Unlike other mainline denominations, the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) has been bold in giving clarity for their congregations on such issues as same sex marriage and transgenderism. Calvin College is one of several schools with direct ties to the denomination. One philosophy prof at Calvin has posited the idea that perhaps that direct relationship should end. He’s in the minority. The advocates of “academic freedom” are prone to want more liberty on the LGBTQ+ issue. Or should I say, more liberalism.

Can the two sides work out their differences amicably? Hard to know. Several CRC churches left the denomination when the conservative voices won the day in their annual meetings over the last few years.

Even among the more staunchly conservative denominations you can find issues arising in higher education. Take for example the recent decision by Baylor University to accept grant money (nearly $650,000) from a progressive foundation “to help foster LGBTQ inclusion and belonging in the church.” (Note: Baylor later decided NOT to accept the grant offer.)

The proposed study was called, “Courage from the Margins: Inclusion and Belonging Practices for LGBTQIA+ and Women in Congregations.” Two groups ages 18-24 were going to “participate in confidential interviews, focus groups, and surveys to share about their experiences within their congregations.”

To what end? The results were to be used to develop “trauma-sensitive training resources” for churches. As Rush Limbaugh might ask, “What will the minds of mush come up with next??” And the Baylor leadership seriously considered this? Again, the university wised up and passed on all that money. No doubt a divided camp.

And how about that kerfuffle over Chip and Joanna Gaines? The Waco, Texas, based home improvement specialists. Among their program’s most devoted followers are Christians. Imagine their surprise to learn a new show from the Gaines features a same-sex couple. It’s called Back to the Frontier. According to the Dallas Morning News,

“The Max and Magnolia Network joint venture follows three families in the Canadian Rockies as they navigate a technology-free, laborious summer meant to mimic the lifestyle of 1880s homesteaders.”

Among the chosen participants are the gay couple (Joe Riggs and Jason Hanna), sharing a 600-square-foot cabin with twin sons, Ethan and Lucas. (Don’t know how they managed that.) The social experiment goes eight weeks.

Evangelist Franklin Graham wrote of the casting:

“I hope this isn’t true.” ’Tis. He added, “While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of God’s Word. His Word is absolute truth. God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman. Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.”

Apparently, the Gaines are standing firm. So, divided sides on this issue.

Next, we turn our attention to California. Specifically, the recruitment of a high school athlete named Caleb Degala-Burnett. This young man recently graduated from the eighth grade in Union City. He is so good at baseball that several schools vied for his talent. Including Christian schools.

Valley Christian in Dublin was one of them. They made their pitch. Especially after the website Perfect Game rated Caleb a “college prospect” and potential pro draft pick “with development.”

So Valley Christian’s baseball coach reached out. He contacted Caleb’s parents. It looked like a done deal. Until……..! Until it was learned that Caleb’s two male parents were “gay.” The school let it be known that this ran against their school policy. The deal was off.

Caleb said he was greatly disappointed as he wanted to learn more about Christianity. And, of course, play some great baseball for the school.

It’s almost enough to make you cave on your convictions. Which the school didn’t. Can’t you just hear the boos from the stands? (Story HERE.)

I’m sure Jesus was booed many times. Like when the Pharisees wanted to nail that woman caught in adultery. Like when He told His detractors to give to Caesar that which belonged to Caesar. Possibly even His most devoted followers were screaming internally, “DO SOMETHING!!” as Jesus faced horrible abuse at the end of His earthly life.

Righteousness doesn’t garner many popularity awards. The fan club is quite small. But standing for what the Bible teaches is the call for followers of the Way, the Truth…and the Life.