(e)mergent Voyageurs

This is my third post on the topic of homosexuality this week- the first sharing my personal experience with it and the second discussing a need for a new response from the church. This will likely be my final post on this topic, at least for awhile, as I do not want it to be the subject that defines me. However, I felt this final post was a necessary conclusion to some of the thoughts I have shared about the topic.

Throughout the many comments and emails I have received since my first post on Monday, one of the questions/comments that is consistently emerging is about what Scripture has to say about the topic. There are many within the emerging church conversation who are beginning to look more critically at the traditional interpretations of these Scriptures. This has resulted in an important and necessary penitence and grace to those who are impacted by this issue. Some (though I suspect far fewer than our critics would like to believe) have decided that Scripture does not clearly say that homosexuality is inconsistent with Christianity.

This is an understandable trend, given that many “Biblical” arguments against homosexuality that people cite are shallow, out of context or extremely ambiguous. One obvious example is the use of Sodom & Gomorrah’s destruction as evidence of God’s stance against homosexuality, rather than seeing it as an example of unbridled hedonism finding expression in orgy. Even the Romans 1 reference could be argued to be condemning homosexual lust in the same way as heterosexual lust is wrong.

Now, if you are about to head down to the comments to argue about these points, don’t bother. It is not my point to argue the Biblical texts. The text themselves are rarely at issue in debates, but rather the underlying presuppositions each party brings to the argument. My point, rather, is that while containing some fairly clear admonishons against homosexuality, Scripture often make such statements that we dismiss today as contextually inapplicable. Therefore, we cannot just throw Scripture at the issue as though it closes the matter.

My own position, believing that homosexuality is inconsistent with my faith (a belief I hold with no small amount of uncertainty), is not a product of absolute certainty as to what Scripture has to say on the issue. Rather, I also look to history and tradition to shape my understanding. While imperfect in their own way, they are important guides for us to consider.

Many people, commenting on this ambiguity, decide that they cannot with confidence state that homosexuality is wrong. I understand this. After all, it was not long ago that slavery was justified using Scripture by people who were genuinely attempting to be faithful to God and His Word. And yet, it is in this same example that we must make note, especially those who reject traditional beliefs on homosexuality on the basis of Scriptural uncertainty. There are far clearer references in Scripture in regards to homosexuality than there are about slavery, and yet I have yet to meet a Christian how would use this ambiguity to defend slavery as consistant with the faith.

This stands as a word of caution to people who stand on both side of issue. It neither argues for or against either position, but requires a chastened certainty and a call to faith from all. Again, thank you all for your encouragement and prayer.

Emerging Church, Missional, Homosexuality