SCHOOL PASTOR RECEIVES DEATH THREATS AFTER REFUSING TO BEND BIBLICAL POLICY

Pastor of the Grace Christian School, Florida, Barry McKeen, has recently come under the spotlight for a controversial reason. He has refused to bend the school’s Biblical policy on sexuality despite receiving several death threats.

Picture: Grace Christian School

The policy which states that students would only be referred to by their biological sex has received several backlashes from the public. Pastor Barry McKeen went viral with his response to public pressure. In a video addressing the complaints, he stated that “I can assure you that any entity that ever came to me with the power to do so and said, 'change this policy or your doors can't open, then our doors would remain closed. And so, if a lot of people are mad at me, I'm sorry. I don't like that they are mad at me, but at the end of the day I answer to God, and I seek the applause of Heaven”. His staff has also received death threats as a result of this. 

In an interview with FOX News, Pastor McKeen confirmed that he had received hundreds of threats from people. Some had vowed to burn his house whiles others have gone to the extent of threatening to murder his family.

Despite this, he reiterated to parents of students via email the school's position;

 “We believe that God created mankind in His image: male (man) and female (woman), sexually different but with equal dignity. Students in school will be referred to by the gender on their birth certificate and be referenced in name in the same fashion." .

Picture: Pastor Barry McKeen

According to Pastor McKeen, the decision himself and the school have taken with regards to sexuality, does not imply that they are hateful. He pointed out that culture paints individuals as hateful when they believe and stand for ideals they do not accept.

He emphasized that the school will not accept individuals who are knowingly homosexual or transgender as this policy is deeply rooted in scripture and they will not compromise on it for anyone.

Christians across the globe have swarmed in to show their support to the pastor and the school. A number have voiced out their disdain towards those who sent the threats and are attempting to decide what policy stays and goes in institutions.

This is a perfect example of how the world as a result of the influence the devil has on it will attack believers who fail to let go of their Biblical beliefs and principles. Christianity is all about following Christ. In making decisions, it is of utmost importance to consider what Christ would do in that situation. 

The Word is made available to believers as a guide and the Holy Spirit is given to them as a teacher. Christians cannot afford to live based on trends or feelings nor can they afford to be swayed by what the world will throw at them.

What is a believer to do then? The answer is found in Psalm 119:105. Christians are to meditate on the Word of the LORD consistently because in this dark world, it is a lamp to the feet and light to the path. A believer's faith must be built firmly on the Word of GOD. A foundation that cannot be broken regardless of what the world will throw its way.