This past weekend, Alistair Begg responded to the backlash from his critics, expressing surprise at the intensity of the reaction he received amid giving advice to a grandmother that she should not only attend her grandson’s homosexual wedding, but also purchase them a gift, so as not to seem judgmental. He says he had hoped to convey compassion, yet found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy.

In a video message to his congregation, Begg remarked:

“I didn’t expect to address the significant discussion my previous comments sparked, especially online. My intent was to offer a compassionate perspective, yet it seems to have ignited a far-reaching debate.”

The full clip is available here: [https://twitter.com/disntr/status/1752017729706512546]

The casuistry of Begg’s position is evident and it is difficult to align the concept of compassion with actions that contradict biblical teachings. The crux of the matter lies in understanding how such a stance coexists with the decision to support actions deemed sinful, a topic that continues to stir significant dialogue and reflection. Yet, Begg not only doubled down, but tripled down on his position, leaving other Christian leaders no choice but to hold him accountable for his remarks.

Not only was Begg dropped from American Family Radio, but he has now also been dropped from John MacArthur’s Shepherd’s Conference—a move that is hopefully a wake-up call to Begg as he says he is “not ready to repent” of his position.

According to Religion News Service,

Begg had been scheduled to speak in March at the Shepherds Conference, a major Reformed evangelical pastors’ gathering led by California pastor and author John MacArthur. After Begg’s comments became public, he and MacArthur talked and decided the controversy would be “an unnecessary distraction,” according to a spokesman for Grace to You, one of the conference sponsors.

“Pastor MacArthur’s counsel on that issue would be completely different from the counsel Alistair Begg said he gave an inquiring grandmother,” said Phil Johnson, executive director of Grace to You told Religion News Service in an email. “So both agreed that it was necessary for Pastor Begg to withdraw.”

This is a promising development, as many had been concerned that Begg, despite his compromise, may ultimately still end up speaking at the Conference which has historically stood on solid doctrinal ground. We are thankful that MacArthur and his colleagues have done so, and we pray that ultimately, Begg will see his error and repent of it. The ultimate goal is reconciliation.