{"id":24340,"date":"2022-09-30T10:57:08","date_gmt":"2022-09-30T15:57:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fellowshipadev.wpengine.com\/?page_id=24340"},"modified":"2026-03-05T14:17:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T20:17:56","slug":"family-discussions-cultural-issues","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"Family Discussions &#038; Cultural Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;2586px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-36px|||||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;35px|||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;selector h2:hover { \/* hover color *\/||  text-decoration: underline; \/* optional *\/||}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; min_height=&#8221;275px&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Family Discussions &amp; Cultural Issues<\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">As a church, we want to address tough topics and cultural issues.\u00a0 These Family Discussions help us look at things in our culture and subjects that have been debated over time in a discerning light. Scripture can help give guidance around these topics, but we should handle conversations and potential disagreements with a spirit of grace and humility and not allow differences of opinion to cause division within our church or between us and others.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/black-lives-matter\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Black Lives Matter\/ Blue Lives Matter\/ All Lives Matter<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/black-lives-matter\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Although the statements written above are fairly timeless in their expression of Systemic Racism, we do want to address a current expression in our culture that may change over time&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;http:\/\/fellowshipadev.wpengine.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/position-papers\/baptism\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/capital-punishment-the-death-penalty\/&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Capital Punishment<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/capital-punishment-the-death-penalty\/&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The value of every person\u2019s life is intrinsic because we are all created in God\u2019s image and in His love for us, as demonstrated through the life and substitutionary atonement of His son Jesus Christ. As the author and preserver of life, God alone has the authority to determine its length&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/church-hurt\/&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2>Church Hurt<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/church-hurt\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Is the Church broken? It seems like a question that has been asked more and more. Local, national, and international headlines are plastered with stories of fraud, abuse, and scandal. You hear stories of preachers living in mansions&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/civil-disobedience\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Civil Disobedience<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/civil-disobedience\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>It can be. Romans 13 makes it clear that we are to submit to the governing authorities that God has put over us for the collective good, even when we disagree with their decisions. So Christians are not permitted to engage in civil disobedience for \u201cany\u201d reason simply because we have a higher King Jesus&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/considerations-for-burial-or-cremation\/&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2>Considerations for Burial or Cremation<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/considerations-for-burial-or-cremation\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Making decisions about burial and cremation can be emotional and difficult. Whether you are making these decisions for a loved one that has passed, or you are considering these issues in advance for yourself&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;\/about\/our-beliefs\/position-papers\/spiritual-gifts\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/contemplative-prayer\/&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2>Contemplative Prayer<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/contemplative-prayer\/&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>We all hunger for a prayer-filled life, for a richer and fuller practice of the presence of God.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-dei-the-gospel\/&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2>Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) &amp; the Gospel<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-dei-the-gospel\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or D.E.I., has become increasingly prevalent&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/doubting-salvation\/&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2>Doubting Salvation<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/doubting-salvation\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Many professing Christians struggle with doubt about salvation, or to put it another way, wondering whether they have truly been saved and are&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/immigration\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Immigration<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/immigration\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Immigration has been an issue of concern in the United States and countries around the world for hundreds of years. It relates to economic questions and jobs, national security, and general worries about preserving national culture and heritage&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/just-war\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Just War<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/just-war\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Since the fall of man, war has been an unfortunate reality. Each time a nation or nations engage in warfare, it brings to the front questions regarding the Christian view of war&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/nationalism\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Nationalism<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/nationalism\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>America is an incredible nation. We are generous in the midst of world crises. We care about fighting for human rights in countries all over the world. And we have reflected Biblical values in many different ways in different eras of our history&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;\/about\/our-beliefs\/position-papers\/religious-liberty\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/religious-Liberty\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Religious Liberty<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/religious-liberty\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>We live in a country that has enshrined religious liberty as part of our constitution. The Bill of Rights was established to specifically limit the power of the federal government to infringe on select rights&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;\/about\/our-beliefs\/position-papers\/religious-liberty\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/revival\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Revival<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/revival\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLord, send a revival to our city, state, and country.\u201d How many times have we heard this prayed throughout our lives? The prayer is simple, yet because \u201crevival\u201d is defined differently&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/substance-abuse\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Substance Abuse<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/substance-abuse\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>The topic of substance use and abuse has been a debate that has thrust itself into the forefront in recent years. In modern times, we have been blessed with thousands of lifesaving and life benefiting substances.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.22.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.22.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/suffering\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Suffering<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/suffering\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>In the midst of our suffering, sooner than later, we all begin to question: Where is God? Why is He allowing this to happen? What good can possibly come from this struggle? Whether it&#8217;s a crippling sickness, the loss of a loved one, or the persecution&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;\/about\/our-beliefs\/position-papers\/divorce-and-remarriage\/&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/suicide\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Suicide<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/suicide\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>All of us have experienced discouragement in our lives, and many have endured periods of depression that can lead to bouts of hopelessness. If you feel that way as you read this, we want you to know you are not alone&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/systemic-racism\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Systemic Racism &amp; Individual Responsibility<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/systemic-racism\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>One of the debates that sits at the heart of all of the racial tension that we see and feel in America and around the world is the issue of Systemic Racism. Systemic racism refers to idea that there is inherent racism in a given \u201csystem,\u201d whether that system is political, economic, religious, or anything else&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/technology\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Technology<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/technology\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Technology\u00a0is all around us, and it\u2019s not just the electronic devices we are all familiar with today. The scriptures tell us that God is a creating God. Having been made in his image, He gives us the ability to be creative and advance continuously.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/the-church-and-culture\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>The Church and Culture<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/the-church-and-culture\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>In the New Testament, Jesus calls the Church (ecclesia\u201d- called out ones) to be His ambassadors, spreading His healing reign,1 first to the Jewish nation(Matthew 10:7-8), and then to the whole world&#8230;.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/the-gospel-and-economic-systems\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>The Gospel and Economic Systems<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/about\/our-beliefs\/family-discussions-cultural-issues\/the-gospel-and-economic-systems\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Is the God of the Bible a capitalist or a socialist? Is He neither or both? And what do those words even really mean? Some followers of Jesus probably don\u2019t ever think about that question&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Family Discussions &amp; Cultural Issues &nbsp; As a church, we want to address tough topics and cultural issues.\u00a0 These Family Discussions help us look at things in our culture and subjects that have been debated over time in a discerning light. Scripture can help give guidance around these topics, but we should handle conversations and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"parent":9947,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-24340","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24340","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24340"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24340\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9947"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fellowshipar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24340"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}