The silence needs to stop!
The homosexuality issue is one that has been divisive at our small church in much the same fashion that it has divided the entire nation. Yet despite our disagreements, the primacy of our call as Christians to love one another has allowed us to recognize that the LGBT community needs safe places to encounter the same Jesus that we've been blessed to be in relationship with. When churches in 2008 chose to engage politically in favor of Prop 8, they literally and metaphorically closed their doors to the gay community. The LGBT members and straight allies in their congregations either left entirely or were forced to keep their opinions to themselves. For many churches, the issue was closed and no longer open for discussion.
I see supression of dialogue as a huge red flag.
Let me explain. 1 John 1:5-7 reads, "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."
I've found it increasingly more frustrating that we as Christians have chosen to refuse to discuss this "issue" rather than talk about it. Regardless of one's stance on Biblical values and homosexuality, why is there such fear in conversation? Wouldn't thoughtful discussion on gay marriage and rights be equated with holding this issue in the light?
As I have personally progressed with regards to my sentiments on gay rights and marriage equality, I've realized that the clear-cut Biblical argument against gay rights is nowhere near as clear-cut as the perception our English Bibles give off. The words translated as "homosexuality" in our English Bibles weren't used in reference to homosexuality during the times those Biblical narratives were written. That doesn't mean that the meaning of the passages were drastically different, but their ambiguity cannot be ignored. With that in mind, shouldn't we as the church operate from a position of grace rather than being so quick to judge/ speak for God on this issue?
What does that mean?
1) Allow the issue of LGBT rights to reside in its proper place. Regardless of where you stand on the "issue," let's remember that "homosexuality" (if you choose to translate those Hebrew/ Greek words that way) is used SIX times in the entire Bible! What we do know is that God cares about the poor, as God's love for the poor and outcast is mentioned thousands of times. With homosexuality being mentioned six times, and God's love for the poor being mentioned 3,000 times, let's keep that ratio in our thoughts and sermons: 2 sermons on homosexuality for every 1,000 sermons on God's love for the poor! (haha... just kidding... actually, not really... haha, you get the point).
2) Acknowledge the theological diversity with regards to the gay issue. With the biblical narrative on the issue so much less than clear, allow for diversity of opinion. Don't leave churches, denominations, etc. based solely on disagreements regarding gay rights in the church (membership, ordination, etc). Agree to disagree. I think Christian theological disagreements serve as a good template for this: one's view of Reformed v. Arminian theology does not determine whether someone is Christian or not. It may determine whether you join a particular church or not, but you don't leave that church questioning their salvation. You just agree to disagree. Maybe that's how we should view gay affirming v. non-affirming churches as well? Remember, we love and serve a BIG God... much bigger than we can possibly think or imagine.
3) We can't allow the majority to dictate the policy of the minority. As an Asian-American male, I've come to appreciate the views and perspectives of my fellow Christians of other ethnicities. Even when reading Scripture, I've come to understand that the way I interpret passages may differ tremendously from how others do. And every time I'm blessed by the different perspectives. As a male, I've come to understand that how I read the Bible is affected by my maleness (especially with regards to the Bible's view of women and ministry.) By acknowledging and embracing for the female voice, I've come to appreciate the dynamism and gifts that my female minister friends bless us all with. As an American, I've come to understand that there are certain levels of American hegemony that overwhelm the global Christian voice. Silence on my part is needed to allow different global perspectives to come to the light. The same methodology can apply to the gay community as well. As a heterosexual male, am I not allowing for the gay voice to be heard? At this point, I need to be willing to step aside and allow that voice to be expressed, and look forward to the day when that can occur throughout the larger church as well. We'll all be the better for it, as we'll have a greater picture of God than we did before.
What do you think?
I see supression of dialogue as a huge red flag.
Let me explain. 1 John 1:5-7 reads, "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."
I've found it increasingly more frustrating that we as Christians have chosen to refuse to discuss this "issue" rather than talk about it. Regardless of one's stance on Biblical values and homosexuality, why is there such fear in conversation? Wouldn't thoughtful discussion on gay marriage and rights be equated with holding this issue in the light?
As I have personally progressed with regards to my sentiments on gay rights and marriage equality, I've realized that the clear-cut Biblical argument against gay rights is nowhere near as clear-cut as the perception our English Bibles give off. The words translated as "homosexuality" in our English Bibles weren't used in reference to homosexuality during the times those Biblical narratives were written. That doesn't mean that the meaning of the passages were drastically different, but their ambiguity cannot be ignored. With that in mind, shouldn't we as the church operate from a position of grace rather than being so quick to judge/ speak for God on this issue?
What does that mean?
1) Allow the issue of LGBT rights to reside in its proper place. Regardless of where you stand on the "issue," let's remember that "homosexuality" (if you choose to translate those Hebrew/ Greek words that way) is used SIX times in the entire Bible! What we do know is that God cares about the poor, as God's love for the poor and outcast is mentioned thousands of times. With homosexuality being mentioned six times, and God's love for the poor being mentioned 3,000 times, let's keep that ratio in our thoughts and sermons: 2 sermons on homosexuality for every 1,000 sermons on God's love for the poor! (haha... just kidding... actually, not really... haha, you get the point).
2) Acknowledge the theological diversity with regards to the gay issue. With the biblical narrative on the issue so much less than clear, allow for diversity of opinion. Don't leave churches, denominations, etc. based solely on disagreements regarding gay rights in the church (membership, ordination, etc). Agree to disagree. I think Christian theological disagreements serve as a good template for this: one's view of Reformed v. Arminian theology does not determine whether someone is Christian or not. It may determine whether you join a particular church or not, but you don't leave that church questioning their salvation. You just agree to disagree. Maybe that's how we should view gay affirming v. non-affirming churches as well? Remember, we love and serve a BIG God... much bigger than we can possibly think or imagine.
3) We can't allow the majority to dictate the policy of the minority. As an Asian-American male, I've come to appreciate the views and perspectives of my fellow Christians of other ethnicities. Even when reading Scripture, I've come to understand that the way I interpret passages may differ tremendously from how others do. And every time I'm blessed by the different perspectives. As a male, I've come to understand that how I read the Bible is affected by my maleness (especially with regards to the Bible's view of women and ministry.) By acknowledging and embracing for the female voice, I've come to appreciate the dynamism and gifts that my female minister friends bless us all with. As an American, I've come to understand that there are certain levels of American hegemony that overwhelm the global Christian voice. Silence on my part is needed to allow different global perspectives to come to the light. The same methodology can apply to the gay community as well. As a heterosexual male, am I not allowing for the gay voice to be heard? At this point, I need to be willing to step aside and allow that voice to be expressed, and look forward to the day when that can occur throughout the larger church as well. We'll all be the better for it, as we'll have a greater picture of God than we did before.
What do you think?
Your gracious approach would be a much-needed healing balm on this sore issue in so many of our faith communities. I hope and pray that our hearts grow big enough to embrace all, regardless of orientation. Thanks for this thoughtful post, Nori!
ReplyDeleteNori, I am guilty of side stepping the issue of gays if at all possible. We are to love the person but hate the sin. One sin is no greater than another. Therefore, whether one is straight or gay makes no difference if fornication is involved.
ReplyDeleteI have my officiates license but would have to refuse to perform the ceremony if I would be joining two people of the same sex in Holy matrimony. I have to answer to God and He hasn't shown me that they should be joined as one unless man and women. I do agree that there should be civil laws to cover those wanting to be together.
I am not God, a scientist or even a physician so can not answer if homosexuality is genetic or a choice, learned behavior or just lust. I believe that every answer can be found in God's word. Love covers a multiple of sins, mine included. I will not, judge not, those who are different than me. My call is to love everyone right where they are and let God work in the persons life.
Since the birth of my eleven year old identical twin grandsons who were born with 48xxxy syndrome, I have become even more accepting of others. The twins have uncontrollable anger issues and lean towards sexual deviance. They have low IQs yet have been mainstreamed in school. They have been seeing a Psychologist for years to maintain meds. They have weekly visits to their home to work on behavioral issues. And still, they are the light of my life! I love them and would die for either one. Now, I know how much God loves us. I know they have issues which are out of their control but I also see how hard they try to do right. I love them inspite of their short comings. They have taught me what unconditional love looks like. I would not love them any less if they are homosexual or straight. My prayer is that they will be happy in this life. There is so much judgment and problems that arise from a homosexual relationship that I would not want that for them. God wants the best for us as well and has given us rules, boundaries for a reason.
My greatest fear and the reason for staying quiet on this issue is that I wouldn't ever want to push someone away from God by judging them. My heart is to reach all those who are lost and let God convict their hearts. We all have struggles and have to pick up our cross to follow Him. I have an uncle who sexually abused every young little girl he came into contact with. Just because we have a desire doesn't mean we should act on it. What my uncle did was sin yet he read his bible daily and battled the demons inside. Does God love this man? Of course He does. Does God hate the sin and the harm it did to countless young girls who were damaged by his sin? Of course! Will God forgive him and allow him to live in heaven for eternity? I really don't know the answer to that question. My uncle is serving time in prison for his acts against minors. My prayer is that he is never released to hurt another child. Sorry for going on so long but opening this can of worms and breaking my silence brought out many thoughts and emotions. Thank God that it isn't my job to judge. Maybe others in the church keep silent for the same reason.