Is it okay for my Christian group to protest at an apt. building that allows unmarried co-habitation?

Question

The landlord just ignores us. We told him that it's wrong for him to enable people to shack up and live in sin.

Answer 1

I think that you are wrong, even if it is a good intentention. The Bible says to disciple them not force them. If you are asked you give them the Biblical perspective of marriage. These people apparently are not intrested in Biblical morality and this is not the way to do it. This is why so many people are turned off to Christianity and they go back in time to the Inquisitions, the excuses made for justifying slavery with the scriptures, how women are inferior etc..etc..etc.. That is not what Christ or the apostles did. I Corinthians 13, 1st Timothy 1-25, Leviticus 19:16, Proverbs 11:13-14

Answer 2

Honestly, don't you think your time could be better spent by being a good witness and showing these people the love of Christ?

This is exactly the reason so many people are "turned off" by Christians. Before I was saved, I lived with a boyfriend for seven years. I know now that it was wrong, but at the time I didn't fully comprehend why it was. And, if your group had protested my living arrangements (which I would have considered none of your business) and tried to have me evicted onto the streets, believe me, I wouldn't have listened to anything you had to say about Jesus or salvation.

You need to choose your battles wisely. You have no legal basis for this protest. I'm in no way saying you should condone what they're doing, but instead, why not think of ways you can reach out to these people in love?

The following is as much a reminder to me as it is to you:

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"

We need to examine our own lives instead of distracting ourselves by judging others.

Answer 3

Unless those people living in sin are fellow Christians - sorry, you have no right and no jurisdiction over those people.

Though what is taught in scripture from God is good and moral for all people of the Earth - God doesn't force anyone to obey Him. Obedience is by choice. Therefore if those people choose to ignore the morals taught from God, then their is nothing you can do but bear witness to these peoples actions. And on the Day of Judgement when all of mankind stands before God, then we will all be called upon for a witness testimony against the evils that the wicked do.

Now if any of them are Christian, then you can (nicely) talked to them about what is in scripture. But bottom line, if they have made their choice, then our hands are tied.

Answer 4

How would you feel if you were suddenly told that it was a sin for you to be Christian?

Be who you are, believe what you believe but when you push your beliefs on others then you're crossing a line. It may not be a biblical rule but it's still a good one. "Do unto others as you would have done unto you". Unless you would be comfortable with others directing your beliefs and values don't push yours on them.

Live your life to the best of your abilities and beliefs, let others live their lives to the best of their abilities and beliefs. Oddly enough... that's the true Christian way. Judge not, lest you be judged.

Answer 5

it is until their is a restraining order
the only reason christians would want to protest is to try and prevent a specific couple from living in cohabitation.
However, such an act has been instituted in many places and usually in the courts it is overturned. It is lawful for man and woman to cohabitate.
Just not in the laws of God.

Answer 6

It is legal for your group to assemble in peaceful ways of protest according to our Constitution. (first amendment rights)
However, if you are basing this on your Christian beliefs... that's another story. I don't remember in the Bible Christ ever gathering people in protest and starting riots. I don't remember Christ truly passing judgement, but instead encouraging self recognition by asking thought provoking questions.
WWJD? I do not believe he would stand outside of someone's home and family and tell them they were going to hell.

THe landlord CANNOT deny living quarters to people who pay rent based on many things, including if the tenents are married or not. That is against the law, and he would face a huge civil case. Unless you are willing to pay for his attorneys, fees and well... the money he would have to pay these people that YOU believe are "LIVING IN SIN" I would back off, and let God make the judgements.

Answer 7

No it is not. Where in the New Testament did Jesus do this sort of thing? Where did the early church do it either? Are you telling me your group actually expects non believers to practice Christian morality? Shame on your group and it's leadership if that is the case. You should instead be praying for the hardened hearts of those tenants and ask that Loandlord to forgive you for your arrogance. No offense, but this kind of ignorant stuff gives Jesus a BAD name.

Answer 8

Good for the landlord and I hope he sues your group for harassment. It is not only "not okay" it is unchristian. I don't think Jesus would approve of your tactics. Try spending your time working in a soup kitchen rather than trying to force your morality on others who don't give a rat's a** what you believe.

Answer 9

What if these people are poor and can't afford rent anywhere else? Did you and your Christian group get together and decide if these people were going to live together "in sin" it would be best for them to do so in a card-board box?

Answer 10

Keep in mind that it is an 'organisation' that is setting the rules here. You would be more effective talking to the people who will be living there, and hopefully getting them to change their moral standards in this matter. No one should FORCE another to change, but again, hopefully, to present to them a firm reason that a change would be a benefit.