Is there a contradiction between affirming male elders and being concerned that harmful ideas about gender may contribute to harmful responses to domestic abuse? Absolutely not. Can I love the doctrine of God and speak up about racial attitudes and divisions? Yes, and amen. Why should I have to choose between orthodoxy and orthopraxy? There is no “either or.” I’d rather pray for the Holy Spirit to grant me both.

I smiled when I read this passage by Amos Yong in Aliens in the Promised Land (pg. 52 ) because I’ve had almost those exact thoughts cross my mind. My variation would be:

“I wonder sometimes if being Asian in what for some is still a starkly black-and-white American South protects me to some degree. I also wonder if people will like me less if I begin to write and speak more intentionally about racism and racialization. Perhaps I am “safe” because I have blended in so well by talking and writing about matters that are acceptable for a reformed, Christian woman. Because…

If you discuss domestic violence, oppression of women, or misogyny, you might be labeled a feminist.
If you raise issues regarding poverty or race, people may begin to wonder if you are sliding down the slippery slope toward religious liberalism.”

My blog started out with personal accounts of life struggles and the dawning of the doctrines of grace on my heart, which I still affirm. But my concerns have changed over the years as I have been burdened about domestic abuse awareness in the church and now issues of race. This has led me to ask questions and question the status quo in some areas. Does this suddenly make a liberal feminist? But why wouldn’t a  confessionally reformed Christian care about imago dei issues?

I am all for the pursuit of biblical and robust orthodoxy. Then why not an equally robust orthopraxy? Jude tells us to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Jesus and Paul warn us about wolves who will come in to deceive the sheep. But James also warns us about the sin of partiality and mouthing platitudes instead of demonstrating tangible compassion for those with very real needs. The church in Ephesus is chastised for leaving its first love which encompasses God, His people, and those outside the church.

Or do I think that orthodoxy somehow delivers me from the consequences of the fall?¹Wave the gospel-centered wand and everything will be neat and tidy as the Holy Spirit supernaturally transforms everyone and everything up to my comfort level so I don’t need to get my hands dirty. Just like the “miracle motif” in Divided by Race. But perhaps orthodoxy enables me to face the ugliness and evil in the world with hope that is not just for the “sweet by and by” but an impetus to actively engage the present.

Is there a contradiction between affirming male elders and being concerned that harmful ideas about gender may contribute to harmful responses to domestic abuse? Absolutely not. Can I love the doctrine of God and speak up about racial attitudes and divisions? Yes, and amen. Why should I have to choose between orthodoxy and orthopraxy? There is no “either or.” I’d rather pray for the Holy Spirit to grant me both.

1. Credit goes to my daughter for asking this question.

Persis Lorenti is an ordinary Christian. You can find her at Tried With Fire and Out of the Ordinary. This article appeared on her blog and is used with permission.