Home昔日真理報2012年 真理報文章2012 年 4 月【事事關心】基督教面對北美洲的形勢

【事事關心】基督教面對北美洲的形勢

 

上月初(2012年3月),著名佈道家葛培理的兒子葛福林(Franklin Graham)公開透露:假如美國政府強迫他的機構(Samaritan's Purse和Billy Graham Association)抵觸他的基督教信仰立場,僱用一些不跟隨聖經教導的員工,他就被迫犯法,而且一定會打官司到聯邦最高法院。為何他會有如此令人震驚的表態呢?起因於奧巴馬政府下令所有公司和機構,一定要為僱員提供的醫療保險中包括避孕和墮胎的醫療費用,宗教團體不可以用宗教信仰為理由獲得豁免遵守此法例!

葛福林認為,短期內他未必來到與政府攤牌的地步,但高等法院的法官和奧巴馬政府的政策除非有大轉變,基督教團體[包括教會]和機構為了不犯「歧視」法例,將會面對要僱用不遵守聖經教導的僱員。這種處境其實在加拿大和美國幾個機構身上已經發生,雖然還未「燒」到葛福林所管理的機構。

至於加拿大方面,魁北克省(Quebec)最高法院最近也駁回了一群基督徒和天主教徒的上訴。這些信徒家長要求該法院裁定案例:有宗教信仰的家庭可以將子女從學校的「多元文化和宗教」課程中抽出,即不參與該課程。法官認為要「一視同仁」-有信仰與否,一律要上同樣的課程,沒有例外!

不單是魁北克的信徒,其實北美洲的信徒都將要面對同樣的難題:是否要被迫要作「公民抗命」(Civil Disobedience)的決擇?

幾年前,筆者再次讀到使徒保羅在耶路撒冷被當地政府審訊(徒21章開始),以致最後要上路到羅馬上訴這件事。我開始從個人的層面上升到社會層面看這事。像一般信徒,我以往只會從私人角度來看保羅的處境,現今,我更會思量到這件事與社會的關係。

固然,當時猶太教領袖視基督教為異端邪說,而羅馬政府又沒有什麼明文法律給予基督徒傳教的權利,以致保羅最後須要到首都作終極上訴。保羅據理力爭的權利,用現今術語來講,就是宗教言論自由,特別在公眾地方和公營機構表達信仰的權利。

今天在北美洲的教會和信徒個人也要個別面對類似的處境。基督徒若以為加拿大和美國有別於古時的羅馬或現今的第三世界地方,這見解是「五十步笑一百步」的錯誤,因為掌管現今北美洲主流社會文化和政府政策和法律的人,愈來愈多是不認同聖經教導和立場、或甚至對基督教反感的人士,以致要壓抑和禁制基督徒在公眾領域的言論自由。例子如下:

加國總理哈珀(Stephen Harper)好幾次被主流傳媒評擊他將宗教意念帶進政府言論中,因為他曾多次說:「主佑加國」(God bless Canada);

加國一位政府部長曾被一些傳媒和「自由派」人士要求辭職,說他不適宜作公職,因為他相信聖經的教導:上帝創造宇宙萬物;

美國一些護士、心理輔導員,因為提及對同性戀的立場被警告或威脅解僱;

加國西部一位基督徒教師(Chris Kempling)因為寫信到報章發表反對同性婚姻的立場而被教師工會撤消執業資格,以至失業。

歐洲在禁制基督徒在公眾地方和公營機構中表達信仰的程度比北美洲更嚴厲。我們身為基督徒若不醒覺,加美兩國的教會很快會見到在公眾地方傳道的權利逐步消失!

面對這個問題,北美洲的教會牧師、長執、領袖是否還是那種「不關我事」心態?是否要燒到教堂門口才醒覺和有所行動呢?從同性婚姻的合法化過程可窺探到,臨到大勢已成之時,任憑基督徒如何請願或抗議都不會有扭轉乾坤的機會。

那麼,我們有什麼對策呢?可以這樣開始:牧師在講台證道,盡量以影響到信徒和教會生活的時事作引導,幫助一般會眾能從信仰立場看社會時事和世界。長老執事們可以協助團契、小組、主日學,在課程中加入基督徒如何看時事和關懷社會的課題和教導。教會的祈禱會也包括為社會問題、影響到國民大眾的政策(但非政黨內部和政壇爭端)等事情,由牧師和長老執事引導祈禱。

這是一場持久的屬靈爭戰,我們不可能在短期內會見到所期待的成果。所以,不可有急功近利的心態。舊約先知的使命感是現今教會領袖、牧師、長老、執事的典範。我們應該從同性戀人士的成功中認定忍耐力和組織的重要性-你知道嗎,他們其實部署了超過30年才有今天的「成果」!

 

      聖經金句 (Bible Verses)

喜樂 Joy

喜樂的心乃是良藥;憂傷的靈使骨枯乾。箴言 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

然而,我要因耶和華歡欣,因救我的 神喜樂。哈巴谷書 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18

要常常喜樂,不住的禱告,凡事謝恩。帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

饒恕 Forgiveness

主啊,你本為良善,樂意饒恕人,有豐盛的慈愛賜給凡求告你的人。詩篇 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

你不要說:“我要以惡報惡”;要等候耶和華,他必拯救你。箴言 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. Proverbs 6:14

你們饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必饒恕你們的過犯;馬太福音 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

你們不饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必不饒恕你們的過犯。馬太福音 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15

你們各人若不從心裡饒恕你的弟兄,我天父也要這樣待你們了。馬太福音 18:35
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. Matthew 18:35

謙卑 Humility

敬畏耶和華是智慧的訓誨;尊榮以前,必有謙卑。箴言 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33

敬畏耶和華心存謙卑,就得富有、尊榮、生命為賞賜。箴言 22:4
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

凡事不可結黨,不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀;只要存心謙卑,各人看別人比自己強。腓立比書 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

驕傲 Pride

驕傲來,羞恥也來;謙遜人卻有智慧。箴言 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

驕傲只啟爭競;聽勸言的,卻有智慧。箴言 13:10
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Proverbs 13:10

驕傲在敗壞以先;狂心在跌倒之前。箴言 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

忍耐 Patience

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

並且你們要為我的名,被眾人恨惡,惟有忍耐到底的,必然得救。馬可福音 13:13
Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

不但如此,就是在患難中也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Romans 5:3

我們行善,不可喪志;若不灰心,到了時候就要收成加拉太書 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

你們也當忍耐,堅固你們的心,因為主來的日子近了。雅各書 5:8
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8

溫柔 Meekness

回答柔和,使怒消退;言語暴戾,觸動怒氣。箴言 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

溫柔的人有福了,因為他們必承受地土。馬太福音 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人;或者 神給他們悔改的心,可以明白真道。提摩太後書 2:25
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:25

只要以裡面存著長久溫柔、安靜的心為妝飾;這在 神面前是極寶貴的。彼得前書 3:4
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

嫉妒 Envy

不要為作惡的心懷不平,也不要向那行不義的生出嫉妒。詩篇 37:1
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong. Psalm 37:1

心中安靜是肉體的生命;嫉妒是骨中的朽爛。箴言 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30

在何處有嫉妒、紛爭,就在何處有擾亂和各樣的壞事。雅各書 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16

生氣 Anger

當止住怒氣,離棄忿怒;不要心懷不平,以致作惡。詩篇 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8

好生氣的人,不可與他結交;暴怒的人,不可與他來往。箴言 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered. Proverbs 22:24

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

生氣卻不要犯罪.不可含怒到日落。以弗所書 4:26
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

我親愛的弟兄們,這是你們所知道的,但你們各人要快快的聽,慢慢的說,慢慢的動怒,因為人的怒氣並不成就 神的義。雅各書 1:19,20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19,20

災難 Calamity

謹守口與舌的、就保守自己免受災難。箴言 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

民要攻打民、國要攻打國、多處必有地震、饑荒.這都是災難的起頭。馬可福音 13:8
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:8

憂愁 Worry

你們不要憂愁、因靠耶和華而得的喜樂是你們的力量。尼希米記 8:10
Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

主雖使人憂愁, 還要照他諸般的慈愛發憐憫。耶利米哀歌 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. Lamentations 3:32

凡勞苦擔重擔的人,可以到我這裡來,我就使你們得安息。馬太福音 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

我留下平安給你們、我將我的平安賜給你們.我所賜的、不像世人所賜的.你們心裏不要憂愁、也不要膽怯。約翰福音 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

應當一無掛慮,只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝,將你們所要的告訴神。神所賜出人意外的平安,必在基督耶穌裡,保守你們的心懷意念。腓立比書 4:6,7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

因此, 你們是大有喜樂, 但如今, 在百般的試煉中暫時憂愁。彼得前書 1:6
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6

患難 Trouble, Suffering

義人多有苦難,但耶和華救他脫離這一切。詩篇 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

神是我們的避難所,是我們的力量,是我們在患難中隨時的幫助!詩篇 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

耶和華本為善,在患難的日子為人的保障,並且認得那些投靠他的人。那鴻書 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

為義受逼迫的人有福了,因為天國是他們的。馬太福音 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

不但如此,就是在患難中,也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Romans 5:3

我想現在的苦楚,若比將來要顯於我們的榮耀,就不足介意了。羅馬書 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

因為你們蒙恩,不但得以信服基督,並要為他受苦。腓立比書 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29

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