Alistair Begg, a well-known pastor, born in Glasgow, with a ministry in Ohio, discusses concerns about the potential broad impact of a conversion therapy ban on churches. He emphasizes the importance of compassionate responses and addressing the issue without coercion. Begg highlights the need for Christians to engage with politicians and maintain their biblical convictions while engaging with society. He asserts that banning conversion therapy can be seen as suppressing the truth and discusses the challenges Christians face in standing firm on their beliefs.
1. Alistair Begg was born in Glasgow and studied at the London School of Theology.
2. He served in ministry at Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh and a Hamilton Baptist Church before moving to the U.S.
3. Since 1983, he has been the senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio.
4. Alistair's ministry includes the 'Truth For Life' radio program and writing books.
5. Church leaders in Scotland are concerned about a broad ban on conversion therapy, fearing it may affect ordinary church activities.
6. Alistair emphasizes the importance of teaching congregations about compassionate responses to LGBTQ+ issues.
7. He argues that accusations of coercion in Christian ministry are unfounded and stem from ideological differences.
8. Alistair believes Christians should adhere to biblical teachings and engage with politicians to protect religious freedoms.
9. Alistair expresses his willingness to face legal consequences if preaching biblical sexual ethics conflicts with conversion therapy laws.
10. He criticizes the suppression of truth through banning conversion therapy, seeing it as an infringement on religious beliefs.