The sensible approach is to realize and accept that we do not live in a theocracy. Those outside the church should be able to do whatever it is that they want to do, so long as whatever it is that they want to do is legal. God doesn't force himself on us, so I've never understood why we force our beliefs on others. If you are in the church, you will be judged by the church; if you are outside of the church, it isn't our business. We have enough to deal with as it is. His kingdom is not of this world.
Excellent post!
ie ... what they do outside of the church not our business ... yes agreed
Question though ... does that also apply to what we/they say?
This is what is becoming an issue "hate speech" ... it's not what you say but how you say it.
hate speech
abusive or threatening speech or writing that expresses prejudice against a particular group, especially on the basis of race, religion, or sexual orientation. (and now a legal issue in regard to gender definitions)
Using certain speech has now become a legal issue.
so ... does the " isn't our business still apply" to gender definitions... in my mind it does still apply.
*The reason I bring this up is because, some (people of christian faith) are saying the use of gender pronouns is the church being complicit with their core beliefs and being complicit is being sinful.*
So, that being what goes on/said in the church, is the churches business ... and what goes on/said outside of the church is not their business, so the church, minding their own business in regard to what is legally said (using a pronoun words that describes their thinking or belief) outside of the church is not the church being complicit with their core beliefs. The use of the gender pronouns (describing a thinking or behavior, is not agreeing with a thinking or behavior) using words that describe a thinking or behavior is not sinful nor being complicit in the church.
*Am I processing this correctly?* Is the church minding their own business a sin? Is using gender pronouns (words that describe a thinking or behavior) the church being complicit and therefore sinful?
Just trying to get my head wrapped around it all.