Will Christians no longer be able to stand for Parliament?

I am still recovering from the shock of realising that it seems no longer possible as a Christian to stand as a candidate for a major political party in Britain.

This appalling state of affairs became evident when Andrew Turner agreed to stand down as Isle of Wight MP at the upcoming election, because of his biblical views on homosexuality.

In a conversation with A-level students, he is reported to have said that “homosexuality is wrong” and “dangerous to society”.¹

It had already become clear that committed Christian Tim Farron was in an untenable position as Liberal Democrat leader for it is generally understood that ‘committed’ Christians are, by definition, disciples of Jesus’ teaching, which is based on the Tanach (the Jewish Bible, or what Christians call the Old Testament).

Jesus made this quite clear, saying: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven…” (Matt 5:17-19).

It seems no longer possible as a Christian to stand as a candidate for a major political party in Britain.

Andrew Turner, MP for the Isle of Wight. See Photo Credits.So it is hardly surprising that Mr Farron should be pressured by our politically correct media to state whether he viewed gay sex as sinful.² He sadly capitulated to the new morally acceptable line, in doing so denying Christ himself in the same way that the Apostle Peter denied knowing Jesus following his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Barred from Public Office?

Vicar’s daughter Theresa May, who claims to be guided by her faith, has also recently denied that gay sex is a sin.³ Yet the teaching that marriage is reserved only for sexual union between a man and a woman is fundamental to the Bible, and repeatedly emphasised in the New Testament. And St Paul makes clear, in relation to various sins including homosexuality, that approval is worse than practice (Rom 1:32) – which is also what Jesus indicates in the Scripture quoted above.

This means, according to Tim Dieppe of campaigning group Christian Concern, that Mr Farron and Mrs May are greater sinners in their approval of such practice than those they are defending.⁴

As for Labour, I doubt whether an orthodox/evangelical⁵ Christian stands any chance in the current climate of being accepted as a candidate, bearing in mind their sharp swing to the left.
I know that there are many Christians in Parliament right now, but it seems the door is being shut to further candidates – unless they remain secret believers!

All of which rather takes us back to the ‘dark ages’ when some Reformed Christians, such as the Quakers, were not only denied the right to practise certain professions, but also prevented from standing for Parliament.⁶

This takes us back to the ‘dark ages’ when Reformed Christians were denied the right to practise certain professions.

Fortunately, in the case of the Quakers, God turned what was meant for evil to good effect, not only through the introduction of chocolate to the world (Cadbury’s, Fry’s, Terry’s and Rowntree’s were all Quaker businesses), but also in providing useful employment, housing, a general boost to the economy and an influence in godly living that has echoed down the centuries.

God’s Design for Marriage

Marriage was part of God’s perfect plan from the very beginning (Gen 2:24) and is emphasised by St Paul in his letter to the Ephesians (Eph 5:22-33) when he compared it to the relationship between Christ and the Church.

As husband and wife, we reflect the greater purpose of God – the incurable romantic – who is seeking a bride for his Son; a perfectly adorned, beautiful reflection of ultimate goodness, joy and delight. Marriage is not an end in itself; it points to a greater reality that will find its consummation at a glorious future event referred to as the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:6-10).

Wives are called to submit to their husbands as they would to Christ, and husbands are asked to love their wives as Christ loved the Church, allowing himself to be mocked, scourged and crucified for her.

The early disciples were devoted to the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42). I repeat, denying Christian teaching on marriage is to deny Christ himself, who authenticated all Scripture through his answers to satan when tempted in the wilderness (Matt 4:1-11).

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16f)

It is interesting that, only four verses earlier, we read that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”.

The teaching that marriage is reserved only for sexual union between a man and a woman is fundamental to the Bible, and repeatedly emphasised in the New Testament.

Fortitude Demanded

Much fortitude is demanded of those who would follow Christ. The early Christians were thrown to the lions because they refused to worship Caesar; at the same time, their teaching was totally counter-cultural, shaming a world that indulged in promiscuous living, including homosexuality (see Rom 1:24-26).

Has the time perhaps come to support a party that is focused on Christian living and principles? After all, according to the Bible, Jesus is the one “by whom and for whom all things were made” (Col 1:16f). It’s all about him; the entire universe centres on Jesus – and yet he is not on the political agenda, or on the manifestos of the major parties! Why not? Something is seriously wrong in the state of Britain. And if we desire healing for our land, we believers need to repent and pray (2 Chron 7:14) – for the sake of the Gospel and for our children’s future.

Notes

1 The Daily Mail, 29 April 2017.

2 Ibid.

3 Interview with Andrew Marr on BBC TV, 30 April 2017.

4 Dieppe, T. Theresa May dodges question on hostility towards Christians. Christian Concern, 5 May 2017.

5 I.e. those who believe the Bible is the final authority on all matters of doctrine.

6 Quakers honoured Jesus’ command against using oaths (Matt 5:33-37), which Parliamentarians and lawyers were forced to do.