I am reading the book No Perfect People Allowed, by John Burke. Chapter 7, "How Do You Feel about Gays? The Tolerance Litmus Test–Q2," left me somewhat dissatisfied. Now, let me hasten to say, I am not critiquing the book, nor am I arguing with the author. What I want to do is try to answer some questions the chapter raised in my mind.
I know many people within the church "hate gays." At least, their response to homosexuality is perceived as hate by many. We believers have a difficult task set before us as we deal with the issue of same-sex relationships. We have been boxed into a corner by our culture, which is moving closer and closer to an unprecedented acceptance of homosexuality as a normal and acceptable sexual expression.
By the way, I purposely have chosen to not use the terms gay or lesbian. While employing male/female homosexuality and related terms might be a little unwieldy, I prefer them to the alternatives. Within this article and others to follow, my reasoning for this decision will become evident.
In order to fully state my positions on homosexuality, I need to make some definitive statements on the issue. Number one, homosexuals are not necessarily bad people. Number two, homosexuals are not beyond the scope of God’s grace. Number three, homosexuals should be welcome in any church. Number four, I personally do not "hate" gays.
Having made the preceding statements, I must also add that I do not accept homosexual behavior as normal or natural. Homosexual behavior fails to conform to the biblical ideal for sexual relationships. While some might want to make the Bible’s prohibitions against homosexual sex "cultural prohibitions," we must come to terms with the consistent rejection of homosexuality in Scripture, a rejection that covers a number of historical cultures. No evidence of any kind exists showing biblical support for homosexuality.
Further, I do not believe anyone is "homosexual." Sexual behavior does not define a person. Sexual behavior, simply, is a kind of conduct. If sexual behavior defines a person, then we would have a definition distinguishing homosexuals from heterosexuals in a clear and substantive kind of way. Yet, no such definition exists; nor can one.
We are, first, human beings; second, we are either male or female. Thus, from a biological perspective, we are all born predisposed to heterosexual behavior. That one fact is irrefutable.
So, what do we do, as pastors in particular, when we try to be welcoming to homosexuals, but, are compelled to address those texts which sound awfully judgmental of homosexuality? What do we say? Do we avoid the issue altogether? Will we fear offending someone who is homosexual and worships with us on a regular basis, and so, avoid an unpopular position? An even more pressing question for many is how do we wisely address homosexuality, knowing families in our congregations have children or siblings they love who are involved in homosexual relationships?
Do we avoid adultery, on-line pornography, drug-abuse, or bigotry because we, most likely, will have someone in our audience who is guilty of one of these behaviors? In fact, what are we telling people when we try to make them comfortable in God’s presence? Jesus was in the behavior changing business. He was brutally honest with those he met, telling many to "go and sin no more." Seems to me, if we are not frank and honest about unacceptable behavior, we have failed to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. If we affirm what the Bible rejects, are we not guilty then of adding to or taking away from the Truth?
Modern ideas about homosexuality are not rooted in the truth, but, instead, in feelings. The unnaturalness of homosexuality is clear. No one is born with physical suited for homosexual sex. When babies are born, they are either male or female. They are born predisposed to heterosexuality.
No comments:
Post a Comment