In this week's conversation between Dr. James Emery White and co-host Alexis Drye, they discuss the challenges that many Christians face when wrestling with a decision to participate in an event or celebration that may be in conflict with their beliefs. This particular discussion focused primarily on two events: attending Diwali celebrations and gay weddings. When the Bible doesn't offer clear permission or an obvious prohibition, it can be difficult to know the best course of action.
The whole idea of whether it is (or is not) okay for Christians to do certain things or participate in certain activities was fleshed out in a very popular series given by Dr. White at Mecklenburg Community Church. Titled “Is it okay for a Christian to…,” this series focused on topics such as smoking marijuana, getting a tattoo, being cremated and even attending a gay wedding. You'll definitely want to check it out.
Related to this series, Dr. White mentioned a matrix that he mapped out, which can be found in his book After “I Believe”: Everyday Practices for a Vibrant Faith. This book covers the foundational practices that can help strengthen and deepen your relationship with God. You can find more about this book HERE.
When it comes to a celebration like Diwali, many Christians may not be aware of its roots and moorings, all of which are tied to Hinduism. A great series to check out is “So What's the Difference” where Dr. White explored the difference between Christianity and other religions around the world. You can find that series, including the installment on “Christianity and Eastern Religions” HERE.
A final series that is worth listening to is a series called “Holy Matrimony” where the fourth installment focused on gay marriage. This message was also used to craft a four-part blog series. The first installment of that series can be found HERE.
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