In my previous article, “For Individual Liberty Vote Wildrose,” I deliberately left out all mention of Allan Hunsperger, the Wildrose candidate from Edmonton who is in trouble this week for blogging about homosexuality. The thing to remember is, Hunsperger is a pastor, and he, like me, blogs within a pastoral context. In that context he wrote that homosexuality is a sin! The horror! Who would have imagined that in this day and age a Christian pastor would still take the Bible seriously enough to try and communicate it’s message, even the unpopular bits, to the world?
Not surprisingly, activist groups and left-leaning political parties are demanding apologies and recantations from anyone even remotely connected to Pastor Hunsperger. To her credit Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith has stood her ground and refused to call for her candidate’s head. Instead she has stated that he has as much right not to be discriminated against as anyone else. Good for her. In Alberta, among the political leaders, she is unique.
Lest you think I’m exaggerating the difference, here is premier Redford reacting to Pastor Hunsperger’s remarks a couple of days ago: “I found those comments absolutely shocking, well over the top and inappropriate. When we’re starting to talk about people facing eternity in lakes of fire, those are pretty unique comments and I think Albertans will judge those for themselves.”
At this writing the polls seem to indicate that Albertans are judging Ms. Redford unfit to carry on, although with five days to go until the election, a lot can change. But do you hear this woman? It is her official opinion that Christians no longer have the right to speak their convictions in any forum. Note well, Pastor Hunsperger is in trouble for a blog he wrote as a pastor over a year ago. Had he made similar remarks as a candidate Ms. Redford might have had an apoplectic fit and expired on the spot.
This is why I keep saying we are facing an election of historic importance. Much is at stake and for once true conservatives and people of faith have a real choice. Please pray and please vote on Monday.
Btw, I preached on homosexuality on August 21, 2011. If you wish to see or hear what I said, you can go to the church website (www.hawkwood.ca) and then click on sermon archives and select the correct date. Or, the links below will (hopefully) take you there. You may have to simply highlight them, then select copy, then paste them in the address line of your browser.
Sermon notes
http://www.hawkwood.ca/sermon_archives/sermons2011/aug/2011_08_21_what_does_the_bible_say_about_homosexuality.pdf
Sermon Audio
http://www.hawkwood.ca/sermon_archives/sermons2011/aug/2011_08_21_what_does_the_bible_say_about_homosexuality.mp3
3 comments ↓
Hello, and I fully agree with you!!!
A question??? Does Marvin Sauer attend your church? If so, ask him to email or phone me. Ph 403-254-4884.
When he was 12 he was in my Sunday School class.
Thanks,
Mel Bergstresser
Sorry, I don’t know Marvin. SP
In the post election context, there is no doubt that Pastor Hunsperger’s comments deeply influenced many undecided voters leaning towards Wildrose but who deserted the party over the final weekend.
While I agree Hunsperger spoke in the context of a pastor, and that his words were true, the question must be asked, “Was it wise of him to run as a candidate in the provincial election?”
The election results lead me to the negative conclusion. The media and progressive cons would not leave this issue alone. Initially I felt Smith was to be commended for not throwing him under the bus but the reality is his comments probably lost Wildrose the election.
There is nothing pretty in politics. Pastor Hunsperger would have been better realizing his blog would cause controversy and sat out the election concentrating on his pastoral ministry.
Sadly this means Christians are being marginalised in the political community of conservative Alberta. So be it. Perhaps the church will become a more potent force than any political party.
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