“Cancel culture” has exploded onto the scene in recent years.
Initially, cancel culture sought to erase from memory historical figures who held questionable views. Statues were torn down. Plaques were removed. Names were removed from history books.
The concept quickly broadened into a crusade to redefine our cultural understanding of key foundational concepts: family, marriage, social justice, patriotism, faith, and religious freedom. All of which has created a growing tolerance for intolerance. Bullying, name calling, and intimidation are deemed acceptable so long as they further the cancel culture agenda.
The church, in particular, is in the crosshairs because it speaks truth to a wayward culture that does not want to be challenged in its error. Christians used to be dismissed as stupid or ignored as irrelevant. Now, we’re portrayed as dangerous, which triggers people to action to shut down our message by any means necessary.
How should we respond?
We’re answering that question on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Sharing Christ in a Cancel Culture” with our guest author Joe Dallas. He recommends a four-pronged approach:
- Be respectful. Rather than dismissing or judging others, validate their pain and engage their curiosity while respectfully speaking truth.
- Grace and truth. Both, along with discernment, are important. Jesus rebuked the self-righteous, but He showed tenderness to the woman caught in adultery.
- Risk being cancelled for Christ. We shouldn’t stop sharing the Gospel when we’re told to be silent, but we can avoid needless compromise. We can’t avoid conflict, but we can be discerning.
- Consider your calling. What is your focus with others or on social media? Are you trying to reach a particular group? Are you on point with God’s calling?
Joe will help you understand how to address major controversies in the cancel culture while opening avenues for deeper discussions about God’s redeeming love. Tune in on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.
I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Joe’s book Christians in a Cancel Culture: Speaking with Truth and Grace in a Hostile World as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
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