CHURCH & MINISTRY

The Dufflepuds and Miss California

Remember when, a few years back, Miss California was elevated to near sainthood because of her comments about homosexual marriage during the question portion of the Miss USA pageant? If ever we needed proof positive that Christian Dufflepudism is alive and well in the Church, that was it.

The contestant, Carrie Prejean, answered a question during the pageant about gay marriage and she responded that, in her view, marriage is between a man and a woman.

So far, so good. But Miss California's willingness to parade around in a bikini in front of the entire world says much more about her faith than does her stand on gay marriage.

Gay marriage is a political cause. Modesty is a biblical virtue. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tells us that Christian women are to "adorn themselves in modest apparel" (1 Timothy 2:9).

Even unbelievers recognize the hypocrisy, as witnessed by a rant from a liberal blog addressing "Miss Holier Than Thou" (his words, not mine). He asks, "What does the Bible say about boob jobs and wearing bikinis in public? Anything similar to what the Koran says?" What indeed. And what does it say about Christians that we have to be rebuked by an unbeliever?

The response of the Christian community, on the other hand, is to lavish her with kudos and give her an appearance at the Dove Awards for gospel music. She has also received the "admiration and support" of the president of the Family Research Council. I have no doubt Miss Prejean is a lovely young woman who believes she is representing Christ. No doubt she is reflecting what she has been taught, which is exactly my point.

But this incident says much more about the Christian community at large than about her. The dufflepud-istic response of "Yes! Yes! Hear her! She's right!" contradicts the biblical model of modesty in dress that the Christian Dufflepuds also wholeheartedly endorse. "Yes! Modesty! We believe that! Amen!"

The absence of the discernment necessary to separate Christianity from political conservatism is the result of a woeful lack of biblical preaching and teaching from our pulpits and a dearth of pastors who know the difference between "causes" and Truth. Until we take seriously Paul's admonition to "preach the word… reprove, rebuke, and exhort" (2 Timothy 4:2), develop true biblical discernment, and take as literal Jesus' statement, "My kingdom is not of this world," Miss Prejean and her contemporaries will continue to represent Christians in the public square. And the Christian Dufflepuds will continue to sing their praises.

Down with Dufflepudism. Up with discernment.

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Published 6-6-11