Category: Current Events

Reaction to United Methodist lifting ban on gay clergy

On By Aaron AllisonIn Church History, Culture, Current Events4 Comments

On May 1, 2024, the United Methodist Church (UMC) lifted the ban on ordaining gay clergy at their General Conference. While this is not surprising, it is still jarring. 

CIL Church believes that active, unrepentant homosexual behavior is contrary to the teaching of the Scriptures. While Christ calls us to love all people, that love should lead people to repent of sin. I feel sorrow that so many in the UMC ignore Scripture or reinterpret such passages that prohibit homosexual behavior. 

It is worth noting that about 1/4 of UMC churches already left the denomination over this issue, with “… about 7,600 church congregations disaffiliating from the denomination since 2019 (see article in Christianity Today).”

Since I am not a part of the UMC, I am under no obligation or expectation to comment on this change. However, as a church historian, I must point out this monumental shift in what was the third-largest denomination in America. This decision further illustrates the divide in the American church, as many churches and believers have shifted from what Christians have always believed. 

As a pastor, I want to be clear about where our church stands on this issue at this time of shifting, as I did earlier in this article. Our church’s official position is stated on http://www.cil.church under the categories “What We Believe” and “People.” You can access these statements on human sexuality at this link

Who We Are

May the love of Christ continue to draw us to repentance and holiness. 

Thoughtfully Standing with Israel

On By Aaron AllisonIn Current Events, Israel, United States of AmericaLeave a comment

It’s been over six months since Hamas made a cowardly attack on civilians because they wanted to start a war. Hamas set the predictable trap – creating an impossible situation through hostages and the embedment of Hamas militants in Gazan populations.

The Israeli army is not perfect and has taken responsibility for their grave mistakes. But, they have been honest. 

While the images of death and suffering in Gaza are unbearable and display the sin of war, the heaviness of these images will not sway my alignment with the Jewish people.

I stand with the Jews thoughtfully, not mindlessly. The Jews are a gift to the world, yet the anti-semitic spirit lives on in each generation.

Israel was provoked to respond. Though the gravity of the response may be debatable, the justification of a response is not. Israel must eradicate Hamas. I pray that as many innocent lives as possible will be spared as the evil of Hamas is dealt an irrecoverable defeat. 

Daylight Savings Continues

On By Aaron AllisonIn Current Events, United States of AmericaLeave a comment

I have talked a lot about Daylight Savings with friends over the last couple of years as Congress debates on changes that would stop all the back-and-forth from the spring to the fall. Most people agree we need to pick a time and stick with it, but there is not as much agreement on whether it should remain Standard Time or if Daylight Savings should be permanent. Well, the discussion continues, and we find ourselves another year of losing an hour of sleep.

Maybe someday we will not have to lose an hour each year.

As I settle for the night, I am singing the new hymn that most of us know and that reminds us…

Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end

How great is our God!

Two years since Ukraine was invaded

On By Aaron AllisonIn Current Events, United States of AmericaLeave a comment

Today is the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.

I still cannot believe a world that mostly cooperated to survive a pandemic reverted to an unjust war so quickly. While we may not all agree on America’s role in this conflict, we can all cry for detracted humanity.

May Russians, Ukrainians, and Americans seek peace in the cities.
May the lands rest from war.

Hendersonville and Gallatin Tornado

On By Aaron AllisonIn Current Events, Hendersonville, TennesseeLeave a comment

I am amazed (but not surprised) by the cooperation, hard work, generosity, and love from people in Hendersonville and Gallatin towards neighbors and friends in the aftermath of Saturday’s tornado. In several crises we’ve experienced in the community over 20 years, I’ve witnessed humanity at its best. Thanks be to God for His people!

The tornado occurred on Saturday, December 9, 2023. This picture was taken from http://www.fox17.com

He could not prevail!

On By Aaron AllisonIn Culture, Current Events, DevotionalLeave a comment

“…but he could not prevail!”

Though Revelation is mysterious, this is clear – there is a war between God and Satan. This war is described in many ways, but it is depicted clearly in Revelation 12:7-8 with Satan manifested as a dragon:

“Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels also fought, but he could not prevail, and there was no place for them in heaven any longer (CSB).”

We are seeing evil manifested through Hamas, mass shootings, racism, and lawlessness. While we grieve and groan, may we remember about Satan …

“”…but he could not prevail!”

As Israel burns

On By Aaron AllisonIn Current Events, IsraelLeave a comment

As Israel burns, life must continue. While bombs erupt, hostages remain hidden, and propaganda spews, we continue our lives. My heart is with Israel, so I cannot move on. However, I move forward with duties, customs, and rhythms promoting life’s goodness. I must believe that my participation in good things somehow pushes back the sheer evil in this world.

And, we pray.

14 October 2023, Israel, Sderot: Israeli military combat vehicles and tanks are seen near the Israeli-Gaza border as fighting between Israeli troops and the militants of the Palestinian group Hamas continues. Photo: Ilia Yefimovich/dpa (Photo by Ilia Yefimovich/picture alliance via Getty Images)

The kidnapped remain in our hearts

On By Aaron AllisonIn Current Events, IsraelLeave a comment

What a consequential week. Our world changed on October 7, 2023. We will live with the global ramifications of Hamas’ evil, as the nations rage.

While life normalizes for those not directly impacted, let’s hold in our hearts the hostages in hope they will return.

I am concerned for all innocent Palestinians.

I love the Jews deeply and stand with Israel.

Young boys look at posters depicting missing people and stating that they were kidnapped by Hamas militants outside a Synagogue in Larnaca, Cyprus October 17, 2023.
(photo credit: REUTERS/YIANNIS KOURTOGLOU)

Reflections on Pat Robertson (1930-2022)

On By Aaron AllisonIn Charismatic / Spirit-Filled, Church History, Culture, Current Events, In Memory, Israel, Leadership, United States of AmericaLeave a comment

Pat Robertson, an iconic evangelical leader, passed away at age 93 last week. He had a profound impact on American Christianity. CT summarized him well in 1996: “Robertson has shaped three major religious developments: the charismatic renewal, Christian TV, and evangelical politics.”

In my estimation, from 1960-2000, Robertson was one of the most innovative and impactful leaders in American Christianity. Around September 11, 2001, it became apparent that Pat did not understand the new generations, and the new generations did not get him. He pressed on with controversial statements in the last part of his ministry that were often poorly timed or executed.

Despite the awkward end to his ministry in the public eye, Pat Robertson was a giant. His life made an unbelievably positive impact on multiple sectors. The Christian Broadcast Network (CBN) is a reputable and helpful Christian network that was way ahead of its time. His love for Israel was critical to the current evangelical connection to Zionism. His academic vision led to the highly touted Regent University, including its well-respected law school. I have seen the humanitarian ministry Operation Blessing function effectively where there has been a natural disaster.. The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) is an influential legal group that defends family values, religious liberty, and pro-life causes. In the 1990s and 2000s, the Christian Coalition was a dominant force in American politics.

Pat Robertson started all of these!

I can’t defend all of Pat Robertson’s statements, especially the controversial ones when he was over the age of 75, but I can point to his fruitfulness. Pat Robertson accomplished incredible things and should be remembered fondly by the Christian community as an innovator, brilliant businessman, cultural architect, and impactful Christian leader.

“Faith in the Age of AI” by Dan Scott

On By Aaron AllisonIn Books, Culture, Current Events, Education, TheologyLeave a comment

Dan Scott’s new book Faith in the Age of AI is an essential and stunning work! Dan is a brilliant scholar with a pastor’s heart; his information and interpretation in this book will position us for humanity’s new era. I want everyone I care for to digest this work as an anchor to discern the times with a Christian worldview.

If you pre-order this book at pastordanscott.com, it will contribute to Christian scholarship and the support of a unique Christian thinker.

I greatly admire my friend and mentor, Dr. Dan Scott.