Protecting Marriage on Facebook . . . Or Not

I recently joined a “cause” on Facebook for the Protection of Marriage, which supported the truth that marriage should be between one man and one woman.  (If you’re not familiar with Facebook causes, they’re simply groups of users established to show one’s support—or not—of one thing or another.)  Promptly after joining this cause, however, my Facebook wall became filled with nasty comments of those who oppose my view. 

While I can certainly handle the criticism, I was most surprised, and in some cases disgusted, by the weak and anemic responses from my Christian brothers and sisters.  Those who established the cause did a good job of making our position clear.  But, as I watched the posts from Christians it became quite clear that the vast majority of those who stood with me in the belief that marriage should be between one man and one woman couldn’t come up with a cognitive, clear reasoning of why this issue is so important to our society and the world. 

Responses from Christians were filled with silly phrases like, “God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.”  While that might make a teenager chuckle, it certainly falls on deaf ears of those who are truly trying to understand why this issue matters so much to us.  And, quite frankly, it becomes fodder to those who oppose our views.  So often, non-Christians see us as stupid and weak, and sadly, sometimes we prove their point.  The responses from Christians became so embarrassing that I dropped out of the cause not long after I joined.

When it comes to issues like the sanctity of marriage, I think the conflict we all experience isn’t one of sexuality, socio-economic status, democrat versus republican, conservative versus liberal.  Rather, we are in a spiritual battle of worldviews.  Until Christians get a hold of understanding why they believe what they believe and are able to articulate that viewpoint in gentleness and humility, I fear we’ll all lose this battle.  And the saddest part is that many will die and spend all eternity apart from Christ because so many Christians just don’t get it.

What does all this mean?  To those in church/ministry leadership, I exhort you to make an avenue to answer your faith community’s questions about the Christian worldview.  Teach it from the pulpit and in your small groups.  Give opportunities for the growing disciple to have their questions answered so that they will be deeply rooted in our traditions of faith.

To the growing believer, next time there’s an opportunity for you to present your stand on a particular subject where the Christian view conflicts with the world’s view, pause, pray and do your homework.

Get the facts you need before you, say, make a comment on a website for the world to see.  I beg this of you.  If the information you need isn’t taught at your local church, there are plenty of great organizations that can help you grow.  Try The Truth Mirage by Freddy Davis, whose online training and resources are a great place to start.  Also check out Probe Ministries for some quality position papers and articles to glean from and grow with.

The Biblical values to which we Christians hold so tightly are the foundation upon which our society should be built.  As we express these truths to this lost and dying world, it is essential that we do so with the intelligence, conviction and humility that Jesus Himself modeled for us.

About Michael Stickler

Michael Stickler is a highly gifted author, philanthropist, horseman and internationally sought-after conference speaker. His all-time bestselling book, A Journey to Generosity, is widely acclaimed throughout the Christian community. He is the Principal of Leadership Books and writes for many international publications.

His 2017 best seller, Cliven Bundy American Patriot, reveals the truth of what is known as the “Bunkerville Stand Off.”

And, now his 2019 book Life Without Reservation, is charging up the best sellers list! For the first time in his long career he is working on his first fiction book Ghost Patriot to be release in 2021.

You may also contact Mike at Leadership Speakers Bureau to schedule him for speaking or leadership engagements.