The Bible can be used to promote the idea that the earth was created in six days, six thousand years ago. It can be used to defend a geo-centric (the sun circles the earth) view of the universe. It can be used to defend slavery, anti-Semitism, racial segregation, interracial marriage and the silence of women in church. It can be used to advocate capital punishment, polygamy, the stoning of adulterous women and rebellious children, and the dispossession of indigenous peoples. I don’t agree with any of the above. But I could find biblical proof texts for all of these theories and practices.
One has to be very careful, therefore, to study the whole message of scripture before saying, “The Bible says,” especially when discussing same sex attraction and same sex marriage, two topics that divide so many Christians.
This summer, the annual Synod of the Christian Reformed will discuss a report about providing pastoral care to couples in same sex unions. Back in 1973, Synod decided that same sex orientation is not a sin but explicit homosexual practice is. It has not changed its position. Instead it appointed a study committee to advise the church on ways to welcome and fully engage those who identify themselves as LGTBQ.
Classis Grand Rapids East in Michigan wished that Synod would re-open the debate. When it didn’t, it decided to establish its own study committee. Their 120 page report summarizes post-1973 scientific findings about same sex attraction, presents an in depth re-interpretation of the ten biblical texts that deal with gender and homosexuality, compiles quotes from conservative and Reformed scholars for and against same sex marriages, and laments the suffering that the church causes when it shuns or excludes practicing homosexuals. Their conclusion? That same sex attraction is not a disorder but a creational variance. Synod 2016 will include their report in this year’s agenda.
A lot has happened since Synod took its position in 1973. The very same year the scientific community declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder. Since then, Canada added “sexual orientation” to the Human Rights Act in 1996 and legalized same sex marriage between “two persons” in July, 2005. Fifteen U.S. states followed suit.
Scientific findings, societal values and Supreme Court decisions influence our thinking. Experience has an even greater impact. When you personally know classmates or family members who are gay, you are forced to re-evaluate your attitude.
For Christians, however, the scriptures are our ultimate authority. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the three passages that address gender differentiation – Genesis 1 and 2; Mark 10:5-9 and Galatians 3:28 – and the seven passages that address same-sex intercourse – Genesis 19:4-5 and Judges 19:22; Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13; I Corinthians 6:9 and I Timothy 1:10; Romans 1:24-27 – are interpreted differently by traditional and affirming scholars. Within these two camps, there are further disagreements. Once again, it seems that the Bible can be quoted to support divergent viewpoints.
It won’t be easy, therefore, for this year’s delegates to synod. Just as it isn’t easy for church leaders like me who take the scriptures seriously and also want the church to be a spiritually safe and welcoming place for gay people. So I will keep studying and reflecting and discussing this controversial topic, remembering that, ultimately, it is not a salvation issue. I invite you to do the same.
And while Synod debates the various reports that have been submitted, I will continue to extend to everyone the grace that God first extended to me, regardless of a person’s story, nationality, gender or sexual orientation. I invite you to also do this.
- Pastor Peter
Lord willing, in April I hope to preach a two-part sermon series called “Hot Potatoes.” On April 17 I will address same sex attraction. On April 24 I will address living together before marriage.
One has to be very careful, therefore, to study the whole message of scripture before saying, “The Bible says,” especially when discussing same sex attraction and same sex marriage, two topics that divide so many Christians.
This summer, the annual Synod of the Christian Reformed will discuss a report about providing pastoral care to couples in same sex unions. Back in 1973, Synod decided that same sex orientation is not a sin but explicit homosexual practice is. It has not changed its position. Instead it appointed a study committee to advise the church on ways to welcome and fully engage those who identify themselves as LGTBQ.
Classis Grand Rapids East in Michigan wished that Synod would re-open the debate. When it didn’t, it decided to establish its own study committee. Their 120 page report summarizes post-1973 scientific findings about same sex attraction, presents an in depth re-interpretation of the ten biblical texts that deal with gender and homosexuality, compiles quotes from conservative and Reformed scholars for and against same sex marriages, and laments the suffering that the church causes when it shuns or excludes practicing homosexuals. Their conclusion? That same sex attraction is not a disorder but a creational variance. Synod 2016 will include their report in this year’s agenda.
A lot has happened since Synod took its position in 1973. The very same year the scientific community declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder. Since then, Canada added “sexual orientation” to the Human Rights Act in 1996 and legalized same sex marriage between “two persons” in July, 2005. Fifteen U.S. states followed suit.
Scientific findings, societal values and Supreme Court decisions influence our thinking. Experience has an even greater impact. When you personally know classmates or family members who are gay, you are forced to re-evaluate your attitude.
For Christians, however, the scriptures are our ultimate authority. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the three passages that address gender differentiation – Genesis 1 and 2; Mark 10:5-9 and Galatians 3:28 – and the seven passages that address same-sex intercourse – Genesis 19:4-5 and Judges 19:22; Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13; I Corinthians 6:9 and I Timothy 1:10; Romans 1:24-27 – are interpreted differently by traditional and affirming scholars. Within these two camps, there are further disagreements. Once again, it seems that the Bible can be quoted to support divergent viewpoints.
It won’t be easy, therefore, for this year’s delegates to synod. Just as it isn’t easy for church leaders like me who take the scriptures seriously and also want the church to be a spiritually safe and welcoming place for gay people. So I will keep studying and reflecting and discussing this controversial topic, remembering that, ultimately, it is not a salvation issue. I invite you to do the same.
And while Synod debates the various reports that have been submitted, I will continue to extend to everyone the grace that God first extended to me, regardless of a person’s story, nationality, gender or sexual orientation. I invite you to also do this.
- Pastor Peter
Lord willing, in April I hope to preach a two-part sermon series called “Hot Potatoes.” On April 17 I will address same sex attraction. On April 24 I will address living together before marriage.
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