The author reflects on the nature of belief and the pressures of modern secularism. The piece begins by noting an apparent contradiction: secularists often dismiss the existence of God because He cannot be empirically studied, yet simultaneously accept the notion of a person being born gay, even though science hasn’t definitively proven it. This leads to the assertion that secularism itself is a faith-based system, with its adherents placing their faith in themselves or others.
The article then delves into the tactics employed by some progressive elements, suggesting that they seek to enforce conformity to their worldview through various means, including civil mandates, bullying, and castigation. The author emphasizes that silence is no longer an option, and individuals are compelled to agree or face negative consequences. This creates a climate where “sitting on the fence”—remaining neutral or uncommitted—is no longer tolerated.
The piece introduces a distinction made by Biola University President Barry Corey between “kindness” and “niceness.” Kindness, according to Corey, involves gently living out truth objectively, while niceness is an attempt to win favor. The author illustrates this with the example of an underperforming employee. A “nice” approach might involve ignoring the problem, whereas a “kind” approach would involve temperately pointing out deficiencies. Kindness is presented as a fruit of the spirit, while niceness is not. The author poses the question of whether we will be kind to others while remaining faithful to God’s word, or simply prioritize being nice.
Ultimately, the article encourages readers to consider the difference between genuine kindness rooted in truth and mere niceness driven by a desire for approval. It challenges individuals to actively engage with their beliefs and to resist the pressure to conform to prevailing ideologies, even when it’s uncomfortable. The author encourages leadership to be kind and faithful.
[1] Barry Corey, Love Kindness: Discover the Power of a Forgotten Christian Virtue, (Tyndale House, 2016).