Carrie Prejean the "Conservative Christian Spokesperson"

We don't watch television anymore, but thanks to the modern "miracle" of the internet, I recently became aware of the flap over Miss California and her apparently shocking statement that she believes marriage should be between a man and a woman. This profession has created quite a stir throughout cyberspace as bloggers discuss the implications of the beauty pageant contestant's statement.

Ever one to have an opinion, I wanted to share some things that rolled through my own brain as I read different perspectives--and weighed them against Biblical Truth.

A simple Google search will make it clear that the media--and many blogging individuals have jumped on the idea that Carrie Prejean is the new conservative-approved poster child for the Biblical teaching that marriage is meant to be a union between one man and one woman. For various reasons, other individuals (liberal and conservative alike) have a huge problem with this.

Frankly speaking, I also have a problem with it. The issue for me is not what she said. I also believe that God designed marriage (and physical intimacy) to be between one man and one woman--for life. The fact that she said it after very publicly strutting around a stage in varying degrees of undress is not really my focus either (although I have seen at least one good argument against her lack of modesty). Whether or not she is a true Christian is something I cannot answer, as I do not personally know anything about her beyond the few minutes of video I have seen.

I was saddened that the homosexual judge (Perez Hilton) who asked her about her thoughts on gay marriage was outraged that she didn't provide a more "politically appropriate" answer. In an interview, he basically said that he wishes she had kept her personal politics and religious beliefs out of the public arena. Yet, he asked her a pointedly political question...He also stated that a Miss America who publicly represents ALL citizens is what he wants. Setting the impossibility of this task aside, I noted that he was requesting that, regardless of her personal beliefs, she should say things that make all of us "feel good" about her words. In effect, Mr. Hilton was saying that he wishes she had been a more accomplished liar as that would best represent American citizens. That bothered me a lot, especially when I realized that Americans in general seem preoccupied with appearance (as opposed to substance) and many of us have no depth of soul at all. Are we nothing more than a nation of liars who are content to present false fronts? In the interest of propriety, I am not linking to the youtube clip which contained the interview because it also showed shots of pageant swimsuit competition.

For the record, I don't set much stock on the opinion of Miss America or those of beauty contest judges. I just thought it was discouraging to hear someone say that he would appreciate it if people would lie to him about what they really believe.

I think what bothers me most about this topic is that it appears that many professing Christians are holding up Miss Prejean as being a brave young woman who stands for "family values". This attitude on the part of conservative believers is rather disturbing and I'll explain why...

During a discussion on another site, one commenter stated that she was pleased to see that Miss California was such a strong and brave young woman when she "stood up for" the Christian definition of marriage. Another commenter (a professed atheist) pointed out that if Miss PreJean had firmly believed that "all people deserve to be happy, so gay marriage should be instituted in all states", and had said so--the commenter would not likely have said she was proud the the young woman was so brave and true to her belief. The atheist commenter went on to state that the reason Christians are quick to applaud Miss Prejean is the simple fact that they agree with what she said. By the way, the aforementioned atheist was not being snotty, but simply pointing out a double standard in regard to how many of us determine whether a person is worthy of praise for speaking her mind. She is correct and believers would be wise to take note.

That brings me to the heart of my own concern. American Christians seem to have a problem in the area of discernment of sin. There is a tendency to redefine certain sinful behaviors as "a lifestyle choice" and excuse them. I'm only referring to things that are clearly defined by Scripture as "sin"--matters of conscience are a different issue.

While I agree with the statement that marriage is to be between a man and a woman, I can not, in good conscience, hold up Miss PreJean as a shining example of Christian womanhood. Yes, she may be a believer. Yes, it is not easy to say things that are politically incorrect. Yes, it appears she has some sense of dignity in that she has stated that she would do nothing different even if it meant she would have won the competition.

However, there is also a blatant sense of hypocrisy in speaking against gay marriage while at the same time presenting one's body as an object to tempt the many heterosexual men whose marriages have just been "defended". Am I being too harsh?

Here's what Jesus said: "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28 (emphasis mine)

"And he said to his disciples, 'Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come!'" Luke 17:1 (RSV)

And Paul (who was talking about a matter as "simple" as how our choice of food can affect the conscience of another believer): Then let us not judge one another any more, but rather judge this, not to put a stumbling-block or an offense toward his brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing by itself is common; except to him who esteems anything to be common, it is common. But if your brother is grieved with your food, you no longer walk according to love. Do not with your food destroy him for whom Christ died. Then do not let your good be spoken evil of, for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (emphasis mine) Romans 14: 13-17

Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. For "the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. (But if some one says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then out of consideration for the man who informed you, and for conscience' sake-- I mean his conscience, not yours--do not eat it.) For why should my liberty be determined by another man's scruples? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please all men in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. (emphasis mine) 1 Corinthians 10:24-33

As Christian, I need to be concerned with more than my own well-being. If I am aware of a weakness in another believer, it is not an act of love to deliberately do something that could cause an offense of his conscience. I understand that Paul's writings are in reference to our Christian liberty regarding legalistic dietary attitudes, and that this particular subject falls in the realm of conscience. Surely though, the same idea applies to things which the Bible specifically describes as sinful.

I want to be careful here to emphasize that I am not pronouncing self-righteous "judgment" on Miss Prejean for her duality of presentation. I believe that she if she is a true Christian, she is unfortunately in need of someone to point out the glaring error which I illustrated above. Happily, if she is a true follower of Christ, He will not fail to get her attention in this area. He's done so (and I expect will continue to) concerning similar inconsistencies in my own life. Perhaps He will do it as she studies her Bible, or talks with a friend, or is interviewed, or reads a blog such as the one to which I previously linked. Certainly, those who agree that lack of modesty is wrong should be praying that she will see it. If she is not a believer, her problem is much greater than that of word-deed misalignment.

We all have blind areas and sometimes stumble, so it is impossible to find anyone who is truly "perfect". Also, we must be careful to not idolize someone who appears to have his/her life completely in order. Appearances CAN be deceiving and even truly Godly men and women have faults.

The world is watching and will make inferences about the Lord based on what is seen in the lives of people who claim to be His followers. Because of the war between flesh and Spirit, we do sometimes sin. And when it is brought to our attention, we should accept the correction. My point is that Christians need to use more caution in the way we choose who to endorse as an outstanding example of the Christian faith.

Sinful behavior should not be a habitual way of life for any believer. When contradiction between one's statement of faith and her behavior is as obvious as that of Miss California I don't believe that Christians should break our legs in a race to jump onto the bandwagon of undiscerning support. It is possible to commend a person for honestly stating what she believes without winking at ongoing immoral behavior. God's Word must always be our foundational standard for right and wrong.