PC Brands Opposition “Haters” and “Bigots”

Political correctness is a modern day method Satan uses to suppress truth, establish his standards in society and silence any discussion of alternate standards, i.e. God’s.  

Kirk Cameron’s treatment by the media is a classic example of the forces of political correctness in action.

Cameron, a self-described Christian, has publicly made his views on homosexuality known, including views on same-sex marriage.  His views conform to the teachings of traditional Christianity but do not conform to the politically correct standards of today's society.  In a 2012 interview on CNN, Piers Morgan asked him if he thought homosexuality was a sin.  Unfortunately, Cameron did not answer the question directly; nonetheless his answer was doctrinally accurate: “I think that it’s unnatural.  It’s detrimental and ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization.”

 

This is clearly an unpopular position with those who deny that the scriptures contain divine truth.  There are a multitude of voices in our day who oppose traditional Christian morality and uphold the social standards of political correctness, which “call evil good, and good evil;… put darkness for light, and light for darkness; …put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter” as described in the Old Testament.  They are “wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight”, seeking to be unmoored from God’s standards (Isaiah 5:20-21).

 

Although Morgan later claimed to “respect Cameron’s religious beliefs” he said he didn’t “respect his use of bigoted, inflammatory language re homosexuality.”  In other words, right of conscience is one thing, but voicing a belief, conviction or opinion contrary to the standards of the politically correct makes one a bigot. 

 

Ann Curry joined the politically correct effort to brand as controversial traditional values that have existed and prevailed for millennia over the “new normal”.  Curry pushed a notion while subsequently interviewing Cameron on the NBC Today Show that voicing beliefs such as his promotes hate crime.  Curry did not directly accusing Cameron of bigotry when questioning him about the “firestorm” he set off in the Morgan interview, but the premise behind her line of questioning was clear – Cameron’s views are neither popular nor politically correct and shouldn’t be voiced:

 “Many people are suggesting that this is hate speech. Are you encouraging people to feel hate towards gay people?”

“Do you feel any responsibility saying words like that, that might encourage people to feel that it's okay to treat – mistreat gay people?” 

“Why do you say things like this that you know are going to cause people to push back? Why do you even talk about it, then? Because this is not the first time you've been asked about it. It's not the first time you've made comments that have caused people a lot of alarm.”

Additional efforts of the politically correct crowd to stifle advocacy for traditional values are evident in the many media headlines and stories characterizing Cameron’s stated beliefs as “anti-gay”, fallaciously implying him to be “anti-person” instead of “anti-behavior”, which was clearly his stance on the issue.  The fallacy is that if Person A hates homosexual behavior, and Person B engages in homosexual behavior, then Person A hates Person B.  The deliberate mischaracterization of Christians as anti-gay by virtue of their views on homosexuality is necessary to make Christians scared to admit, defend or advocate their beliefs for fear of being branded a “hater” or a “bigot”.  It is also necessary to justify indignation and “fear” on the part of those who accept homosexuality.

 

The New Testament is clear that Jesus Christ loved all sinners but hated sin - meaning he loves all gays, but hate’s their homosexual behavior.  Thus Jesus, and Christians who endeavor to follow His perfect example, are not anti-gay - they are anti-homosexuality, in the same way they are anti-adultery, anti-fornication, anti-pornography, anti-lying, anti-cheating, anti-stealing, anti-murdering, and so forth.  Jesus never balked at calling sinful behavior for what it was nor urging sinners to repent for the eternal sake of their souls.  Furthermore, He commanded His followers to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations… teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you,” (Matthew 28:19-20).  He expects His followers to not be silent or neutral in matters of morality.

The methods of the politically correct in society will persist.  Christians must not bow to pressure but must stand firm in their beliefs.  As Dallin H. Oaks recently taught:

“Unlike other organizations that can change their policies and even their doctrines, [the church] policies are determined by the truths God has identified as unchangeable…man’s laws cannot make moral what God has declared immoral…

“We remain under covenant to love God and keep His commandments and to refrain from serving other gods and priorities—even those becoming popular in our particular time and place.

“In this determination we may be misunderstood, and we may incur accusations of bigotry, suffer discrimination, or have to withstand invasions of our free exercise of religion. If so, I think we should remember our first priority—to serve God" (General Conference 2013).

 For those who believe sin exists, and pervasiveness of sin in society brings upon society the attendant consequence of the judgments of God, continual advocacy for adherence to God’s standard of morality over Satan’s is the most vital service they can give to their country.  The politically correct crowd wants to silence their opposition because truth resonates.

   

Boyd K. Packer said of resonating truth: “The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior” (General Conference 1986).

     

The prophet Alma likewise taught that “the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword” (Alma 31:5).

    

The forces of Satan can be overcome in this world the same way they were in heaven.  Describing the defeat of Satan in the War in Heaven, John described the secret weapon used in the decisive victory: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:7-11).

  

Let true and humble followers of Christ not be silenced by the politically correct despite any level of “push back”.  Surrender to immorality and acceptance of a debauched society is ultimately a surrender of liberty and prosperity.