I have heard a few things about affirming churches and have some friends that agree with affirming churches, and I was wondering if affirming churches are in the category of misleading teaching like in 2 Peter chapter 2:1-3. So many people are spreading false information of what they perceive is good or bad instead of what God clearly says is good or bad.
The verse I’m referring to
False Teachers and Their Destruction
2 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. **2 **Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. **3 **In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
I assume they mean affirming homosexuality, transgenderism, and possibly abortion.
At best these elevate the fleshly qualities of self-righteousness and seeing emotional self-stimulation as being “loving”. There is little interest doctrine, wisdom, or understanding. Instead of truth, feeling good is their guiding principle. I would avoid these churches as they are little able to show someone how to become a Christian much less how to mature in faith.
Yes sure! Sorry, should’ve been clearer, but my friend had mentioned specifically LGBTQ+ affirming churches and how they preach full acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in all aspects of church life not just welcoming them to attend, but affirming their identities and relationships as valid and compatible with faith. I agree with welcoming because everyone needs Jesus regardless of their sin and lifestyle but idk about the rest.
The real question is whether it aligns with Scripture, not whether it fits our culture, personal bias, or opinions. What matters is biblical authority and whether the claim can stand under that standard alone.
@Willow, I don’t know about “affirming churches,” but I see a lot of such “prophets” and “teachers” on Christian forums, people who have heard private theologies and teachings that are not true to the Bible, but have been developed by the individual who does not appear to be teachable, sadly.
‘An affirming church is a religious community that actively supports, includes, and celebrates LGBTQ+ individuals, affirming their relationships and identities as blessed by God. Unlike merely “welcoming” churches, affirming churches (also known as inclusive or progressive churches) often perform same-sex marriages, ordain LGBTQ+ clergy, and do not view LGBTQ+ identities as sinful.’
So an affirming Church falls totally into what 2 Peter chapter 2:1-3.discribes.