Kirk Cameron, a well known actor has just published a children’s book. Cameron is an outspoken evangelical, and because of his relative fame has become a divisive social figure. I have not read the book, and can’t personally attest to his the claim that, “It teaches biblical wisdom and the value of producing the fruit fo the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control.”
Interestingly, Cameron’s publisher has contacted over fifty different public libraries to set up a story-hour for the reading of his book. He has been outright rejected, or ignored by every single library. Many of these same institutions have commonly hosted story-hours for children that have LGBTQ+ themes, some of them put on by drag-queens.
One library worker from the Rochambeau Public Library in Providence, Rhode Island told the publishing company, “We are a very queer friendly library. Our messaging does not align.” That same library promotes a regular program called “Queer Umbrella.” It is referred to as “a club and safe space where teens can learn, discuss and connect over queer history, art, community resourced, and more.”
Cameron was also turned down by the Indianapolis public library, who emphasized that their programs were strategically oriented towards authors who are diverse. When the point was made that “Cameron’s book contributes in its own way to a diverse collection of ideas, beliefs and stories”, the response was that their focus was on “racial equity.”
As for Cameron, his view is that “This is proof that more than ever, we are getting destroyed in the battle for the hearts and minds of our children.” (material gathered from an article by Maureen Mackey at foxnews.com).
Without endorsing Cameron’s particular book, I have to agree with the sentiment. Today, diversity does not reach to the Christian faith. As disciples, we have always been marginalized in our communities. After all, in addition to worldliness and secularism, we have to combat religious error even among those who claim to be following Jesus.
So, this is what we face. What are the answers? First, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2). Second, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).
Living a godly life, and share the message of the gospel to others. Every child of God in every age has had the same imperative. Remember, Christ wins! (Philippians 2:9-11).
