It's always been hard to be different. Society has a strange way of picking up on people who don't conform and tries to make them fit.
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This happens in churches as well which is why there are many different denominations - someone who doesn't feel like they belong will move around until they find a church that's comfortable.
Now there have always been rebels - those who go against the flow. Sixty years ago the teenage rebel might wag school, hoon, sneak booze on the side or partake of some illicit tobacco.
One could say these youngsters had views that were contrary to what society expected. What kinds of views are contrary to what society expects today? The way things are going, the rebel of tomorrow (or today even) seems to look awfully like someone who takes a traditional or conservative view of family and relationships.
Recently a school in Sydney decided to pull a screening of a docco depicting the lives of children raised in gay households. That decision was met with great despair and accusations of incompetence (from the powers that be) and pandering (to the whims of a few).
There are many voices that argue that LGBTQI relationships are normal and healthy and any dissent cannot be tolerated.
This is where followers of Jesus find themselves stuck. On one hand they have a faith which argues for a particular family structure.
On the other they live in a society which increasingly seems to frown on such views.
So we come to an impasse. Do people have the freedom to hold to a faith which is counter cultural? Can one have a faith without reprisal from society? Is it possible for a teenager with conservative views on relationships to rock up to school today and feel their beliefs are accepted and respected?
Having said that, it may be a very good idea for all Christians to watch Gayby Baby. It may help us understand the LGBTQI community better and that can only be a good thing. We're not sure if genuine conversations can occur without a mutual willingness to understand.
Sources: http://www.narrominenewsonline.com.au/story/3313009/gayby-baby-uproar-schools-defiant-on-wear-it-purple-day/?cs=24 http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/transcripts/s4295137.htm
All brickbats, bouquets and banter welcome at simon.chen@narrominebaptist.org.au
