“I was just reading through the December issue of the banner and I came across an article called, “Play About Gay Christians Sells Out.” The article talks about a director at Calvin College putting on a play about Gay Christians and how wonderful and successful it was. Numerous times homosexuality has come up in talking with my students, but I always felt that it was obviously wrong and I have conveyed that idea to them. I still believe that God did not intend for people to be gay but am I being to harsh to say that you can’t be a Christian and a practicing Gay at the same time??”
This is an important and difficult question. Many people are struggling with this question. I will not answer right away, I need some time to reflect and pray through it. But if you have some thoughts you would like to share, please do. My only request is that you remember this is a public forum and that we need to be wise, sensitive and encouraging, whatever our thoughts might be. The Bible urges us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
In the meantime, check out the Christian Reformed position on homosexuality.
December 4, 2007 at 8:11 pm |
Thanks for pointing me to the CRC page. I find it nice to hear a concise statement of where our denomonation stands on the issue. Do you feel that this article in the Banner adheres to this stance, or do you think it is trying to push peoples attitudes to the left a bit?
December 6, 2007 at 3:15 pm |
(1) While the CRC has maintained that homosexual practice is not consistent with God`s original creation design, and therefore not an appropriate lifestyle, it has also struggled seriously and sincerely as to HOW to minister to and support those with same-sex attractions, how to be a gracious and non-judgmental community. This is not easy!!!!! Imagine that the person you are dealing with is your child!
(2) As far as I can tell, the author of the article is just reporting objectively. Interesting that the title is ambiguous, and could be read in two ways, that the seats were sold out, or that the play itself sells out on the Biblical position regarding homosexuality. At first I read the title in this second way, but I think it was supposed to be in the first way. Unless it is intentionally ambiguous…
(3) Although I have not seen the play, the playwriter seems to be giving a voice to those who are homosexual, trying to show how hard it is to have same-sex attractions and to attend the CRC. Not sure if the playwriter feels that the CRC ought to change, but it is true that Christians can be insensitive and can cause pain to those who secretly struggle. This is not unique to the CRC, it is likely true in most churches.
(4) I think we can see this play as reminding us to put ourselves in the shoes of those who struggle, even if we do not endorse homosexual practice. As with those who struggle with any other sin, we need to make sure we are gracious, forgiving and helpful. They need to know that they are more than their sexual orientation, they are children of God with sinful desires, like us, and in need of God`s grace and strength.
December 10, 2007 at 4:22 am |
I have no doubt that Christ would show love to the homosexual just as he showed love to the prostitute, the leper, the adultress, the tax collector and any other outcast from society.
But his love would be intentional.
Did the prostitute, adultress, leper, tax collector stay as they were? No, they were transformed by the power of God in Christ Jesus.
If you are a homosexual, I would say this to you;
I love you.
What difference is there between you and me as fellow citizens in this world of sin?
I do beg of you though, be reconciled to God. God made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:20, 21)
God’s will for your life runs deeper than any lifestyle that you choose. Are you willing to put your trust and hope in Him and hand it over to God? Ultimately that is what each one of us has to come to grips with. We have to come to the “end of ourselves” and trust Christ.
It’s not about homosexuality, its about being reconciled to God through Christ. On the final day, we will all stand before God and every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Philippians 2:9-11).
Are you willing to make that commitment before God today and listen to His direction for your life? In light of that day, all these other issues and concerns are wiped away like a gentle hand that wipes away our tears.
Again, I beg of you, be reconciled to God and see what mighty things he will do with your life.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” 2 Corinthians 5:17