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Canadian Reverend Says Calling Christ 'Savior' Is Offensive to Other Faiths

Loudram

Just a sinner saved by grace.
The most basic tenet of Christianity is that Jesus Christ is the savior. We can discuss and debate many other theological issues, but the common thread between Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and Baptists is that Jesus died for the sins of mankind and saved us in the process.

Without that, Christianity is pointless.

But in Canada, a so-called 'pastor' is doing just that: rendering Christianity moot.


 
The most basic tenet of Christianity is that Jesus Christ is the savior. We can discuss and debate many other theological issues, but the common thread between Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and Baptists is that Jesus died for the sins of mankind and saved us in the process.

Without that, Christianity is pointless.

But in Canada, a so-called 'pastor' is doing just that: rendering Christianity moot.


Ok I'm going to guess before opening the link it's the United Church of Canada which amalgamated several failing denominations back around WW2. Known for it's liberal leftist lunatic positions, also known for closing churches due to irrelevance.

Now going in to see which Canadian denomination owns that prize winning master of apostasy!


.....

Close, but even worse than the UCC!

It's not even a Christian group. Its a universalist.

or as Sourpatch Lyds says on Twitter X in that article and I quote:

"At least google knows he's an activist, not a preacher. And UFMCC (Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches) isn't a legitimate denomination. Literally not even protestant. Their whole theology is to affirm sin."
 
Tough toenails.

The Gospel is offensive.

If someone doesn't like it, that doesn't make it any less true.

If someone chooses not to believe it, that's his or her right.

However, someday, he or she will be desperately wishing Hell weren't also true, and that he or she had put his or her trust in Jesus Christ, as Lord (God) and Savior.


:pray: :pray: :amen: :amen: :thankyou: :thankyou:


Jesus commanded us to be salt and light, and carry out The Great Commission.

The Gospel is offensive.

Being an Acts 5:29/Joshua 24:15 Christian will get us into trouble and keep us in trouble, especially in these last days.

Tough toenails.

Someday, we will be so happy we did, as we kneel/prostrate in front of the Bema Seat of Christ.

Glad I'm not clergy or a teacher, as the bar is lower for me :)

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:16-18, KJV

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6, KJV

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15, KJV

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Acts 5:29, KJV

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:10-16, KJV

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:18-20, KJV

1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
James 3:1, ESV

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10, KJV

9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
2 Corinthians 5:9-11, KJV

10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:10-15, KJV

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23, KJV


:pray: :pray: :amen: :amen: :thankyou: :thankyou:
 
The Rev. Brent Hawkes, a gay rights activist and Canadian clergyman at the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) of Toronto, has argued for the removal of the word “Savior” to describe Jesus Christ because the word is a “stumbling block” for many.

Rev. Hawkes, senior pastor emeritus of MCC and Founder of Rainbow Faith and Freedom, said that years ago there was one word in the church’s bedrock beliefs that “began for me to be uncomfortable, problematic,” and that word was “Savior.”

“I would hope that someday this church would see the possibility of changing that word because it is a stumbling block for so many who want to be here,” he said in a sermon posted on X this week, noting that he was “raised a strict fundamentalist Baptist.”

“It is a stumbling block for people to do interfaith work — how do we explain that word with Muslims and to Jews and to Hindus?” asked the reverend, who has been married to another man since 2006.

More

 
:pray:
:pray:
:amen:
:amen:
:thankyou:
:thankyou:
 
Explaining Jesus is easy with muslims and Jewish people.

hindus, taoists, bhuddists, atheists, new agers, satansists, and Native American/First Nation traditionalists are much harder. Although satanists can be easy if they have read the Bible to get to know their "enemy." They've simply misidentified who their enemy really is.

The woke/progressive/PC, non-Christian, won't-listen-to-anything-except-PC, government worshippers are the hardest
 

(Updated article:)

Pastor Wants to Rebrand Jesus--Says 'Savior' Is A Stumbling Block​


Rev. Brent Hawkes, a Canadian clergyman and long-time activist from the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) of Toronto, has put forward an audacious proposal: remove the word "Savior" from Christian teachings because it might offend people. His argument? That the term is a "stumbling block" to interfaith work and a barrier for those uncomfortable with the idea of needing salvation. Instead, he suggests replacing "Savior" with "guide."

This isn't just theological revisionism; it's outright capitulation to a culture that prioritizes feelings over truth. Here's why this attempt to strip Jesus of His most crucial title is both theologically bankrupt and spiritually dangerous.

1. Jesus Didn't Come to Be a Mere Guide--He Came to Save

The very name "Jesus" means "God saves" (Matthew 1:21). His entire mission was to redeem humanity from sin, not to be just another moral teacher pointing the way. The Bible doesn't mince words: we are lost without Christ, and we need salvation, not self-improvement tips.

Hawkes's proposal suggests that Jesus is just one of many helpful voices leading people to God, rather than the one and only Redeemer. But Jesus Himself declared: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6). To suggest otherwise is not only false--it's heresy.

2. The Gospel Will Offend--And That's the Point

Hawkes argues that the word "Savior" is a "stumbling block" for many. Well, of course it is! The Apostle Paul made this exact point in 1 Corinthians 1:23: "But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles."

The message of salvation offends because it exposes the reality of sin. People don't like being told they need saving; they prefer to believe they're good enough on their own. But Christianity isn't about making people feel comfortable--it's about truth. Jesus Himself warned that He would be divisive: "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34).

So if the word "Savior" makes some people uneasy, good! It means the gospel is doing exactly what it's supposed to do: challenging people to confront their need for redemption.

3. Replacing 'Savior' With 'Guide' is a Slippery Slope

Let's be honest--if we start rewording Christian doctrine to make it less offensive, where does it end? Should we stop talking about sin because it makes people uncomfortable? Should we drop the resurrection because some consider it supernatural nonsense?

If we remove the title "Savior," we gut Christianity of its core message: that Jesus died and rose again to redeem us. A "guide" simply points the way, but a Savior rescues. The difference is the entire foundation of our faith.

4. The World Needs a Savior, Not Just Another Spiritual Coach

Look around: the world is not suffering from a lack of guides. Self-help gurus, philosophers, and religious teachers have been around for centuries. But has humanity solved its deepest problems? Hardly.

Jesus is different. He didn't come merely to teach--He came to redeem. Romans 3:23 is crystal clear: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." No amount of guidance or good intentions can erase sin. Only a Savior can do that.

If people don't like the idea that they need saving, that's their issue--not Christianity's. The truth doesn't become less true just because it's unpopular.

5. This is Not Just a Word Change--It's an Attack on the Gospel

Some might argue that this is just semantics. It's not. Words matter, and the language of faith is not up for negotiation. Scripture warns us repeatedly against altering the gospel. Paul writes in Galatians 1:9: "If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed."

Jesus was not crucified for being a kind guide; He was crucified because He claimed to be the Son of God and the only path to salvation. Watering down this truth doesn't make Christianity more inclusive--it makes it meaningless.

Stand Firm in the Truth

If pastors like Rev. Hawkes want to rewrite Christianity to be more palatable to modern sensibilities, they are free to do so--but they should stop pretending it's still Christianity. Jesus didn't come to be a "spiritual life coach." He came to save sinners, and no amount of rebranding can change that.

Christians must reject these attempts to dilute the gospel and stand firm in biblical truth. The world doesn't need a softer, less offensive Jesus. It needs the real Jesus--the one who saves.

 
Ok I'm going to guess before opening the link it's the United Church of Canada which amalgamated several failing denominations back around WW2. Known for it's liberal leftist lunatic positions, also known for closing churches due to irrelevance.

Now going in to see which Canadian denomination owns that prize winning master of apostasy!


.....

Close, but even worse than the UCC!

It's not even a Christian group. Its a universalist.

or as Sourpatch Lyds says on Twitter X in that article and I quote:

"At least google knows he's an activist, not a preacher. And UFMCC (Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches) isn't a legitimate denomination. Literally not even protestant. Their whole theology is to affirm sin."
Since you guys are on your way to becoming our 51st state, :) in the meantime, its great to have such a well informed and aware person as yourself dear sister on the ground there. I imagine there will be things the US is very not familiar with you could easily help give stellar context to. Blessings.
 
I would venture to guess that, given the attitude of the majority of Canadians (certainly in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec which together represent more than 60% of the nation's population), Canada will NEVER voluntarily become the 51st state. The people are fiercely nationalistic and are proud of their country's contributions internationally, in everything from food production to diplomacy (although those contributions have diminished under the Trudeau regime.)
 
The gospel will cause offence to provoke a response:

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).

A gospel that doesn't cause offence cannot bring people to repentance.

It's good that something is offensive to other faiths, they might turn and be saved. God Bless All :)
 

(Updated article:)

Pastor Wants to Rebrand Jesus--Says 'Savior' Is A Stumbling Block​


Rev. Brent Hawkes, a Canadian clergyman and long-time activist from the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) of Toronto, has put forward an audacious proposal: remove the word "Savior" from Christian teachings because it might offend people. His argument? That the term is a "stumbling block" to interfaith work and a barrier for those uncomfortable with the idea of needing salvation. Instead, he suggests replacing "Savior" with "guide."

This isn't just theological revisionism; it's outright capitulation to a culture that prioritizes feelings over truth. Here's why this attempt to strip Jesus of His most crucial title is both theologically bankrupt and spiritually dangerous.

1. Jesus Didn't Come to Be a Mere Guide--He Came to Save

The very name "Jesus" means "God saves" (Matthew 1:21). His entire mission was to redeem humanity from sin, not to be just another moral teacher pointing the way. The Bible doesn't mince words: we are lost without Christ, and we need salvation, not self-improvement tips.

Hawkes's proposal suggests that Jesus is just one of many helpful voices leading people to God, rather than the one and only Redeemer. But Jesus Himself declared: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6). To suggest otherwise is not only false--it's heresy.

2. The Gospel Will Offend--And That's the Point

Hawkes argues that the word "Savior" is a "stumbling block" for many. Well, of course it is! The Apostle Paul made this exact point in 1 Corinthians 1:23: "But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles."

The message of salvation offends because it exposes the reality of sin. People don't like being told they need saving; they prefer to believe they're good enough on their own. But Christianity isn't about making people feel comfortable--it's about truth. Jesus Himself warned that He would be divisive: "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34).

So if the word "Savior" makes some people uneasy, good! It means the gospel is doing exactly what it's supposed to do: challenging people to confront their need for redemption.

3. Replacing 'Savior' With 'Guide' is a Slippery Slope

Let's be honest--if we start rewording Christian doctrine to make it less offensive, where does it end? Should we stop talking about sin because it makes people uncomfortable? Should we drop the resurrection because some consider it supernatural nonsense?

If we remove the title "Savior," we gut Christianity of its core message: that Jesus died and rose again to redeem us. A "guide" simply points the way, but a Savior rescues. The difference is the entire foundation of our faith.

4. The World Needs a Savior, Not Just Another Spiritual Coach

Look around: the world is not suffering from a lack of guides. Self-help gurus, philosophers, and religious teachers have been around for centuries. But has humanity solved its deepest problems? Hardly.

Jesus is different. He didn't come merely to teach--He came to redeem. Romans 3:23 is crystal clear: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." No amount of guidance or good intentions can erase sin. Only a Savior can do that.

If people don't like the idea that they need saving, that's their issue--not Christianity's. The truth doesn't become less true just because it's unpopular.

5. This is Not Just a Word Change--It's an Attack on the Gospel

Some might argue that this is just semantics. It's not. Words matter, and the language of faith is not up for negotiation. Scripture warns us repeatedly against altering the gospel. Paul writes in Galatians 1:9: "If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed."

Jesus was not crucified for being a kind guide; He was crucified because He claimed to be the Son of God and the only path to salvation. Watering down this truth doesn't make Christianity more inclusive--it makes it meaningless.

Stand Firm in the Truth

If pastors like Rev. Hawkes want to rewrite Christianity to be more palatable to modern sensibilities, they are free to do so--but they should stop pretending it's still Christianity. Jesus didn't come to be a "spiritual life coach." He came to save sinners, and no amount of rebranding can change that.

Christians must reject these attempts to dilute the gospel and stand firm in biblical truth. The world doesn't need a softer, less offensive Jesus. It needs the real Jesus--the one who saves.


If people think The Gospel is offensive, just wait until they get to Hell!

“If you in any way abate the doctrine of hell, it will abate your zeal.”
R. A. Torrey


Seriously, if Hell weren't so horrific and forever, it wouldn't matter. But Hell is real, it is terrible, and it is forever.


The worm that never dies
The fire that neither consumes nor extinguishes
The absolute darkness
The horrible stench
The wailing and gnashing of teeth
The eternal separation from God.

There are no do-overs or second chances once a person dies. Jesus died and paid the penalty for all of the sins every person ever committed, is committing, and will ever commit, so no one has to go to Hell. A person chooses to either accept His gift (free to us or it wouldn't really be a gift) and lives forever with Jesus, or reject the gift and goes to Hell and dies forever.


16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:16-18, KJV
 
This so-called Canadian reverend is a fake. Anyone who reads The:bible:has seen this scripture John 14:6 that Jesus is the only way. No one else died on the cross for our sins. One day every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus Is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
 
Frankly, I don't care if my calling Jesus Christ Savior offends someone. The Bible says that Jesus is a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence (1 Peter 2:8). It says that the teaching of the Cross is foolishness to them that are perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18). While Jesus was alive, the Bible says that many were offended (Matthew 13:57-58; Matthew 15:12; Mark 6:3). Yet He shook mighty earthly kingdoms and built the greatest kingdom in history: an eternal Kingdom that shall exist forever in glory. History itself is separated into before Christ and after Christ. So why should we be concerned today if people are offended by Jesus Christ and who He is? He will continue to build His Kingdom and the gates of Hell itself shall not prevail against it.

Jesus Christ is my Savior and I will boldly proclaim that fact, regardless of whom it might offend ... along with the fact of who He is, what He has done, what He has specifically done for me and what He can most certainly do for you.
 
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