Recently, in a Justice Committee meeting on Bill C-9, MP Marc Miller directed a question to Derek Ross from the Christian Legal Fellowship. MP Miller said:
"I want to dig in a little bit to the concept of ‘good faith,’ Mr. Ross. In Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Romans… there’s other passages… there is clear hatred towards, for example, homosexuals. I don’t understand how the concept of ‘good faith’ can be invoked if someone were, literally invoking a passage from, in this case, the Bible, but there are other religious texts that say the same thing, and somehow say that this is good faith. Clearly there are situations in these texts where these statements are hateful. They should not be used to invoke or be a defence and there should perhaps be discretion for prosecutors to press charges. I just want to understand what your notion of ‘good faith’ is in this context where there are clearly passages in religious texts that are clearly hateful."
These comments are very concerning. It is disturbing to hear a parliamentarian describe biblical passages, in and of themselves, as “clearly hateful.”
As evangelicals, we hold to the truth and authority of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16-17). We are called to study the Word of God (Col. 3:16), to love it, to share it and to preach it.
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Tim. 4:2)
This is what the word of God teaches about Scripture, and this is truth that grounds our lives. This is where we begin.
Mr. Miller’s comments have been circulating widely on social media. And social media has done what social media does.
As disturbing as Mr. Miller’s comments were to us, and to many others, so too have been many of the responses about him and directed toward him.
It is reasonable, fair and appropriate to disagree with his comments and express deep concern about them. But a lot of ugliness was also directed Mr. Miller’s way – threats, insults, slurs. And that is not the way of the gospel.
As Christians, we are called to be different. To do things differently. To stand in stark contrast to the ugliness that is so often directed at our leaders.
We are called to live out the fullness of Scripture – which has much to say about
how we communicate, and our responsibility as Christ followers in this regard. It is very clear that our words matter.
The Bible tells us we shouldn’t let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only speak what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Eph. 4:29) That we should be humble and gentle. (Eph. 4:2) That we are to be subject to rulers and authorities and not to slander anyone, but to be peaceable, considerate and gentle (Titus 3:1-2).
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4: 6
)
Even if a day were to come where we experienced significant persecution for our faith in Canada, Jesus instructs us to love our enemies and pray for them. There is much we can learn from our brothers and sisters in different parts of the world who suffer daily for following Jesus. Remember that Scripture says while we were God’s enemies, Jesus came to us and laid down his life for us. It is not just his teaching, but his example we follow.
The EFC has always and will continue to stand up for freedom of religion. Robust freedom of religion includes the ability to hold, express, teach and share the beliefs we hold deeply.
This freedom matters, because truth matters. And if we are to seek out, to work through, to hold fast to and to share truth with others, we need to be able to speak freely. It is essential to living out the Gospel.
MP Miller’s question was referring to the good faith religious belief defence in the law against wilfully promoting hatred. This defence isn’t currently changed in Bill C-9, but the Bloc MP on the committee has suggested the bill should be changed to remove the defence. It seems likely he will introduce an amendment to remove it.
If you are concerned, this would be a good time to reach out to your local MP. Explain why the good faith religious belief defence is an important protection in the
Criminal Code and that you’d like your MP to ensure it’s not removed. You could even reach out to Mr. Miller to explain why his comments are concerning to you.
But however we communicate, and whomever we communicate with, we must do it with love, gentleness and respect. Our tone should be gracious, respectful, kind and constructive. Before we write or call or post a response to anyone, let’s pray for that person. And let’s take some time today to pray for Mr. Miller, for wisdom as he serves in Parliament and for God’s blessing and direction.
As a fellowship of believers who love Jesus and the Word of God, may our responses and interactions bring glory to God and draw others to Him.
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:13-16)
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