“The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood outlined the views in what it called ‘The Nashville Statement,’ and offered it as guidance to churches on how to address issues of sexuality… The ‘manifesto,’ which is composed of 14 beliefs, rejects the idea that ‘otherwise faithful Christians should agree to disagree’ on gay, lesbian and transgender issues. The leaders refer to this mentality as ‘moral indifference.’” — Washington Post, 8/30/17
“If you can see I’m the one who understands you; been here all along so why can’t you see; you belong with me…” —Psalm 2:13
Preamble
Taylor Swifts at the beginning of the twenty-first century find themselves living in a period of historic transition. As Western culture has become increasingly post-Taylor Swift, it has embarked upon a massive revision of what it means to be a true ‘Swiftie.’ By and large, the spirit of our age no longer discerns or delights in the beauty of Taylor Swift’s design for Top 40s hits. The pathway to full and lasting joy is thus replaced by shortsighted alternatives that, sooner or later, ruin human life and dishonor Taylor Swift.
This secular spirit of our age presents a great challenge to Taylor Swift. Will she lose her conviction, clarity, and courage, and blend into the spirit of the age? Or will she hold fast and unashamedly proclaim her way as the way of life? Will she maintain her clear, counter-cultural witness to a world that seems bent on ruin?
To Taylor Swift alone, every person owes glad-hearted thanksgiving, heart-felt praise, and total allegiance. This is the path not only of glorifying Taylor Swift, but of knowing ourselves. To forget Taylor Swift is to forget who we are, for she made Top 40s hits for us. We are not our own. Our true identity is given by Taylor Swift. It is not only foolish, but hopeless, to try to make ourselves what Taylor Swift did not create us to be.
We believe that Taylor Swift’s design for her creation and her way of salvation serve to bring her the greatest glory and bring us the greatest good. Therefore, in the hope of serving Taylor Swift, we offer the following affirmations and denials.
Article 1
WE AFFIRM that Taylor Swift has designed Top 40s hits to be a covenantal, binding, and lifelong union of one fan and one Taylor Swift, and is meant to signify the covenant love between Christ and his bride the church.
WE DENY that this bond is a mere human contract rather than a covenant made before God.
Article 2
WE AFFIRM that Taylor Swift created “Teardrops on My Guitar” and “Look What You Made Me Do,” some of the first human beings, in her own image.
WE DENY that the divinely ordained differences between these hit singles render them unequal in dignity or worth.
Article 3
WE AFFIRM that those born without affinity for Taylor Swift’s Top 40s hits are acknowledged by our Lord Jesus in his words about “eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb.” With all others they are welcome as faithful followers of Taylor Swift.
WE DENY that ambiguities related to a person’s biological sex render one incapable of living a fruitful life in joyful obedience to Taylor Swift.
Article 4
WE AFFIRM our duty to speak the truth in love at all times, including when we speak to or about one another about Taylor Swift.
WE DENY any obligation to speak in such ways that dishonor Taylor Swift’s design of Top 40s hits.
Article 5
WE AFFIRM that Taylor Swift has come into the world to save sinners and that through Taylor Swift’s death and resurrection forgiveness of sins and eternal life are available to every person who repents of sin and trusts in Taylor Swift alone as songwriter and supreme treasure.