Dear Christis,

I’ve been interested in the creation/evolution debate for a while, but the more I think about it the more clear I think it is. Why would an all powerful, creative and most importantly — a loving God, use a wasteful, uncreative, bloodthirsty process like evolution when He could create the world and all it’s wonderful creatures in a second. The nature of God we see painted in the Bible is a loving caring God, who takes great delight in his creations, enough delight to sacrifice his son for us, to halt our otherwise unstoppable suffering. The idea of evolution, a process where the only progress is made through bloodshed and pain (known as survival of the fittest) runs directly contrary to this nature. Also, if you eliminate Adam, you eliminate the first sin, you eliminate the first sin, you eliminate the need for redemption through Jesus Christ, you then eliminate the whole message of the gospel. You either take all of the bible from the very first verse, or you take none of it. Do not swap the infallible word of God for fallible human theories.

Paul March

Dear Christis,

In the light of last edition of Christis I trust that this letter better explains the Christian Union’s position in regard to non-Christian partners.

The Bible, which as an organisation we believe is the infallible word of God, clearly teaches that a Christian should not marry a non-Christian. 1 Corinthians 7:39 states, “A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.” Although this talks of marriage, it does follow that to go out with a non-Christian comes under the same category. This is because to go out with someone is preparation for marriage. Firstly, it would be dishonest to start to develop a serious relationship with someone if you did not feel that it would go the distance from the outset. Secondly, a Christian and a non-Christian live in different kingdoms. The Christian is in the kingdom of light whereas the non-Christian is in the kingdom of darkness. The difference is seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14–16.

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.

Now to be yoked to someone is clearly an intimate thing and involves working in the same direction. A yoke on oxen prevents them from moving away from each other so that they plough the furrow correctly. Going out with someone, and even more so in marriage, is a type of yoking and therefore we have to be wise in who we go out with. What can often happen for a Christian is that their faith is compromised because their partner does not understand it and therefore can not support fully their maturity as a Christian. However, God is gracious, and if someone becomes a Christian whilst being married to a non-Christian then it is wrong for them to divorce. This can often be a hard process for the Christian but as they rely on God he gives them the strength to continue. It is, however, not the ideal relationship.

The letter, published in the last edition of Christis, ended like this: “God uses everyone and everything in His world, not just Christians, to teach us. By opening ourselves up to love, including with a non-Christian partner, we are opening ourselves up to glimpses of God.” Whilst it is true that God can use anything and anyone to teach us something, this is not an excuse to develop a relationship that clearly is outside the remit of the Christian life. I would also like to challenge the idea that we should pursue a relationship in order to experience God. I believe that God will, and we should expect him to, speak to us through our friends and partners, but it is important to understand that our Christian maturity is not dependant upon them. To be a Christian is to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and through him with Father God. Boyfriend-girlfriend relationships are always best when two Christians who are individually pursuing Christ come together.

Although we hold that this is the best in relationships that God has for His children, as a Christian Union we do not believe in excluding anyone from membership over this issue. We believe in being gracious and “doing good to all” (Galatians 6:10). However, it is expected for those in CU leadership to set an example by following boyfriend-girlfriend relationships on the lines that are detailed in Scripture.

The reason why people have been asked to step down from CU posts in the past for pursuing relationships with non-Christians is that it is always present. It is unlikely, to give a concurrent example, that a post-holder would be asked to resign after getting drunk once, but if they were perpetual drunkards then we would ask them to consider their position because it sets an obvious bad example. I must stress here that asking someone to step down is a last resort and should only come after much prayer and consultation with the person concerned.

I am concerned that some people feel that they have been ostracised over this issue and I take this opportunity to apologise for any mishandling of this sensitive issue. As a representative of the CU I wish to say that you are very welcome to come and be involved in what we do. We do not want you to feel excluded from being in fellowship with us and we desire to see you mature in you faith.

Yours Sincerely,

James Topliss
CU President

Photo: Ben Fletcher

Dear Christis,

I think the article This is the Sound of a Generation Rising (Issue 77) is absolutely right.

It’s not so much the music as an attitude. I’m a fairly regular DJ and clubber, and I’m not too worried about playing overtly Christian music. When young people raise their hands to music in clubs, what are they raising them for? I believe it is a form of worship, and if you have the right attitude, you can truly worship God.

Most modern dance music, especially trance, has overtones of love. Look at how a subtle change of the Lyrics from N-Trance Set You Free can change the meaning: “Only your love can set me free … ” Other tracks such as DHS — House of God and Electrique Boutique — Revelation are a couple of examples of what you could call specifically Christian music.

Anyway, Romans 12:1 — “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.” I believe this implies our entire lives should be an act of worship — in whatever situation, to whatever music, good or bad — it should all be devoted to God.

God bless!

Phill Sacre
Treasurer, University of Essex Christian Union