The teachings and pronouncements of Ms. Marian Budde, which deviate from the orthodox Christian faith, require careful examination in the light of Holy Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers. The theological innovations she presents not only distort the Gospel but also undermine the apostolic tradition handed down through the centuries. I wish to reaffirm the timeless truths of Christianity as articulated in Scripture and expounded by the early Church. I hope, at some point, she repents from her statements.
The teachings and pronouncements of Ms. Marian Budde, which deviate from the orthodox Christian faith, require careful examination in the light of Holy Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers. The theological innovations she presents not only distort the Gospel but also undermine the apostolic tradition handed down through the centuries. I wish to reaffirm the timeless truths of Christianity as articulated in Scripture and expounded by the early Church. I hope, at some point, she repents from her statements.
The Authority of Scripture
Ms. Budde’s sermon reflects a tendency to reinterpret biblical teachings in a way that conforms to contemporary cultural values rather than the immutable Word of God. However, Scripture unequivocally teaches that divine revelation is unchanging and authoritative. As the Apostle Paul states:
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
When we encounter new teachings that seem to drift from the ancient path of Christianity, we might remember the words of St. Vincent of Lerins, who gave us a precious guideline: the true faith is that which has been believed “everywhere, always, and by all.” Just as a skilled navigator uses ancient stars to chart their course, we too must navigate theological waters using the fixed points of Scripture and Holy Tradition. St. Irenaeus tells us that Scripture finds its true meaning within the living tradition of the Church – not in isolation, not in innovation, but in the continuous life of Christ’s Body.
When we hear new interpretations of ancient truths, we must be like the Bereans, who searched the Scriptures daily to test what they heard. Yet in this testing, let us remember St. John Chrysostom’s example – addressing error firmly but always with pastoral love, never forgetting that we are all seekers of truth trying to find our way home to God. For this reason, we must respond to theological innovations not with harsh dismissal, but with careful examination in the light of the Fathers, just as a jeweller might hold a stone up to the light to test its authenticity.
The Church’s task, as St. Athanasius reminds us, is not to create new doctrines but to preserve and pass on the faith once delivered to the saints. In doing so, we protect not just abstract truths, but the very pathway by which souls find their way to salvation in Christ.
The reinterpretation of biblical texts to suit personal or societal preferences contradicts the very essence of divine revelation. St. Athanasius, emphasised the sufficiency and clarity of Scripture, warning against the dangers of distorting God’s Word to satisfy human inclinations.
The Apostolic Tradition
One of the most concerning aspects of Ms. Budde’s teaching is her departure from apostolic tradition, which forms the foundation of the Christian faith. St. Irenaeus of Lyons, in his work Against Heresies, reminds us:
“The tradition of the apostles, made manifest throughout the whole world, is present in every Church to be preserved by those who wish to see the truth.”
Christianity is not a faith subject to reinterpretation based on cultural trends but one that faithfully transmits the truth as received from Christ through the apostles. The early Church Fathers consistently upheld the necessity of preserving the apostolic deposit, resisting any attempts to introduce novelty that compromises core doctrines.
Christian Anthropology and Moral Teachings
Ms. Budde’s views on moral issues, particularly concerning human identity and relationships, represent a departure from the biblical understanding of humanity as created in the image of God. The Scriptures affirm:
“So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).
St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies, teaches that moral teachings are not subject to human revision but are rooted in the divine will and purpose for creation. Any deviation from these truths leads to confusion and spiritual harm.
In particular, her promotion of transgender ideology among children directly contradicts biblical teaching on human nature and God’s created order. The early Church consistently upheld the sanctity of the human body and the inherent dignity of each person according to their God-given identity. St. Basil the Great warns against corrupting the divine order, stating:
“Let us not seek to undo what has been established by the Creator, for to do so is to reject His wisdom and goodness.”
Furthermore, Ms. Budde’s advocacy for unrestricted immigration policies, often framed in emotional rather than theological terms, neglects the biblical principles of lawful governance and order. While Scripture calls for compassion and care for the stranger, it also upholds the necessity of justice and stewardship. St. Augustine emphasised that charity must be guided by wisdom and discernment to ensure the common good is upheld.
The Role of the Church in Proclaiming Truth
The Church has always stood as “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), tasked with proclaiming the unaltered message of salvation. St. Augustine warns against those who seek to reshape Christian doctrine to align with their own desires rather than God’s will:
“If you believe what you like in the Gospels and reject what you don’t like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself.”
The Church Fathers repeatedly call for a return to the truth as it has been faithfully preserved rather than yielding to societal pressures or individual reinterpretations.
Conclusion
In light of the sermon of Ms. Marian Budde, it is imperative to reaffirm the unchanging truth of the Gospel as witnessed by the Scriptures and the teachings of the early Church. Faithfulness to the apostolic tradition requires adherence to the entirety of divine revelation, resisting the temptation to conform to secular ideologies. As St. Paul exhorts us:
“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).
The Christian faith is not ours to reinvent but to faithfully guard and proclaim for the salvation of souls and the glory of God.
