So, tragically, another prominent Christian preacher has ‘fallen’ and has had to leave his ministry and suddenly internet sites and others are busy erasing every record they can find of his existence. It raises a question for me - should Christians cancel Christians who fall?
Let me state at the outset that the tragedy of Steve Lawson has hit me harder than others who have ended their ministries in disgrace over the years. Though I didn't know him well, I met him on a few occasions when he visited Scotland and spent time relaxing with him over a few days when he was the main speaker at a conference I organised. I have been richly fed and nourished by his exemplary preaching and teaching ministry.
Let me also stress that in no way am I trying to belittle Lawson's sin - whatever it was. It was obviously serious enough for those ‘in the know’ to decide that it disqualified him for pastoral ministry and, from what I have read, his fellow elders have acted promptly and biblically for which they are to be commended. His sin is all the more grievous because, due to his prominence, it has had major reverberations all around the world.
But, having said all of that, I am troubled by the Christian cancel culture that has so quickly swung into operation.
But, having said all of that, I am troubled by the Christian cancel culture that has so quickly swung into operation. It has happened before. I remember when Roy Clements outed himself many years ago, Christian publishers and booksellers couldn't wait to clear their bookshelves of his works. I saw a sudden increase in the number of his books appearing in charity shops. Today, within hours of the news of Steve Lawson's dismissal from ministry, his sermons and articles and very name began to disappear from websites and my question is - why?
