Will We Ever Just Get Along?

I have written two articles recently, one concerning homosexuality and another concerning same-sex marriages.  They have been viewed often and several comments have been left for others to read.  They are hot topics because 1) the District of Columbia recently approved same-sex marriage and began to take applications on Wednesday past (150 applied the first day – 10 is normal), 2) the denomination’s long standing (1972) position that homosexuality is not compatible with Christian teaching, and 3) a local United Methodist church and pastor pledging to celebrate same-sex weddings (which the denomination forbids) (see a news article here or here).

The debate has raged since 1972 when the Book of Discipline addressed the issue – nearly 40 years.  Will we ever just get along?  I pray  that we can get along – but I have my doubts as to whether we will ever find common theological ground.  I acknowledge that what I am describing below are the extremes of the  positions held left and right.  My purpose in writing is to generate discussion around some middle ground where we can meet to hold our denomination together.  Is the United Methodist Church large enough to include such diverse beliefs on this and other subjects?

One side of the issue believes that homosexuality is a natural and normal expression of sexuality, given by God and therefore approved of by God when used within the bounds of a committed, consensual, monogamous relationship.

The other side believes that homosexuality is not a normal or natural expression of sexuality and is therefore a deviation from God’s plan and not within God’s will for individuals. To live out this lifestyle is a sinful misuse of the gift of sexuality given to humanity intended to be shared between a man and a woman for both procreation and intimacy through the bonds of marriage. Sexual relations with same sex partners are similar to sex outside of the bounds of marriage, neither honors the bounds of sexuality laid out by God.

One side believes that ministry to the homosexual community is focused on extending God’s grace to all and helping the gay and lesbian community to leave their sinful lifestyle while finding hope and wholeness in the body of Christ.

The other side believes that ministry to the homosexual community includes helping society accept and appreciate the homosexual community as another normal part of human diversity and offering opportunities in which homosexual people can use their gifts and callings for the building of the kingdom.

One side sees the church’s stance on homosexuality as comparable to the stance society and the church once held toward women and people of color.

The other side believes that homosexuality is a chosen expression of sexuality that is sinful.  As such, to compare women and people of color with the gay and lesbian community is not a fair comparison.

One side sees homosexuality as primarily a learned behavior – with many studies showing common childhood circumstances among those who become practicing homosexuals in later life. And, IF biological proof were found that related to sexual choice – this side sees that all things biological are not necessarily normal and natural (see drug addictions in babies and the propensity to alcoholism in children of alcoholics) nor in accordance with God’s desire. Just because a child is born with a tendency towards addiction does not mean that God intends for that child to become a practicing alcoholic.

The other side sees homosexuality as biological, natural, and a God given part of an individual which should not inhibit their full inclusion and development in church and society. And IF homosexuality is found not to be biological it is still a viable expression of sexuality when shared within the parameters of mutual love, affection, commitment, and sacrifice.

I could go on and on.

Something I did not mention that could be very revealing in this discussion is how each side views Scripture.  Is it God-breathed and useful in all circumstances of life, the primary source on God’s revelation, or is it a good guide, to be interpreted according to each person’s life experience?

There is one thing both sides might agree upon – all of God’s people are people of sacred worth.  I include a section of The Book of Discipline, parts of which we can all agree upon and parts we may differ in our opinion, yet it is the church’s position.  2008 Book of Discipline, ¶161F (pp 103-104), on Human Sexuality.  It reads, in part:

… We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God.  All persons need the ministry of the Church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self.  The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching.  We affirm that God’s grace is available to all.  We will seek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us.  We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends.  We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.

I believe, of course, that the extreme positions may never agree.  But is there a place where we can find some common ground?  If neither side yields, the debate will rage on, and we will continue to lose members from either extreme and in the middle as people tire of the debate.  I wonder what Jesus would do?  I’m sure one side would say one thing, while the other would say something different.  Pity that the church has to be so divided.  And this hasn’t even touched on the issue of transgendered or bi-sexual individuals.

Your thoughts are welcome!

Same-Sex Marriage – Church Law vs. State Law

In a recent news article about same sex marriages – found in The Christian Post – (read the full article here) – I read the following (a few sections):

Chief Justice John Roberts on Tuesday denied a last-minute request by traditional marriage supporters to stop Washington, D.C.’s same-sex marriage law from taking effect.

Ministers throughout the district and other traditional marriage supporters have, for the past several months, adamantly argued for the people’s right to vote on the issue of marriage. Same-sex marriage was legalized by Washington lawmakers.

Clergy at Dumbarton United Methodist Church in Georgetown said they will conduct same-sex weddings despite the denomination’s ban against the practice.

“As a pastor, I am called to extend care and grace to all people even as Jesus did,” said Rev. Mary Kay Totty, pastor of Dumbarton, in a statement Wednesday. “We celebrate love and loyalty wherever it is found.”

Dumbarton’s Church Council had voted last month to “honor and celebrate the wedding of any couple, licensed in the District of Columbia, who seek to commit their lives to one another in marriage.”

No other Methodist congregation in Washington is sanctioning gay and lesbian weddings, according to Dumbarton.

In a letter to clergy – our Bishop, John Schol, recently wrote this concerning church law (only one paragraph of his letter):

In the midst of differences, United Methodists are guided by the Book of Discipline. Our book of Discipline is clear that we “do not condone the practice of homosexuality (Book of Discipline paragraph 161F) and it is a chargeable offense for a clergyperson to conduct a holy union or marriage for homosexuals (Book of Discipline paragraph 2702.1.b). We also “implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons” (Book of Discipline paragraph 161F).

When church law and state law differ where will we side?  I believe the Biblical answer is found in the Old Testament story of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  The four young lads were captured by a foreign country and taken captive.  They were trained in the ways of their captures and excelled in the land of their captivity.  Yet they remained faithful to their God in all they did.

One story, found in Daniel 3, found three of the lads in opposition to the King of the captive land.  They wouldn’t worship the image of gold that the King had created, because they would bow only to God.  I pick up the story…

Daniel 3:13-18 – ¹³ Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, ¹⁴ and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? ¹⁵ Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” ¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. ¹⁷ If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. ¹⁸ But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

We all know the story – the boys were taken to the furnace and God saved them.  They remained faithful to God and didn’t side with the law of the land. Although they were ready to face their death to be faithful to God.

We are called in Romans 13 to obey the laws of the land we live in, unless they oppose the laws of God.  I believe that the law of God is far superior to the law of the state.  Some clergy are willing to challenge church law, and face the consequences.  Are we willing to face state law and stand by the laws of God?  In this case – we might say yes.  But I believe we will face other cases in the near future.  As society continues its slide down perdition’s path, the body of Christ will come under heavy persecution.  It will not be one denomination here (Episcopal), and another there (United Methodist).  Those who call themselves after Christ will face persecution from within and from outside the church.  We will be held in contempt in the courts of the land for standing up for Jesus and Biblical truth.

I pray that we will stand strong – even in the face of pending death, like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  Whether we face a lion’s den or a fiery furnace, or the loss of our tax exemption, or the loss of our lands, I pray that the body of Christ will remain strong and serve the Lord with gladness.  I pray I will.