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Update - Issue 1
Defending the family
Welcome to the first edition of Update. The aim of this magazine is to let you – our supporters – know what The Christian Institute has been working on, and to encourage you in your own efforts to be salt and light in this world.
At the moment there is, in particular, a great need for Christians to defend marriage and the family. Explicit sex education, plans to ban smacking, and calls for gay marriage and gay adoption are all uncovered in this edition of Update. These issues rewrite the basis of marriage and the family.
But marriage and the family are not arbitrary constructs. They do not need rewriting. They were created by God for the benefit of man. It should be no surprise therefore to find research showing married families are by far the best for children and adults alike.
The Government rightly recognises that marriage is “the surest foundation for raising children”. So, it is entirely right for public policy to promote marriage and the family. Marriage should be privileged in law and public policy.
Whether people believe in God or not, society nevertheless benefits from the married family. This is part of God’s common grace to all people. For the sake of our neighbour, Christians should have a genuine concern to maintain this grace.
Of course, marriage and the family are more than just beneficial, they are inextricable linked to the most basic morality: Marriage for one man and one woman is the only context for sexual activity; parents have a moral duty to raise their children with loving discipline; and children should honour their father and mother.
As Christians with a legitimate voice in a democracy we cannot be silent when public policy or our Government encourages behaviour which is not only harmful but also plain wrong. With calm and courageous words, Christians – young and old – must speak out.
People may not listen. They may go their own way. But whether battles are won or lost, it is important that there is a witness to the Truth. Our concern is to be salt and light. We must defend the family.
Back to contents
Defending the family
Welcome to the first edition of Update. The aim of this magazine is to let you – our supporters – know what The Christian Institute has been working on, and to encourage you in your own efforts to be salt and light in this world.
At the moment there is, in particular, a great need for Christians to defend marriage and the family. Explicit sex education, plans to ban smacking, and calls for gay marriage and gay adoption are all uncovered in this edition of Update. These issues rewrite the basis of marriage and the family.
But marriage and the family are not arbitrary constructs. They do not need rewriting. They were created by God for the benefit of man. It should be no surprise therefore to find research showing married families are by far the best for children and adults alike.
The Government rightly recognises that marriage is “the surest foundation for raising children”. So, it is entirely right for public policy to promote marriage and the family. Marriage should be privileged in law and public policy.
Whether people believe in God or not, society nevertheless benefits from the married family. This is part of God’s common grace to all people. For the sake of our neighbour, Christians should have a genuine concern to maintain this grace.
Of course, marriage and the family are more than just beneficial, they are inextricable linked to the most basic morality: Marriage for one man and one woman is the only context for sexual activity; parents have a moral duty to raise their children with loving discipline; and children should honour their father and mother.
As Christians with a legitimate voice in a democracy we cannot be silent when public policy or our Government encourages behaviour which is not only harmful but also plain wrong. With calm and courageous words, Christians – young and old – must speak out.
People may not listen. They may go their own way. But whether battles are won or lost, it is important that there is a witness to the Truth. Our concern is to be salt and light. We must defend the family.
Back to contents
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