Saying, ‘This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.’ But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. Acts 18:13,14
Canada’s appeal courts, and possibly the Supreme Court of Canada, have an interesting issue coming before them in connection with Trinity Western University. This Christian institution is in the process of creating a law school. However, law societies in several provinces have decided not to grant recognition to graduating law students from TWU, because of the school’s requirement that all of its students abstain from sex outside of heterosexual marriage.In announcing its appeal of the law societies’ decisions, TWU states: The Law Society’s decision to rescind its prior approval was not grounded on the quality of the TWU academic program, but rather was based on TWU’s religious view of marriage. Members of the TWU community observe a set of Christian behavioural standards that affirm sexual intimacy as belonging within the bounds of traditional marriage between a man and a woman. The school’s commendable policy is really none of the law societies’ business, and the courts would do well to adopt the attitude of the deputy of Achaia.
Our text refers to an attempt by the Jewish community in Corinth to persuade the local government to censure the apostle Paul. But Gallio saw through their vindictive attitude and rightly ruled that he would not help them. It was none of his business, just as the behavioural practices at a private law school are none of the law societies’ business. Actually, those law societies are seeking primarily to promote the homosexual movement and to destroy traditional marriage. They are not alone. Much of society is being being pushed along these pathways today, and any who refuse to go along with these sinful things are seen as obstacles that must be removed. If the opponents of biblical morality are not halted in the case of TWU, they may well continue their push into other areas of education, not only at TWU but at all other Christian institutions in the country. They would destroy – or try to destroy – all of the standards that these schools seek to uphold. That is certainly their goal. What if they succeed?
It is certainly possible that TWU will lose its appeal in the courts, given the uncertain attitudes of judges these days. A victory for the homosexuals and immorals who have gained control of the country’s law societies would open the floodgates for them to seek many more such victories. Christian education as we know it would come to a total halt in Canada. Other Christian institutions would come under direct attack as well, including churches, Christian publishers, Christian radio stations. The Bible itself will come under direct and savage attack, and its publication, sale, and distribution banned. We are not far away from seeing these incredible changes occur.
As we recognize the events and attitudes that tell us that the coming of our Lord is not far away, let us pray that the freedoms we enjoy now will be preserved to us until He comes. -Jim MacIntosh