Responding To Gay Ordination

Here is a helpful article concerning the decision by the PCUSA to allow the ordination of clergy without regard to sexual orientation.  In this article Professor Fortson III, a church historian at RTS Charlotte, states:

Concerning homosexuality there has been absolute unanimity in church history; sexual intimacy between persons of the same gender has never been recognized as legitimate behavior for a Christian. One finds no examples of orthodox teachers who suggested that homosexual activity could be acceptable in God’s sight under any circumstances. Revisionist biblical interpretations that purport to support homosexual practice are typically rooted in novel hermeneutical principles applied to Scripture, which produce bizarre interpretations of the Bible held nowhere, never, by no one.

While many may not have a lick of interest in the PCUSA, they probably do have at least some interest in how Christians relate to homosexuals and other related social issues.  Activists and media are not hesitant to report the engagement of Christians in, what many call, hate crimes.  Hate crimes do exist and are committed by many professed Christians; however, just because a Christian believes homosexuality is sinful behavior does not mean that the Christian is involved in hate crime.

This post is an admonition to Christians to represent the Christ who is full of truth and grace.  It simply will not do to state the erroneous nature of the PCUSA's decision while at the same time expressing a less than loving attitude toward homosexuals.  It is an indictment against the PCUSA to allow homosexuals into their pulpits; but it is an indictment against us if we do not invite homosexuals into our lives, homes and churches.

Simply put, it is possible to love those with whom we disagree.  Doctrine does not afford us a convenient occasion to distance ourselves from sinful people.  Should this be the case, especially during our days, we are communicating that we are ignorant of the Christ who did not distance Himself from us.  When we identify sin we must hear the incarnational mandate to love, die, bear burdens, and preach the gospel.

But if we sit back in doctrinal snobbery and keep our lives clear of the sinful inconveniences of others, I fear that in just a short time, the ordination of homosexuals will be a relatively small concern.

See Justin Taylor's post for more on this topic.