Once upon a time, there was a man named John MacArthur, a figure I think deserves a nod of respect, even if disagreements aren’t in short supply. You see, it’s rare to find individuals steadfast in their beliefs, especially in today’s spin cycle of quick opinions and zealous correction. Now, while I was channel surfing past old movie classics, I stumbled upon “The Devil and Daniel Webster.” The story, penned in 1936, reminded me that the roots of non-racist, anti-slavery American culture aren’t some newly sprouted leftist doctrine. Credit must be given where it’s due. The right’s history of championing these causes is as old as the stars and stripes themselves.
In juxtaposition comes John MacArthur, a revered pastor who recently passed away. Here’s a man who stood his ground no matter the storm. Now, we had differences, no doubt. He’s evangelical; I’m more of an Anglican Catholic kind of guy. But isn’t that the beauty of America? Divergent opinions shouldn’t spark animosity but rather dialogue. Even with conflicting views, both MacArthur and yours truly might do just fine when it’s time for the heavenly roll call.
MacArthur was staunch in his cultural convictions, especially on issues like homosexuality, where he and I didn’t quite see eye to eye. Here’s an amusing notion for those asserting sexual orientation is a mere choice: if people aren’t born gay, how do we explain the miracle of birth’s little surprises? It’s like declaring soup too salty without acknowledging the chef’s recipe. Indeed, people add flavor to life’s broth—without them, life would be bland. Whether liberal or conservative, everyone should mind their own moral backyard before peeking over the proverbial fence.
Then there was COVID, the invisible foe that had ordinary folks in a chokehold while leaders waged bureaucratic wars. Our neck of the woods saw Governor Newsom attempting to silence worship with one hand while fine dining sans mask with the other. Enter MacArthur, stage right, who famously disagreed. He kept his church doors wide open, echoing a faith that defied mandates and citations without batting an eyelid. Even I, cautious of my tender lung, risked a visit, much to my wife’s chagrin.
Through it all, the wisdom MacArthur left resonates: no man should be outside the love of God. Expressing that love isn’t just a religious directive—it’s an American directive. As the political spheres keep spinning, a new chapter is opening, flavored by variety’s seasoning. Here, the lesson is clear as day. Freedom isn’t declaring who you hate; it’s about loving despite the differences and standing firm when your beliefs are put to the test. If the road to freedom is rocky, at least it’s never dull.
