Published on March 16, 2024, 1:14 am

Equity, a modern social justice buzzword signifying equality of outcome as opposed to equal treatment, is currently at the epicenter of global discourses. In essence, equity aims to treat all people in a way that ensures identical results. This pursuit manifests in various initiatives such as affirmative action, race-based incentives, and positive discrimination which challenge the traditional concept of equality. However, from a Christian worldview perspective, so-called prescribed solutions like wealth redistribution and intersectionality are seen less favorably.

Scripture refers to wealth redistribution as theft and intersectionality as partiality, inserting doubt about their moral validity within orthodox Christianity. Thus it begs the question – does endorsing an inherently anti-gospel ideology such as equity go against the teachings of the Church? Despite this contradiction, many evangelicals knowingly or unknowingly champion this cause.

One example includes Matt Chandler, a well-known pastor within the Southern Baptist community who openly declared his preference for hiring based on ethnicity rather than merit alone. This breaker from traditional doctrine isn’t an isolated case but rather indicative of a breaking news trend across not just individual churches but entire denominations.

Ironically enough, this ideological shift seems more concentrated on addressing worldly issues than spreading gospel truths – viewed by many as an attempt by ecclesiastical institutions to remain relevant during times of societal change.

Southern Baptist entities ranging from seminaries to churches—including even their mission boards—reflect this paradigm shift. State conventions mirror these changes too with institutions like The Tennessee Baptists Mission Board (TBMB) openly advocating for increased ethnic diversity in its hiring practices. Their official statement pronounces clear preference for potential employees based upon gender or ethnicity—a stance that many argue conflicts directly with scriptural instruction against partiality.

However this controversial direction is not unique to larger institutions alone. On closer scrutiny one would discover reformist interpretations popping up within evangelical circles themselves with even prominent figures subtly introducing liberal ideas into mainstream Christian thought processes.

From church movements echoing secular ideologies to unconventionally revering pop idols, the lines are blurring at an alarming rate. The fact that a Gallup poll revealed as many as 7.6% of U.S adults now identify as LGBTQ+ gives evidence to the shift in societal norms – a breaking news event resonating with implications for traditional Christian values.

While many followers cling desperately to older doctrines, leaders seem more obsessed with societal relevancy. This issue brings pressing relevance to core doctrines and moral stands portrayed by prominent personalities ranging from Jermell Witherspoon, leader of Atlanta’s “Enlightened Path Ministry,” who promotes a mixture of prosperity gospel and modern interpretations; movie giants like Disney reputed for churning out pro-abortion, pro-LGBTQ+, left-wing activists; or megachurch Pastor Mike Todd wrestling notoriety for turning religious obligations into profit-driven activities.

Thus, it is clear that there is a real struggle within the evangelical movement between maintaining traditional values and adapting to fit into an ever-changing world. Whether this change represents progress or regression remains subject to one’s perspective. But for those seeking trusted news updates regarding current trends through a Christian lens— the horizon indeed presents an intriguing picture worth careful contemplation.