LGBTQ Archives - Stephen J Bedard

Andy Stanley, Same-Sex Relationships, and Biblical Christianity

January 30, 2025January 30, 2025 Stephen Bedard No Comments

How should the church respond to the LGBTQ+ community? Should the church insist on complete change before admittance into the community? Andy Stanley has recently stretched this conversation through the Unconditional Conference that was hosted at his church. You can find an article on this here: ⁠https://churchleaders.com/news/459809-andy-stanley-affirms-traditional-view-of-marriage-following-controversial-unconditional-conference.html⁠ This is the video I mention: ⁠https://youtu.be/Omzxo0ZauQk⁠ Support … Read More “Andy Stanley, Same-Sex Relationships, and Biblical Christianity” »

Are Gay-Affirming Christians Outside of Orthodox Christianity?

October 6, 2023October 6, 2023 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Apologetics and Theology Blog

I believe that attitudes toward 2SLGBTQA+ people within our churches is the most divisive issue among Christians. This is a debate not just between Christians and non-Christians but also between Christians. Some more conservative Christians might reject that statement since “You cannot be a Christian and support same-sex relations.” Therefore, the debate really is between … Read More “Are Gay-Affirming Christians Outside of Orthodox Christianity?” »

Is Andy Stanley Leaving Biblical Christianity?

September 20, 2023April 4, 2025 Stephen Bedard 2 Comments

Apologetics and Theology Blog

Andy Stanley is one of the more polarizing figures in evangelical Christianity. For many, he is the epitome of evangelical success, building a huge church that impacts other churches around the US and abroad. For others, he is the poster child for the sacrificing biblical Christianity for pragmatic ministry. I have written a number of … Read More “Is Andy Stanley Leaving Biblical Christianity?” »

Why Do Some Christians Hate 2SLGBTQIA+ People So Much?

June 23, 2023June 23, 2023 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Apologetics and Theology Blog

When people see the title of this post, they might push back and say it is not hatred. It is simply a disagreement about a lifestyle. That may be true about some but for others, by any definition it is hatred. You will find Christians on social media calling for the imprisonment and even execution … Read More “Why Do Some Christians Hate 2SLGBTQIA+ People So Much?” »

What’s Wrong With Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act?

June 3, 2023June 3, 2023 Stephen Bedard 1 Comment

Apologetics and Theology Blog

One of the big items in the news lately has been the anti-homosexuality legislation that has been adopted in Uganda. Uganda has traditionally taken a hard stand against same-sex activity but this is the imposing of stricter sanctions. You can find the actual details of the law here. I noticed on social media that some … Read More “What’s Wrong With Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act?” »

Andy Stanley and the Gay Community

January 25, 2023September 21, 2026 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Leadership and Ministry Blog

People are upset with Andy Stanley again. I suspect that this will be at least a monthly thing. People do not seem to understand what Stanley is trying to do. The most recent controversy is about some comments that Andy Stanley made about the faith of gay men and women who still choose to serve … Read More “Andy Stanley and the Gay Community” »

Is There Such a Thing as a “Gay Christian”?

August 4, 2022March 29, 2025 Stephen Bedard 5 Comments

Apologetics and Theology Blog

I recently got into a discussion with someone on Twitter over a comment he made. He stated: “Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a gay Christian.” This was part of a series of tweets expressing views designed to be provocative. I wanted to respond to this one because I have heard … Read More “Is There Such a Thing as a “Gay Christian”?” »

Is Disney Grooming Children to be Victims of Pedophiles?

April 2, 2022April 2, 2025 Stephen Bedard 2 Comments

Apologetics and Theology Blog

If you have been on Twitter lately, you will be aware there is a widespread campaign to #boycottdisney. This is more than just about a disagreement over direction. The accusations are quite harsh. Here is an example: What is going on here? There are actually two things. One is Disney’s opposition to the “Don’t Say … Read More “Is Disney Grooming Children to be Victims of Pedophiles?” »

“Acceptable” Sins in the Church

June 16, 2021June 16, 2021 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Leadership and Ministry Blog

In the denomination that I belong to, there is some debate about who should be allowed into the membership of individual congregations. The group that is being targeted is the LGBTQ community. Some are arguing that LGBTQ people should be excluded from church membership. I am not going to discuss here whether or not homosexuality … Read More ““Acceptable” Sins in the Church” »

The CBOQ and Deciding the Size of the Tent

October 23, 2020October 24, 2020 Stephen Bedard 3 Comments

Leadership and Ministry Blog

I belong to a denomination called the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ). We recently had our 2020 Annual Assembly, this year online. It was one of the most contentious in a long time. Note: None of this is necessarily the view of Queen Street Baptist Church, the congregation that I pastor. Three motions … Read More “The CBOQ and Deciding the Size of the Tent” »

Changing Our Mind – Review

October 21, 2020October 21, 2020 Stephen Bedard 1 Comment

Apologetics and Theology Blog

One of the divisive issues facing the church today is how we respond to the LGBTQ community. There are strong feelings on both sides. Is it even possible for someone to change their mind on this? Apparently it is possible. David Gushee is a prominent evangelical ethicist. For some time he held to the traditionalist … Read More “Changing Our Mind – Review” »

The Biggest Challenge Currently Facing the Church

August 8, 2020August 8, 2020 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Leadership and Ministry Blog

I recently did a Twitter poll concerning the openness of Christians toward people in committed same-sex relationships having full access to all levels of leadership in the church. Here are the results: I realize that the number of respondents severely limits the accuracy of the data. However, based on many of the conversations that I … Read More “The Biggest Challenge Currently Facing the Church” »

Christians and Pride Month

May 30, 2020May 31, 2025 Stephen Bedard 1 Comment

Apologetics and Theology Blog

My teenage daughter approached me the other day because she had come across something called Operation Pridefall. I don’t know much about it other than it is a plan to disrupt Pride Month for the LGBTQ community. I don’t know who is behind it but it looks like it will be more bluster than action. … Read More “Christians and Pride Month” »

Generous Spaciousness – Review

July 24, 2019 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Apologetics and Theology Blog

I believe that the most radical change I have seen in the past decade has been around attitudes toward homosexuality, both in society and the church. It was not long ago that being gay was a taboo subject and now it is seen in the same category as ethnic diversity. Churches are still struggling with … Read More “Generous Spaciousness – Review” »

People to Be Loved – Review

September 29, 2017January 23, 2020 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Leadership and Ministry Blog

I don’t think that there has been any view within our culture that has changed as much in recent decades as that toward homosexuality. When I think back to my youth, homosexuality was not accepted outside the church, much less within. Now not only is homosexuality accepted, I know pastors who have performed same-sex marriages … Read More “People to Be Loved – Review” »

5 Things to Consider in Light of the SCOTUS Decision

July 3, 2015May 5, 2019 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Apologetics and Theology Blog

Same-sex marriage is legal in the United States. Many people are happy. Many people are upset. Whatever the reaction, this is a major decision that will have a long lasting impact. I am not interested in discussing the pros or cons of same-sex marriages. I want to talk about things that the Church should consider … Read More “5 Things to Consider in Light of the SCOTUS Decision” »

Same-Sex Marriage and Lessons From Canada

June 26, 2015April 26, 2019 Stephen Bedard 1 Comment

Apologetics and Theology Blog

The U.S. Supreme Court has now ruled that it is legal for all Americans to marry, including same-sex marriage. What does this mean for many evangelicals and other Christians who do not agree with same-sex marriage? Is this the end of religious freedom? I am not an expert in the American political and religious scene, nor … Read More “Same-Sex Marriage and Lessons From Canada” »

Evangelicals and Discussions About Homosexuality

April 29, 2015November 23, 2019 Stephen Bedard 4 Comments

Apologetics and Theology Blog

Homosexuality has been a controversial subject for as long as the Church has existed. Changes in the definitions of marriage have only exasperated that situation. The Church does have something to say about homosexuality but it has not always very productive in its articulation. Here are some things that may be helpful for Christians to … Read More “Evangelicals and Discussions About Homosexuality” »

An Attack on Christian Values or Canadian Freedom?

December 12, 2014August 15, 2019 Stephen Bedard No Comments

Apologetics and Theology Blog

Trinity Western University (TWU) has had a horrible battle with its attempt to establish its law school. The province initially approved the law school but the TWU law school then faced the disapproval of various law societies. Now the province has backed down and revoked their approval of the law school. The issue at hand … Read More “An Attack on Christian Values or Canadian Freedom?” »

Sorting by