This past week was a very difficult and emotional week for many of the Methodists, because there was a special General Conference held to vote on issues around human sexuality. The United Methodist Church voted to uphold our current stance on homosexuality. 2016 Book of Discipline says as follows:[1]
¶ 304.3: The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.
¶ 341.6: Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.Though the conference is over, regardless of the results we still see so much pains and divisions among the Methodist churches. This is not a new debate. We have seen how this issue can tear apart families, friendships, and even churches. But more than ever before, we the Methodists are now forced to think through this issue. Though it is a very challenging time, but at the same time, it can be a great opportunity for us to grow as a compassionate and courageous community. David Kinnaman, in his book unChristian, says, “When most of us engage homosexuals, we come across as arrogant, self-righteous, and uncaring – the opposite of how Jesus engaged outsiders.”[2] Whether right or wrong, this is how a new generation perceives the church today. There are many reasons why they perceive the church to be arrogant and bigoted, but the main three reasons I found are as follows:
- “Who are you to judge me?”
- “You are on the wrong side of history.”
- “We live under grace, not under law.”
Many people see the church as judgmental, homophobic, and filled with hypocrites, and say, “Who are you to judge me? How can a bunch of hypocrites cast the first stone?” It is right. The church is filled with hypocrites. I am a hypocrite. Last Sunday during the Passing the Peace time I suggested to bow instead of shaking hands. But after service, at the back door I shook hands while greeting church family. And one member said, “Victor, you are a walking contradiction!” He was right! If we think about the Corinthian church, they had a serious sin problem – sexual immorality, divorce, division, and so on. Yes, the church is full of sinners. But that doesn’t mean that we should be silent. The truth still stands. The truth that God has a plan for human sexuality still stands – one man, one woman, a lifetime covenant of marriage (Gen 2:24; 1 Cor 7).
Paul exhorts the Corinthian Christians in this way:
#2. “You Are on the Wrong Side of History” (Historical Aspect)
Another common objection to traditional stance on homosexuality is this: “You are on the wrong side of history.” In the Bible we find some verses that seem to endorse slavery and be oppressive to women. But now, after more careful study of the Bible on these matters, we know that the opposite is true. So our question is, “Is homosexuality a similar issue? Is it time for a reformation?” It is true that some Scripture verses were used to endorse slavery and the oppression of women. But it is also true that the Bible itself was a chief reason for the abolition of slavery and the extension of women’s rights. For instance, Galatians 3:28 (“There is no longer slave or free… for all of you are one in Christ Jesus”) and Paul’s letter to Philemon, a slave owner, in order to exhort him to treat his slave, Onesimus, as a brother. And as we know, history tells us that abolitionists and civil right leaders such as William Wilberforce, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr. opposed racism and slavery “not in spite of their belief in the Bible, but because of it.”[3] Regarding the matter of women’s equality, we also hear scriptural counter-voice to elevate the dignity of women, especially based on how Jesus treated women. But no such counter-voice can be found in the Bible that suggests a favorable view of homosexuality.
#3. “We Live under Grace, not under Law” (Biblical Aspect)
Probably you heard some people say this before: “We live under grace, not under law.” The Bible says homosexual practice is a sin (ex. Leviticus 18:22, 20:13). But revisionists would say, “They’re in Leviticus, a part of the Bible that doesn’t apply anymore.” The argument goes like this: Clearly we live as if parts of the Old Testament, that is, the Holiness Code, no longer matter. We mix our linens and wools. We eat bacon. We don’t wear tassels on our coats. Are the bacon-eating Christians who use passages in Leviticus to condemn homosexual practice acting like total hypocrites? We need to pick: Either we follow it all, or we ignore it all.[4] So they reach the conclusion that because these passages against homosexuality are part of the Holiness Code, they are irrelevant to the discussion. It’s a convincing argument. However, when we interpret Scripture, when we read the Holiness Code passages, we need remember that some of the commandments in the Holiness Code no longer apply, such as dietary restrictions or clothing regulations. It’s called “ceremonial law.” But at the same time, some are equally timeless and applicable today. It’s called “moral law.” For instance, in the immediate context of these two verses, things like incest and bestiality, along with homosexual practice, are specifically condemned. Still today, we consider these sexual activities sinful.
Not only in the Old Testament, but also in the New Paul teaches about sexual purity from the Levitical Law (ex. Rom 1:32, 1 Cor 6:9-10). Most importantly, when diagnosing sexual sin, Jesus always points back to God’s design plan (ex. Matt 19:1-12) – one man, one woman, a lifetime covenant. It’s not true that the Bible hardly ever mentions homosexuality. The Bible does say homosexual activity is a sin.
Beggar to Beggar
Paul exhorts the Corinthian Christians in this way:
“You know that wicked people will not inherit the kingdom of God, don't you? Stop deceiving yourselves! Sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people, drunks, slanderers, and robbers will not inherit the kingdom of God. That is what some of you were! But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of our Lord Jesus the Messiah and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor 6:9-11).So how can we hypocrites be washed, justified, and sanctified? In the name of Jesus! How can homosexuals be washed and qualify as citizens in God’s kingdom? In the name of Jesus! Jesus is our hope. Only Jesus can save wretch like me. Jesus saves sinners – the sexually proud and the sexually impure. We all need Jesus. As humbled hypocrites and forgiven sinners, we have a story to tell: “There is a forgiveness of sins for all who repent. There is no one who is beyond the redemption of Jesus!”
#2. “You Are on the Wrong Side of History” (Historical Aspect)
Another common objection to traditional stance on homosexuality is this: “You are on the wrong side of history.” In the Bible we find some verses that seem to endorse slavery and be oppressive to women. But now, after more careful study of the Bible on these matters, we know that the opposite is true. So our question is, “Is homosexuality a similar issue? Is it time for a reformation?” It is true that some Scripture verses were used to endorse slavery and the oppression of women. But it is also true that the Bible itself was a chief reason for the abolition of slavery and the extension of women’s rights. For instance, Galatians 3:28 (“There is no longer slave or free… for all of you are one in Christ Jesus”) and Paul’s letter to Philemon, a slave owner, in order to exhort him to treat his slave, Onesimus, as a brother. And as we know, history tells us that abolitionists and civil right leaders such as William Wilberforce, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr. opposed racism and slavery “not in spite of their belief in the Bible, but because of it.”[3] Regarding the matter of women’s equality, we also hear scriptural counter-voice to elevate the dignity of women, especially based on how Jesus treated women. But no such counter-voice can be found in the Bible that suggests a favorable view of homosexuality.
#3. “We Live under Grace, not under Law” (Biblical Aspect)
Probably you heard some people say this before: “We live under grace, not under law.” The Bible says homosexual practice is a sin (ex. Leviticus 18:22, 20:13). But revisionists would say, “They’re in Leviticus, a part of the Bible that doesn’t apply anymore.” The argument goes like this: Clearly we live as if parts of the Old Testament, that is, the Holiness Code, no longer matter. We mix our linens and wools. We eat bacon. We don’t wear tassels on our coats. Are the bacon-eating Christians who use passages in Leviticus to condemn homosexual practice acting like total hypocrites? We need to pick: Either we follow it all, or we ignore it all.[4] So they reach the conclusion that because these passages against homosexuality are part of the Holiness Code, they are irrelevant to the discussion. It’s a convincing argument. However, when we interpret Scripture, when we read the Holiness Code passages, we need remember that some of the commandments in the Holiness Code no longer apply, such as dietary restrictions or clothing regulations. It’s called “ceremonial law.” But at the same time, some are equally timeless and applicable today. It’s called “moral law.” For instance, in the immediate context of these two verses, things like incest and bestiality, along with homosexual practice, are specifically condemned. Still today, we consider these sexual activities sinful.
Not only in the Old Testament, but also in the New Paul teaches about sexual purity from the Levitical Law (ex. Rom 1:32, 1 Cor 6:9-10). Most importantly, when diagnosing sexual sin, Jesus always points back to God’s design plan (ex. Matt 19:1-12) – one man, one woman, a lifetime covenant. It’s not true that the Bible hardly ever mentions homosexuality. The Bible does say homosexual activity is a sin.
Beggar to Beggar
But if we the church only proclaim this truth, we are just “truth” people, who dispense facts without love. We need to grow as “true love” people, who speak the truth in love and lay down our lives for those struggling in darkness. Today’s passage, Revelation 9, is a call to repentance – for all of us. If we have any sign of self-righteous, arrogant, judgmental, homophobic attitude, let us repent. If we attempt to rewrite the Bible or use the Bible to justify our agenda, let us repent.
As I close, I have three practical applications:
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As I close, I have three practical applications:
- Befriend. We ask, “Who is my neighbor?” But Jesus says, “Be a good neighbor.” We are called to be a good neighbor, especially to those in need and marginalized. We are called to be a good neighbor and do good to LGBT neighbors. So I encourage you to reach out to at least one gay person, and befriend that person without any agenda and do good to that person.
- Acknowledge. Let us acknowledge the good that our LGBT neighbors do. We know the world can be cruel to those who are different. We hear the news how LGBT students go through bullying, hateful speech, and violence at school. Often LGBT community stands up against those injustices. We ought to acknowledge their good work and join them in helping end this cruelty.
- Build Community. Let us build community as deep as family. What if our church became the first place, rather than the last place, for LGBT neighbors looking for friendship and spiritual home? This is exactly what God intends the church to be.
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[1] “What is the denomination’s position on homosexuality?” http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/what-is-the-denominations-position-on-homosexuality
[2] David Kinnaman, unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity . . . and Why It Matters (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2012), 93.
[3] Scott Sauls, Jesus Outside the Lines: A Way Forward for Those who Are Tired of Taking Sides (Tyndale, 2015), 140-42.
[4] Adam T. Barr & Ron Citlau, Compassion without Compromise (Bethany House Publishers, 2014), 68.
Bibliography
Barr, Adam T. & Citlau, Ron, Compassion without Compromise. Bethany House Publishers. 2014.
DeYoung, Kevin. What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality? Crossway. 2015.
Sauls, Scott. Jesus Outside the Lines: A Way Forward for Those who Are Tired of Taking Sides. Tyndale. 2015. (esp. “Chapter 8: Chastity or Sexual Freedom?”)
[2] David Kinnaman, unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity . . . and Why It Matters (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2012), 93.
[3] Scott Sauls, Jesus Outside the Lines: A Way Forward for Those who Are Tired of Taking Sides (Tyndale, 2015), 140-42.
[4] Adam T. Barr & Ron Citlau, Compassion without Compromise (Bethany House Publishers, 2014), 68.
Bibliography
Barr, Adam T. & Citlau, Ron, Compassion without Compromise. Bethany House Publishers. 2014.
DeYoung, Kevin. What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality? Crossway. 2015.
Sauls, Scott. Jesus Outside the Lines: A Way Forward for Those who Are Tired of Taking Sides. Tyndale. 2015. (esp. “Chapter 8: Chastity or Sexual Freedom?”)
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