Biblical discernment and understanding is an essential quality for Christians in the deceptive days we are living in.
First reported on by Protestia, Pastor Reginald Avant, the “queer senior pastor of Madrona Grace Presbyterian Church,” located in Seattle, Washington, gave a sermon on the parable of the Prodigal Son, offering a deeply troubling interpretation of one of the most significant teachings of Jesus. Avant’s portrayal of the father in the parable—traditionally understood as a representation of God—not only distorts the biblical message but also presents an unbiblical narrative that exposes a false doctrine in progressive churches.
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Avant frames the father in the story as flawed, even suggesting that he failed by allowing his son to leave so easily. “Why was the father not more reluctant in this decision with his son?” Avant asks. “Why did he give in so easy and not hesitate about what he felt or thought in this situation?” He goes on to speculate that perhaps the father didn’t want to “discourage his son” or be seen as “a dream killer.” Such a viewpoint presents a dangerous shift from traditional Christian understanding, casting the father—and by extension, God—as a figure whose actions are in need of questioning or correction.
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The central message of Jesus’ parable is clear: God’s grace and forgiveness are boundless. The father’s swift acceptance of his wayward son, with open arms and a heart full of love, reflects God’s readiness to forgive us, no matter how far we’ve strayed. Yet Avant’s interpretation mischaracterizes the father’s actions as mistakes, implying that God’s approach to His children is flawed.
Avant continues this erroneous narrative, stating, “I think the father needs to repent as well. I think the father needs to apologize to his son for letting him go, for not fighting for him, for not being reluctant.” This perspective is not only unbiblical but it also strips the parable of its essential message: the unmerited grace of God.
This kind of theological distortion contributes to the growing problem within progressive churches, where biblical teachings are twisted to suit personal or cultural narratives. These interpretations, far from bringing believers closer to God, often push them further away by undermining foundational Christian truths.
Such teachings represent a dangerous drift from the authority of Scripture, contributing to confusion and spiritual harm within the body of Christ and those seeking answers to life’s questions. It is critical for Christians to remain anchored in the biblical understanding of God as perfect and unerring—a truth clearly revealed in the original message of the Prodigal Son.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
Charisma Media Staff 
Abby Trivett