A Tender Answer: The Nature of God’s Voice
- Raymond Melendez
- Apr 2
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 13
In recent years, several high-profile pastors have come under scrutiny for their controversial remarks and fiery sermons, often delivered with a tone of anger or condemnation. While some defend these church leaders as bold defenders of biblical truth, others argue that their rhetoric is harmful, divisive, and even dangerous.
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1).
This simple yet profound principle speaks to the immense power of our words, especially in moments of tension or conflict. A tender answer—kind, thoughtful, and measured—can soothe emotions and defuse hostility, whereas sharp, confrontational rhetoric can fuel division.
This wisdom not only applies to personal relationships but also reflects how God communicates throughout Scripture. While God has, at times, used dramatic signs and wonders to capture attention, God’s voice is one of love, understanding, and peace rather than fear. As debates over church leaders’ rhetoric continue, Proverbs 15 reminds us that true spiritual authority is not found in loud condemnation but in the whisper of a gentle, truth-filled response.
Pastor Douglas Harris and the Voice of Controversy
In March 2025, Pastor Douglas Harris of Central Baptist Church in Houston ignited a heated debate after opposing the nomination of Tiffany Regan as a finalist for the Deer Park Independent School District (ISD) superintendent position. Denouncing Regan’s sexual orientation as “ungodly and immoral,” Harris urged his congregation to reject her appointment, triggering widespread backlash. Over 1,000 people signed a petition demanding an apology, while community members, including LGBTQ+ advocates and education professionals, condemned his remarks as divisive and inappropriate for a secular institution. Despite public outcry, Harris defended his stance, insisting he was upholding biblical principles.
“This isn’t about hate; it’s about morality and God’s design for leadership.” -Pastor Douglas Harris
Yet, his words have only deepened the divide, raising larger questions about the role of religious leaders in public affairs and whether spiritual authority should be wielded as a tool of condemnation.
Throughout the Old Testament, God often used powerful and fearsome signs to capture people’s attention. In Exodus 24:17, atop Mount Sinai, God appeared as a consuming fire, and in Exodus 7:14-17, plagues were sent upon Egypt to break Pharaoh’s hardened heart. These dramatic interventions served a purpose in their time, yet God’s ultimate desire was for people to listen—not through fear, but through love and truth.
A striking example of this shift can be seen in Moses' leadership. In Exodus 17:5-6, God commanded him to strike a rock to bring forth water, a forceful act that resulted in miraculous provision. However, later in Numbers 20:8, Moses was instructed to simply speak to the rock, emphasizing that God’s power is most effective through a calm voice. When Moses, in frustration, struck the rock again instead of speaking, it displeased God—suggesting that God’s gentleness holds greater weight than displays of anger.
Pastor Harris' controversy echoes this biblical tension: when is it necessary to stand firm, and when does a gentle word supersede the need for fire and wrath? The challenge for modern church leaders is to uphold their convictions and consider whether their approach aligns with God's evolving preference for truth over condemnation (Idleman).
Pastor Mark Hartman’s Sermon and the Fear of God
Social media has a way of reviving past controversies, and Pastor Mark Hartman of Sugar Creek Baptist Church in Texas experienced this firsthand in February 2025. A sermon he delivered in April 2023 resurfaced online, drawing widespread criticism (Chron). In the sermon, Hartman jokingly suggested that Christian men should seek young wives who are “unaware of better options.”
The remark was widely condemned for promoting sexist ideals, with many accusing Hartman of perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes. Feminist organizations and progressive Christian groups called out the pastor for making light of marriage in a way that diminishes young women. Hartman responded to the backlash with an apology, stating that his words were taken out of context.
“It was an attempt at humor, and I regret that it came across as anything other than that. I deeply respect women and value the sacredness of marriage.” -Pastor Mark Hartman
However, for many critics, the damage was already done. The controversy has fueled larger discussions about how some church leaders use outdated views under the cloak of religious teachings, raising concerns about the influence of their words.
Throughout biblical history, words and actions have had the power to inspire either fear or reverence. In 2 Kings 2, Elijah struck the Jordan River before being taken up into heaven in a whirlwind, leaving his followers in awe and trembling. This pattern of evoking fear is seen throughout Scripture, yet God’s plan is not to terrify but to reach out with love and mercy. Following the flood in Noah’s time, God made a covenant, saying:
"Never again will I destroy all living creatures" (Genesis 8:21).
This promise marked a shift in how God chose to interact with the world—moving from acts that invoke fear to a message of love and patience. Likewise, the words of church leaders today hold great power; they can either inspire and encourage or alienate and harm.
Fear, Politics, and Gentle Authority
Politics and religion have long been intertwined, but some argue that Pastor Homer Edwin Young of Second Baptist Church in Houston took it too far in August 2022. During a sermon, Young urged his congregation to vote against progressive politicians, blaming them for rising crime rates in the city (Scherer).
His remarks were met with sharp criticism from local officials and activists, who accused him of using the pulpit for prejudiced politics. Some even argued that Young’s church should lose its tax-exempt status, citing violations of the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits churches from engaging in political endorsements. Young, however, refused to back down, claiming that his call to action was not political but spiritual.
“The Bible speaks about justice, and when leaders fail to protect their people, it’s our duty to hold them accountable” -Pastor Homer Edwin Young.
Despite the backlash, his sermon resonated with conservative members of his congregation, who saw his words as a necessary warning rather than political interference.
This controversy reflects a broader tension between the use of fear and the call to gentle authority. In Matthew 17, Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus speaking with Moses and Elijah on a mountain. Then, a voice from heaven declared,
"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him!" (Matthew 17:5).
The disciples were terrified and fell prostrate, but Jesus, embodying God’s true nature, touched them and said:
"Get up. Don’t be afraid" (Matthew 17:7).
Unlike the fear-inducing spectacles of the Old Testament, Jesus communicated through love, grace, and truth rather than wrath or political condemnation. His voice, though authoritative, was not one of fear but of peace and understanding. The question remains: Should modern church leaders invoke fear to mobilize, or should they follow Christ’s example, offering truth through compassion and mercy?
The Holocaust and the Message of Christ
Among the most controversial statements in recent years came from Pastor Robert Jeffress, a Dallas-based Southern Baptist preacher known for his strong conservative views. In June 2015, Jeffress compared the experiences of conservative Christians in America to those of Jews during the Holocaust (Jeffress, qtd. in Scherer).
The comparison was widely condemned as offensive and historically inaccurate. Jewish organizations, historians, and even fellow Christian leaders criticized Jeffress for minimizing the horrors of the Holocaust.
“To equate religious freedom debates in America with one of the darkest genocides in human history is not only misleading but deeply disrespectful.” -Rabbi David Rosenberg
Jeffress, however, defended his comments, arguing that Christians in the U.S. are facing increasing hostility from secular society.
“We are witnessing an erosion of religious liberty. While I did not intend to diminish the suffering of Holocaust victims, I stand by my assertion that Christians today are being targeted for their faith.” -Pastor Robert Jeffress
Despite the controversy, Jeffress has continued to be a voice in political and religious discussions, often aligning himself with conservative political leaders. However, Jeffress’ rhetoric contrasts with the biblical message of grace and assurance. In Romans 8, Paul declares:
"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).
This statement is foundational to understanding God’s character—not as one who instills fear through comparisons of persecution, but as a loving Father who calls us to live in faith and confidence. Just as God’s voice at Jesus’ transfiguration proclaimed, “Listen to him. This is my son, whom I love,” the true message of the Gospel is not one of fear or political outrage, but rather one of love, forgiveness, and grace.
While modern religious leaders may feel compelled to sound alarms about cultural shifts, the challenge remains: should their words invoke fear and comparison to historical atrocities, or should they reflect Christ’s invitation to faith, unity, and love?
The Power of the Pulpit: A Call for Words of Wisdom
The cases of Pastors Harris, Hartman, Young, and Jeffress highlight the broader debate over the role of church leaders in influencing public discussions. While some defend these preachers as bold messengers of biblical truth, others see them as reckless individuals using the pulpit to promote division and impatience.
Religious scholars point out that fiery rhetoric is not new in Christian history, but in an era of social media and instant information, the impact of such statements is amplified.
“When pastors make inflammatory remarks, the consequences extend beyond their congregations. Their words can influence political decisions, cultural attitudes, and even incite hostility.” -Dr. Lisa Martinez
As religion and society continue to evolve, the question remains: should church leaders moderate their tone to foster unity, or is it their duty to speak bluntly, regardless of controversy? The answer likely depends on whom you ask.
One thing is certain—these debates are far from over. As long as pastors continue to wield influence over their congregations, their words must withstand the test of time. Just as God prefers to communicate with gentleness over wrath, we too are called to choose our words wisely. Proverbs 15 reminds us of the power of a gentle response:
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1).
Words can heal or wound, invite or push away. Jesus exemplified the power of gentle words throughout his ministry, drawing people to himself with love rather than fear. As followers of Christ, we must reflect this wisdom—whether in personal relationships, sermons, or moments of conflict. The voice that spoke to Moses and Elijah is the same voice that spoke to Jesus and speaks to us today through the Holy Scriptures, leading us with grace, love, and truth.
Works Cited
