Also I want to concede that the Elders at Elk Point Baptist Church also wrestled with this issue. Although I was on vacation, I was privy to their work and I highly endorse it. Their work in many ways is superior to mine. They focused primarily on the issue that the political and legislative climate in California was totally different than the Province of Alberta. To import a church’s reaction in that state and import their conclusion into our province was not logical. My comments are not intended in any way as to undermine their work. This blog looks at MacArthur’s position in light of his context and I remain convinced that it is unwise. What gives rise to my response is the final sentence of his position, which reads: “Our prayer is that every faithful congregation will stand with us in obedience to our Lord as Christians have done through the centuries.” The implication is obvious: to disagree is to be unfaithful. The position of MacArthur is reported here: https://www.gty.org/library/blog/B200723
It is unfortunate that the GCC position did not reference exact California legislation. We presume by the GCC blog that there was a “government-imposed moratorium on our weekly congregational worship or other regular corporate gatherings.” The language of GCC is “moratorium” meaning “halt” or “cessation.” The language of the State includes ideas of restriction, re-location, addition of protocols. Why did GCC escalate the language?
“Places of worship must therefore discontinue indoor singing and chanting activities and limit indoor attendance to 25% of building capacity or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower. Local Health Officers are advised to consider appropriate limitations on outdoor attendance capacities, factoring their jurisdiction's key COVID-19 health indicators. At a minimum, outdoor attendance should be limited naturally through implementation of strict physical distancing measures of a minimum of six feet between attendees from different households, in addition to other relevant protocols within this document.”[1]
I think it is blatantly wrong for GCC to say that the State called them to cease their worship when it is apparent that the State asked for an adjustment to their worship. We need to be careful of our language. When the authors opt to use cease and desist language instead of amended and curtailing language it implies manipulation.
#2.
Civil disobedience seems unfounded and certainly not be the only moral course of action at this time.
#3.
The State has not prohibited worship in every way and in all cases. As yet this is not an Acts 5:29 scenario. They have not been commanded not to meet (period). They have been called to meet under certain conditions. Because they are not commanded ever to meet and because they are not commanded to disobey God. They can still meet, still worship, still sing, still preach the Gospel, still evangelize. So what might be behind this? I am fearful that this appears to be more a political, social statement than an evangelical statement. A careful listening of the following interviews given by MacArthur reveals, in his own words, that this is a “protest”. His Church does not believe the narrative that lead up to the State’s restrictions. In English they don’t believe the veracity of the medical claims. By his own words MacArthur does not believe that the situation is as dire or deadly as being claimed. They may also disbelieve the measures being taken as unnecessary or ineffective. These interviews will show this:
#4.
MacArthur claims the US historic claim to separation of Church and State with its Biblical support. However what is overlooked is that the doctrine of separation of church and state has never been assumed in cases of building codes, fire regulations, health and safety concerns and even charitable status issues. In Elk Point Baptist Church that are a myriad of things we do in compliance to the civil authorities from the above-mentioned to use and reporting of funds, Constitutional particulars, marriage licensing, etc. etc. Indeed we would agree with MacArthur that there are many important areas that the State has no right to interfere, but health and safety of citizens is part of their God-given portfolio and we humbly submit recognizing that.
#5.
There appears to be no regard for
what has become a very real health concern in the State of California. Photos
of the congregation without masks or social distancing appear insensitive to
the reality. If there was a gas smell at
GCC, not only would the worship be halted, the building would be evacuated and
members would not re-convene until the health threat had passed. God’s call to love Him with all our being
cannot be set against His call to love our neighbour. From the beginning of this so-called
pandemic, Christians have been reminded to be sensitive to one another’s needs
and to think not only of you, but others as more important (Philippians
2:3-5). What is fundamentally different
that a mass gathering without due care and diligence on a beach in San Diego
and 4000 people packed into an auditorium without due care for their
neighbour? Both smack of unbridled insensitivity
to the needs of others.
Lastly,
But perhaps with equal importance we must come to the conclusion that the New Testament does not condition our response to human authorities on whether we think they are fair or even if we think their conclusions are based upon faulty data. “Children, obey your parents if you think they’re right.” (!!?!!) Peter lived through and instructed the Church in the most egregious, wicked regime in human history. Here’s what he wrote,
“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:13–17, ESV) [Emphasis mine].
For instance, let me assume that I think that the work of the epidemiologists is faulty; that the medical analytics are flawed; that the diagnosis and treatment is lacking; along with a multitude of other foundational defects. None of those things offer a free ticket to disobedience.
Conclusion
I end as I began. With the deepest gratitude and respect for Dr. MacArthur and Grace Community Church I am not only surprised, but saddened that they would promote this position, for the reasons they give. They also have worldwide influence and I wish they had exercised greater discernment. I sadly see a political or social motivation more than an evangelical one. I am also repulsed by the notion that to disagree with them renders me and my church as unfaithful. I position myself in a vulnerable place to differ with such a giant in the faith. To God alone be the glory.
