil War broke out in which Abraham Lincoln refused to allow secession, seeking to preserve the Union. A common theme slowly appeared: American expansion and a showcase of military might.
A few decades later, President William McKinley gained control of Hawaii and multiple Caribbean Islands. The latter resulted from the victory over Spain in the Spanish-American War.
Despite isolationism’s popularity, the U.S. expanded its global influence through annexation and military power. It is vital to note the island acquisitions, as most territories became a key asset and played an integral role during World War II.
With all the foreign policy changes, we must ask: could the U.S. maintain its isolationist reputation?
The first significant test came during World War I, when U.S. forces agreed to enter the conflict, inarguably pushing the Allied powers to victory. American forces eventually left Europe, confirming its isolationist reputation.
With the destruction in Europe and Asia during World War II, the U.S. officially entered the war after the attack at Pearl Harbor. During WWII, foreign policy procedures changed within the U.S., a notable shift that still exists today. After sending U.S. troops to Europe in two world wars and losing thousands of American lives in battle, politicians knew isolationism was a thing of the past. Winston Churchill foresaw that the U.S. joining WWII would make it the leading world power, surpassing Great Britain, and his assessment was correct.
While isolationism always represented early Americans—from maintaining the Union during the Lincoln administration to positioning itself in island territories and entering both world wars, Americans were no longer isolationists.
This is clear today. The U.S. maintains foreign military bases worldwide and supplies billions of dollars in aid to countries around the globe.
The post world-war years have been dictated by wars opposing communism (Korean War, Vietnam) and terrorism. Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Ronald Reagan are some American leaders who pushed democracy and defended it at all costs. No longer was the goal to protect American democracy; the U.S. had changed to begin pushing its political belief (democracy) to keep the world safe from tyranny.
Perhaps Reagan’s peace-through-strength policies best embodied modern-day America. The lesson is that America would not sit idly by and allow tyranny and autocracy to bring America into another world war. The mindset maintains that Americans must forcefully address such opposition before it spirals out of control. Leaders from both political parties typically accept the political position. Regardless of differences in military capacity and level of engagement in modern conflicts, presidents have consistently wielded global influence.
While the U.S. may be seen as the “world’s police,” the reader needs to know history to grasp the change in foreign policy and engagement in global affairs.
From a Christian worldview, is the new foreign policy position biblical?
First, the Scriptures are clear that governments act per the will of God (Romans 13:1, Colossians 1:16).
The U.S. prides itself on democracy, independence, and freedom for all. America is not perfect; it fought its own battle with slavery and civil rights. However, the founding ideals and principles have maintained prominence in American culture and have become the standard for many people worldwide. It is not a coincidence that people seek to migrate to America from all over the globe.
Whether it be individualism or religious liberty, America’s founding and current posture embody freedom. Here, a political divide might arise in how large and involved the government should be with its citizens. Nevertheless, the nation’s distinct reputation sets it apart from other global powers.
Christians can freely worship in the United States. In other parts of the globe, authorities can imprison and even kill individuals for being Christians and practicing their faith.
While the nation (U.S.) has seemingly abandoned several Christian ideals, democracy is at the heart of foreign policy decisions. Those who stand with democratic tenets are the strongest allies of the U.S., while nations who embrace tyranny typically oppose the U.S. and view the nation as a threat.
Does living in a democratic government promote religious freedom and liberty? This question lies at the core of the Christian worldview. Socialism and communism are and have historically been an enemy of Christians and religious liberty.
Likewise, a theistic government cannot work, as we cannot force souls to embrace one specific religion. This is especially true within the Christian worldview, as conversion must be personal and sincere, focused on Jesus Christ. Several Middle Eastern countries are theistic and remain some of the most hostile nations in the world to Christians.
A democratic government still allows one to become a believer and disciple of Jesus Christ.
Sadly, people in the U.S. and other democratic nations often mock Christian ideals and beliefs. But the mere right to practice the belief system and voice one’s support is distinct. The freedom of religion and freedom of speech gives Christians hope they can proclaim Jesus Christ to all ears.
Make no mistake: the U.S. is home to the majority of the largest Protestant denominations in the world and has constantly made a global impact on souls worldwide. From natural disasters to wars and famines, Christians are always ready to serve and make a difference for the kingdom. And this we can credit to American liberty and democracy.
David Crumholds a Ph.D. in Historical Theology. He serves as an Assistant Professor of History and Dissertation Chair. His research interests include the history of warfare and Christianity. He and his family are members of Christ the King Church, in Easton, Maine.Related Posts:
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When the Trees Fall
We are vulnerable, frail creatures. A tree or two can upend our entire lives. But that doesn’t change the fact that the trees are still beautiful and good. We cannot afford to sequester ourselves off from pain, from danger, from the fear of loss and the anxiety of discomfort. We have to keep planting, keep building, keep growing, even though we know that we still live in a world where trees will fall.
I’m just now back into my study at the church building. My wife and kids are with her parents where power has been restored and I’m now able to put some thought toward what the role of our church in our community looks like in the days ahead. But first, I feel like it would be inappropriate not to process the thoughts that have swirled in my head since last Friday morning when the power went out.
I live in Greenwood, South Carolina. Our town was hit hard by Helene: 100% power outage, 100-year old trees down everywhere, homes destroyed. My neighborhood is on day eight with no power. My family and I were lucky: trees missed our house by a few feet, and no permanent damage was done to our home or to any of us. We’re blessed with a gas stove and easygoing children. Others weren’t as lucky on any front.
The Greek word apokalupsis, from which we get “apocalypse,” carries the idea of “unveiling” or “revealing.” The Southeast has had, in its own way, a miniature apocalypse. Hardship always brings truth to the surface. As a church, we’ve explored 1 Peter 1:6-7 and its implications over the past several months. The apostle begins declaring the beauty of the salvation in Jesus, and then states:
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
What has this storm revealed about the Christian faith? What should we remember long after we get the lines back up, the refrigerators restocked, and our AC running?
A disclaimer: none of the following is intended to paint a rosy picture of what life on the ground is like, especially for those who have lost their homes or for the entire communities in Western North Carolina that are just gone. These are my thoughts from an immensely blessed position, trying to carve out some space for hope and joy in the midst of what is for many a very dark time. Read accordingly.
Here are a few thoughts.
Our neighbors are always there.
Our community has jumped into action to serve one another over the past week. Christians have been leading the charge in clearing trees, prepping meals, and collecting materials for those who have lost everything. My neighbors and I have stood in our street and checked on each other daily. Information about needs and updates has spread rapidly.
It seems like our idea of who counts as “neighbor” quickly widens when the trees come down. Everyone checks on everyone else,
I can’t help but think: won’t it be terrible if we go back to pleasantries and polite distance after this? Our neighbors will still be there once we’re all back in our air-conditioned homes. And needs will still exist. They might not be as immediately obvious as “a tree is blocking my driveway,” but is it not worth thinking about how we can continue to serve, love, support, share, grieve with, and edify one another?
What are the weaknesses in our community that this storm has exposed? What can we do on the other side of this not only to get things back to how they were, but to make them better for all of us in the long run? The same neighbors will be there in the years to come. Will they still know that we love them? Will we work to show them that our love goes beyond just their immediate need to their ongoing wellbeing, and ultimately their eternal joy?
The crucial things are the simple things.
I’ve eaten a lot of rice and beans this week: kidney beans, black beans, you name it. I’ve gotten pretty good, if I say so myself, at seasoning and dressing them up a bit so they have some flavor. And to be honest, they’ve been quite tasty! Simple things can go a long way. I just talked about serving our neighbors. The thing that’s been interesting to me is how simple the work of service is. Provide a meal, move some branches, hear a sad story.
How much of our churches’ ministries have abandoned the simple and crucial things for the big and spectacular but ultimately shallow? How much of the Christian life have we made arcane and complex when the basic commands—pray, serve, obey—are actually remarkably straightforward? What if the unnerving lesson that we need to learn from Helene is that being a Christian, at its basic level, by the grace of Christ, is actually quite simple?
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