Home昔日真理報2018年 真理報文章2018 年 7 月【事事關心】多元社會中表達信仰

【事事關心】多元社會中表達信仰

 

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2018 年 6 月中,加拿大最高法院宣判﹐BC 省和安省律師公會有權拒絕發職業牌照予西聖三一大學(Trinity Western University , TWU)的法學院畢業生,因為 TWU 要求學生在進學之前需要簽一份性行為守則的協約,禁止就讀時有同性戀行為,而律師公會認為此協約是歧視該種性關係,律師公會為了 "平等接納所有人",因此不能接納排斥同性戀的 TWU 這種協約。

從基督徒的角度,加國最高法院這判決清楚顯示,在當今這個提倡多元意識形態的社會,敬虔的宗教信仰很難在公眾領域被人接納。這些律師公會的領袖雖然一方面自稱自己的包容性,卻不接納對同性戀有不同態度的基督徒法律系畢業生!他們雖然贊許和推崇多元文化,而且以此自豪,卻不能接納基督教大學根據基督信仰而有不同的做法。

固然,很多基督徒會覺得﹐支持 BC 律師公會立場的論點是一種狡辯,所發表的是一種偽裝,因為他們若坦率的直言,就會變成對信仰基督群體的另一種歧視。所以,當今基督徒要認真學習如何回應那些 "語言偽術" 高超的社會壓力團體,怎樣在公共領域與這些團體客觀地辯論。這次最高法院的判決,迫使基督徒不能再倚賴世人 "同情" 我們的立場或處境 !

對於這次 TWU 的個案,我們在與社會人士辯論時要指出:

[1] 一間私立而非公立的大學,學生在清醒情況下其自願接受有宗教背景的大學教育,為何畢業後卻因其信仰而被剝奪其執業的權利?律師公會的做法豈不是歧視地不公平對待基督徒嗎?

[2] 律師公會拒絕 TWU 的要求,是否扼殺了加國憲法賦予基督徒國民的組辦團體及機構的公平權利 ?

以上的問題可以作為基督徒向那些贊成律師公會立場的人士提出,讓人們不是單聽到了世俗那邊陣營的說法,而完全忽略了基督徒的信仰見解。難道有宗教立場就一定是不理性的嗎?

如何在當今崇拜多元主義的世代堅持基督教信念,同時懂得使不信者肯聆聽我們的見解, 這個問題越來越值得所有基督徒花時間去思考和共同討論,因為不是一兩個簡單方法便找到可行的結論,而是抱著積極的探索心態和信心,在日常生活上與不信基督的人討論或辯論。這議題不單是西方國家的基督徒生活上要面對的迫切問題,也是基督徒在現今中國大城市內需要面對的處境。

主耶穌的教導可作一個相關的提示:要靈巧像蛇、馴良像鴿子(馬太福音10:16)。 應用於信徒面對的世俗社會,祂提醒我們本著愛心面對一切的人,但不忘他人會對你不利或甚至傷害,所以我們要靈巧,以柔克剛,藉著辯論顯出神賜的智慧,運用技巧避開傷害,不單表達出信仰內涵和價值,更顯出信徒並非是無知或不講道理的宗教沉迷者。

使徒保羅在《哥林多前書》所寫的教導,值得成為我們面對多元社會的策略: "向猶太人﹐我就作猶太人﹐為要得猶太人。向律法以下的人﹐我雖不在律法以下﹐還是作律法以下的人﹐為要得律法以下的人。向沒有律法的人﹐我就作沒有律法的人﹐為要得沒有律法的人。其實我在神面前﹐不是沒有律法﹐在基督面前﹐正在律法之下。"(林前9:20-21)保羅這裡所寫的不單是針對傳福音的事工,也可應用於參與社會問題上。祂並非叫信徒作沒有原則的變色龍,乃是指出在面對外邦人不同文化之際,猶太人不應因為自己的律法立場而阻礙與外邦人溝通和建立關係,要懂得變通,暫時放下攔阻溝通的文化差異,以致上帝的真道得以傳達。

同樣,現今基督徒應該從保羅以上的教導,學習怎樣與這個世代的非基督徒討論社會問題,不是只顧講自己的信仰立場,也肯聆聽教外人士的看法,從而為下一步的討論建立一個堅實的基礎,讓我們在社會議題上,也能夠成為基督的使者為真理作辯護。

將 TWU 西聖三一大學這個案與以上的保羅教導聯繫起來,我們知道不可再讓宗派傳統的差異削弱我們抗衡外邊世俗的力量。讓我們都同心謙卑地求神憐憫和眷顧,同時,信徒透過教會在裡在外聯手,合力回應當今世俗文化對我們的信仰和教會的挑戰,以致真理能夠在這世代繼續被傳揚。

 

      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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