Same-Sex Marriage

Matthew 19:4-6

4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’  5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’ ? 6 So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

Well – the vote just came in from the House of Delegates in Maryland – and by a vote of 71-67 – the House of Delegates has approved Governor O’Malley’s legislation on same-sex marriage in Maryland.  This legislation – when passed by the Senate – will allow same-sex persons to marry in the State of Maryland.  Currently he law allows same-sex marriage in DC and in a few other states.

Governor Martin O’Malley tweeted – “Today, the House of Delegates voted for human dignity. Love is an unalienable right. At its heart, their votes were votes for Maryland’s children.” He later added – “Now, as the Senate prepares to vote, all of us are needed & we’re prepared to redouble our efforts.”

I posted a number of articles on the subject of same-sex marriage during the last few years.  This is a subject that impacts the society we live in and the church many of us attend.  One of the articles was praying for our United Methodist Church to uphold its stand against same-sex marriage and can be read here.  It was posted in June of 2011.  The church is divided between those who see same-sex attraction and relationships as sinful behavior and those who see it as natural and even God given. With General Conference coming up this spring this is an important subject for sure.

Another article was written asking the question whether same-sex marriage was a church issue or a state issue only and can be read here. It impacts both society and the church and probably will pit the two against each other as one defends the rights of all of its citizens and the other stands against sinful behavior.  I believe society and the church can agree on civil rights for all persons – but will differ on the definition of marriage and the acceptance of sinful behavior (of all kinds).

Still another article was written in 2010 asking if the Christian church should take a stand – one way or the other – on the civil definition of same-sex marriage and can be read here.  This article has recently received a number of comments (30 so far) and might be an interesting read.

What do you think about the recent House of Delegates vote?  What do you think about the upcoming General Conference and this subject?  If made law in Maryland – as it already is in Washington DC – how do you think this will impact the churches in these jurisdictions?

Matthew 19:4-6 -4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’  5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’ ? 6 So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”

Same-Sex Marriage! Both a Political and Religious Issue!

Romans 1:26-27

26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

Apparently the subject of same-sex marriage and homosexuality is in the news.  As a pastor I try hard to not deal with political issues.  We have members who are democrats, republican, and independents or other parties.  Unlike some pastors and some churches – I will not tell you whom to vote for in any election.  I will however urge you to vote and if the subject is of a religious nature – share with you my opinion.  Same-sex marriage and the acceptance of a sinful lifestyle – even if genetic – is one of these areas.  I am not against equal rights for all Americans – even if their life choices are sinful in my understanding.  I am against a nation or a church legalizing sinful behavior or giving special treatment to a sinful people.

Paul believed that our sinful nature and desires was a hindrance to hearing from God – that our sinfulness often blocked God from speaking to our hearts.  When God gives someone over to their sinful or shameful desires it is not because God hasn’t tried to correct them over and over again.  It is because – at times – we must be out of the presence of God to truly see the sinfulness of our choices.

Today I read an article that stated that our President has stated that his administration will no longer defend the federal law that bans recognition of same-sex marriage.  Here is an article found on Fox News.

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration says it will no longer defend the constitutionality of a federal law that bans recognition of same-sex marriage. In a statement Wednesday, Attorney General Eric Holder says President Obama has concluded that the administration can no longer defend the federal law that defines marriage as only between a man and a woman. The Justice Department had defended the Defense of Marriage Act in court until now. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/02/23/obama-administration-drops-defense-anti-gay-marriage-law/#ixzz1Eo2cXRcw

The Bible says that same-sex activity is sinful and shameful.  How a church or a country could claim it to be acceptable is beyond me.  Here – in context – is how Paul – inspired by the Holy Spirit – addresses this subject.

Romans 1:16-28 – 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,  just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator — who is forever praised. Amen. 26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. 28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.

I stand opposed to making laws that redefine marriage or the family – we do not need to legislate sin as acceptable in our nation in order to give people rights (or in our churches).  Civil Unions – recognized by the state – can give homosexual couples civil rights without changing the laws pertaining to marriage and the family.  Families are under enough attack.  Churches who have followed the world’s view on this subject are losing members right and left – because most people realize it is wrong and a perversion as Paul writes in Romans.  I’m just saying… we don’t legislate other sinful lifestyles as acceptable do we?

Recently at the Connectional Table (Conference officers) of our Annual Conference – several resolutions that will attempt to be passed by our Annual Conference this year on same-sex marriage and the removal of the Discipline’s statement about Homosexuality being unacceptable in the Christian context – were voted non-concurrence.  This issue has been in the church since the early 70’s.  I wonder when we will finally put this to rest?  Will it cause a physical split in our denomination as it has caused in other denominations?  Or will we come to a place to agree?

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

Tweet this Blog Post

Families Are Under Attack

The problem as we see it is that the family is under attack.  Recently in The Capital Newspaper an article was written (11/18/10) titled; Is Marriage Becoming Obsolete?  I will use this article today as we examine marriage in our current culture.

I shared the following statistic from that article Sunday.  Nearly one in three American children is living with a parent who is divorced, separated or never-married.  The article suggests that more people are starting to accept that marriage is not needed to have a family.

I spoke with a school teacher after worship this morning.  I was told that in their class they asked how many students had experienced divorce between their parents.  The teacher was taken aback by the large number of students who raised their hands.

To quote the article – A study by the Pew Research Center, in association with Time magazine, highlights rabidly changing notions of the American family.  It tells us that the Census tells a tale as well – that our culture’s definition of family is changing.  It reveals that an increasing number of people are creating families without being married.

About 29 percent of children under 18 now live with a parent or parents who are unwed or no longer married, a fivefold increase from 1960, according to the Pew report, release this week.  If these statistics are broken down further we would find that 15% are living with parents who are divorced or separated while 14% are living with a parent or parents that were never married.

Even the definition of marriage has changed in our culture.  Looking up marriage online at the Merriam-Webster site I found this definition.  (1): the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law (2): the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage .  Instead of turning to God for a definition of marriage – our culture turns to their evil desires.

The family is under attack because our society doesn’t understand God’s will for marriage and thus the family.  If there is not a firm understanding of marriage – how can we expect that our families will be sound?

Here are just a few passages of Scripture concerning marriage.  First we see God in creation designing marriage – one man and one woman – by the way!

Genesis 2:24 – For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

In case you were thinking that was Old Testament and would be changed somehow in the New Testament – Jesus Himself referred to the above passage in talking about God’s intent for marriage – and He should know – right?

Matthew 19:4-5 – 4 “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?

Throughout the New Testament marriage is used to symbolize our relationship with Christ.  We are the bride and He is the Bridegroom.  We are to be faithful to our Lord.  We are to love our spouse as Christ loves the church.  We are to keep the wedding bed undefiled.  Sexual relations outside of marriage – according to the Bible – are called adultery or fornication – yet society calls them alternative lifestyles and changes the definition of marriage.

Is it any wonder that the family is under attack today – when our culture follows their evil desires rather than the sound teaching of God found in the Bible?

One of the reasons we hold groups/classes on Marriage Enrichment and Financial Peace University for example – is because the family is under attack and we are trying to teach sound doctrine according to God’s plan.  We believe that if we follow God’s teaching on subjects of life – we will have a better chance of having a sound marriage and family.  It would sure beat what society offers!

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

Tweet

Gay Marriage – Should the Christian Church Take a Stand – On Either Side?

Recently I mentioned in a sermon that marriage was under attack.  The very definition of marriage is under public and church world scrutiny.  Is marriage to be defined as as the union of one man and one woman as the United Methodist Church defines it?  Or is our society and the church willing to define it in some other way?  Or will the church and society differ in their definitions?

The issue of gay marriage or same-sex marriage is one that captures the hearts and minds of many these days – both those who are for it and those who are against it.  Today I ask – Should the Christian Church Take a Stand – On Either Side of this issue?

A recent news report shares that Proposition 8 – which legally defined marriage as between one man and one woman – voted on by California voters in November 2008 (it passed with a 52 percent vote) – has been overturned by a Federal Judge.  An article on this can be found here.  This decision will be appealed.  The debate rages on.

The denomination I attend says the following about marriage.  We affirm the sanctity of the marriage covenant that is expressed in love, mutual support, personal commitment, and shared fidelity between a man and a woman. We believe that God’s blessing rests upon such marriage, whether or not there are children of the union.  We reject social norms that assume different standards for women than for men in marriage.  We support laws in civil society that define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The Book of Discipline 2008 – page 102 – paragraph 161.b

Not every United Methodist Church or church member agrees with church law on this subject.  There are churches like Foundry UMC in Washington DC – a jurisdiction that allows Gay Marriage – that are wrestling with what they believe about marriage in light of church law and civil law.  They are among a group of churches and members who are working to change the denomination’s stand on marriage.  On their website I found this statement. Foundry’s congregation and its leadership are in a discernment process to determine our pastoral response to the legalization of same gender marriages within the District of Columbia. We are conscious of positions that The United Methodist Church has taken that are opposed to same-gender marriage, but those aspects of church discipline are in conflict with the deeper emphasis of the church’s Book of Discipline upon the gospel of grace and pastoral care for all of God’s children. While we are in this process of discernment, Foundry will continue its policy of providing services that will honor the committed relationships of our gay and lesbian members, constituents and friends. At these services, the vows and / or other statement of commitment previously made by the couple will be shared with and reported to the gathered congregation.

So a denomination of people – by a majority of their leadership – votes to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Within that same denomination a church (not the only one by the way) – and presumably by a majority of its members or leadership – decides to actively work in the opposite direction on the issue of defining marriage. This dichotomy exists in other denominations as well.

So I ask – should the Christian Church take a stand – on either side of this issue?  Or is it a secular issue best left up to the courts and voters?  Or is it a place where the church should be heard?

Readers – what are your thoughts?

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

Tweet this Blog Post

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.